Cicely Saunders

Cicely Saunders began her career in nursing, then moved into social work, and finally became a physician. Her varied background gave her a uniquely holistic perspective on patient care, especially for those facing terminal illness. She noticed a significant gap in care for the dying, who were often neglected or treated inadequately. Her response was not to complain, but to build a better system from the ground up.

Saunders founded St Christopher's Hospice in London in 1967, which is widely considered the first modern hospice. This institution wasn't just a place for palliative care; it was a pioneering center for research and education, advocating for a holistic approach that addressed physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs. Her work transformed end-of-life care from a medical afterthought into a recognized and respected field, fundamentally changing how society treats the dying.

While her contributions to alleviating suffering are undeniable, and certainly kvel-worthy for humanity at large, there's no indication that Saunders herself was Jewish. Her background was firmly rooted in the Church of England, and her philanthropic endeavors, though universally beneficial, weren't specifically tied to Jewish communal values or identity. We wouldn't want to appropriate such a monumental achievement, no matter how much nachas it brings us.