By: Paul Weddle
KCH Chief Operating Officer
A personal reflection about grief and finding hope in the midst of loss.
As we settle into the new year, I would like to share why the mission of Kansas City Hospice & Palliative Care (KCH) is so deeply personal to me and reflect on the work we do that so greatly impacts our community.
It’s hard to believe that I’ve had the honor of serving as the Chief Operating Officer for the largest non-profit hospice in the Kansas City market for the past eight years. During this time, I’ve seen firsthand the profound impact we have on the lives of those we serve. But what you might not know is that this work, this calling, is deeply meaningful to me for reasons I carry with me every day.
Eleven years ago, I lost my twin brother, Mark, who was my closest confidant and friend.
Paul Weddle (middle) with his brother Mark (top) and Dad (bottom).
Our bond was something truly special, and when he died, I found myself thrust into an overwhelming and painful grief that I was unprepared for. Like many who face sudden loss, I didn’t know where to turn or what resources were available to help me, my sisters, my parents or my brother’s family navigate the storm of emotions and questions we were suddenly left with. I know now that, at that time, the Solace House Center for Grief and Healing, operated by Kansas City Hospice, could’ve provided the support we all so desperately needed.
Unfortunately, I didn’t know about this incredible resource until eight years ago when I met with David Wiley, CEO & President of Kansas City Hospice, to interview for the Chief Operating Officer position at KCH.
The grief I experienced was profound, and without a place like Solace House to help guide me through that difficult period, I felt adrift for nearly a year. Looking back, I’m thankful for my supportive wife, who unfortunately herself has experience with sudden loss, as a teenager, when her father died in a private plane crash. My wife’s understanding of what I went through was key for me to get out of my mental fog, but it took time.
This just illustrates why the work we do at Kansas City Hospice is so powerful. We offer a place where people who are struggling with death can find support, healing, and comfort—free of charge. This is not just a service, it’s a lifeline to so many families who are navigating the hardest moments of their lives, because of the sudden death of a loved one.
Paul Weddle (left) with his twin brother Mark on vacation in 2013, the month before Mark died.
Kansas City Hospice isn’t just a job for me. It’s personal. I understand the heartbreak that comes with the death of a loved one. I also know the work we do can help ease that burden. Whether it’s the incredible team of clinicians providing compassionate care, or the team at Solace House supporting individuals through their grief, each one of our team members plays an essential role in the lives of so many. Their dedication and passion for what they do is what makes Kansas City Hospice a beacon of hope in our community.
If you’re in need of a hard-working, compassionate, and committed team of professionals to support you during a difficult loss then please do not hesitate to call 913.341.0318 or email SHmail@KCHospice.org.
The families we serve receive the best in care. In 2025 we plan to continue to make a profound difference in the lives of those who need us the most by bringing hope, healing, and peace to those who need it most.
Posted in Grief Support, Kansas City Hospice, Passages
My eyes are leaking. Thank you for sharing your story.