WILLIAMSBURG — Edmarc celebrated its new facility in Williamsburg with a ribbon cutting on July 9.
The 501(c)(3) provides services based on a charity model, providing hospice, home health, and bereavement services for more than 300 families each year, according to its website. Families are never billed for any support they receive.
A number of elected officials were in attendance for the event, including James City County Supervisor Jim Icenhour, Assistant County Administrator Jason Purse, Del. Amanda Batten, and Randy Riffle from the Williamsburg-James City County School Board.
“This is one of those organizations that you really wish didn’t have to exist, but the fact that it does and the work that [Edmarc] does absolutely makes a difference, not only in individuals and family’s lives but also in our community,” said Batten. “Thank you for being here, we’re very excited to partner with you and support [Edmarc’s] efforts.”
“This whole experience, us here in the Williamsburg area, expanding from south Hampton Roads into this region was a dream, a discussion well before COVID,” said Debbie Stitzer-Brame, the Executive Director for Edmarc. “Edmarc’s leadership recognized that south Hampton Roads can’t have all the sick kids.”
The organization had a two-part feasibility study performed in 2019 to determine if there was a need and if it would be able to support the organization’s charity model. The study found the organization would more than double its patient census and that the community would be more than willing to step up and help.
“We rally and bring the best of the best because our kids deserve the best,” Stitzer-Brame continued, acknowledging many of the supporting members of the community in attendance.
Edmarc was officially founded in 1978, becoming the first pediatric hospice in the country, supporting children and their families, holistically and wholeheartedly, in the comfort of their own homes.
According to the organization, it began when the son of Joan and Allen Hogge, Marcus, was diagnosed with a rare and progressive neuromuscular disease, causing him to lose the ability to walk and talk. Caring for their son while also raising two other children, the parents had reached out to their church, Suffolk Presbyterian, in hopes of finding comfort and support.
Rev. Edward Page of Suffolk Presbyterian, who had been diagnosed with cancer, heard the Hogges’ story and stepped in to help. Page found volunteers in the congregation, some of who were doctors and nurses. Through this journey it was realized that other families and children needed similar assistance.
Page passed away shortly after the start-up funding was given to the nonprofit, followed by Marcus Hogge later that year in his home. It is from them that Edmarc gets its name.
The Hogge family was present at the ribbon cutting, offering a prayer and support to the location that will serve Williamsburg, Gloucester, Mathews, and the surrounding counties.
“We would be remiss if we didn’t stress how important our volunteers are,” said Stitzer-Brame as she noted how many volunteers were in attendance for the ribbon cutting. “The fundamental pieces that have helped create and mold this organization over the years is that you could do lots of different things and our volunteers make the choice to come and do the work here.”
Edmarc is located at 5220 Monticello Ave., sharing a space with Langley Federal Credit Union. For more information about the organization, including services, volunteer opportunities, and ways to give, visit its official website.
