Feldman, Kleidman, Collins & Sappe LLP (FKC&S) is excited to announce that its founding partner, Jeffrey M. Feldman, was recently named chairperson of the Hudson Valley Hospice Board of Directors. The nonprofit health-care agency provides a full spectrum of compassionate care and support services to individuals, and their loved ones, who are faced with life-limiting illnesses. Feldman, who began his one-year term on January 1, 2024, has been a dedicated supporter of the nonprofit for more than 16 years. He began volunteering after the death of his friend and law partner, Paul S. Kleidman, from pancreatic cancer in 2006.
“Witnessing the incredible care that hospice provided to Paul and his family so many years ago was lifechanging,” said Feldman. “I became a volunteer to help ensure that more people know about, and have access to, this tremendous resource. Fast forward to 2024 and I’ve had three other family members benefit from the care of the angels at their local hospices. It’s an honor to take on the role of chairperson and I feel so fortunate that, after 17 years of dedicated service, my predecessor, Helen Rinaudo, has agreed to remain on the executive committee and will continue to mentor me.”
Feldman has served on both the Hudson Valley Hospice Board of Directors and Hudson Valley Hospice Foundation Board of Trustees for the organization, helping grow and expand its ability to support individuals needing end-of-life care. Prior to this year, he served as first vice chairperson from 2021 to 2023, during which time Rinaudo served as chairperson. According to Hudson Valley Hospice’s president and CEO, Michael Kaminski, during her six years as chairperson and cumulative 17 years on the board of directors, the patient census increased six-fold, a palliative care physician group was formed and the Hudson Valley Hospice House was conceived, built and opened. Feldman will continue to work closely with Rinaudo, his fellow board members and Kaminski to deepen the organization’s impact.
“We are exceedingly fortunate that Jeff has agreed to serve as our next chairperson,” said Kaminski. “He brings extensive experience and knowledge of hospice, its culture, vision and philosophy, and his ability to quickly understand solutions to problems will assist Hudson Valley Hospice continue its success of providing high quality hospice care to more and more people in Dutchess and Ulster Counties.”
With a rich history dating back to the 1970s, Hudson Valley Hospice has been a cornerstone of compassionate end-of-life care, offering a comprehensive range of services including pain relief, emotional and spiritual support, end-of-life planning, medical care management and grief support services. On December 11, 2023, the nonprofit achieved a significant milestone by inaugurating the first freestanding hospice house in Dutchess and Ulster Counties. This state-of-the-art facility is dedicated to providing all levels of hospice care, including general inpatient care, respite care and home care.
To discuss the grand opening late last year, Feldman and Lisa A. Wilson, executive director of the Hudson Valley Hospice Foundation and vice president of marketing at Hudson Valley Hospice, sat down for an interview with Conor Walsh, host of “In Touch,” the award-winning public affairs and issues program that runs across Townsquare Media of the Hudson Valley radio stations. During the interview, Feldman and Wilson shared about Hudson Valley Hospice’s wide breadth of services and emphasized the comfort and expert care that the organization can provide, allowing people to focus on spending quality time with their loved ones instead of carrying the weight of decision-making, caregiving and grieving on their own. They also discussed the stigma that exists around hospice care.
“I find the misconceptions of hospice and end of life care to be in great need of correction,” said Feldman. “We need to get the word out so that people understand and appreciate that obtaining hospice services is not throwing in the towel, but rather making the best of the time that is left.”
To learn more about Hudson Valley Hospice, or to make a donation, you can visit www.hvhospice.org or follow them on Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn.
About Feldman, Kleidman, Collins & Sappe LLP
For 38 years and counting, Feldman, Kleidman, Collins & Sappe LLP has been dedicated to advocating for the legal rights of its clients. Based in Fishkill, NY, its attorneys have successfully tried cases at all levels of state and federal courts throughout the Hudson Valley and Capital District. The firm specializes in the practice of personal injury law and professional liability defense. For more information, visit www.fkcs.law or call (845) 897-5199.
