“Every nurse and doctor in America, every professional and family caregiver to the dying, should see this film.”
Bill Moyers, journalist

“This is a wonderful and historic film of the very founders of the hospice movement world-wide, people themselves in the second half of their own lives right now. Not only is it a special privilege to see and hear them each tell their interconnected stories--all in one place--but it is astounding how clearly and succinctly they tell it. These pioneers have changed the way we now die. They have done it over the past half century. Most poignant, as we see footage of them as they have aged, we can appreciate that what they say still rings revolutionary and true. An added attraction: They dot this story with armloads of love and good humor! This is a must-see for all those in the medical field --and for the rest of us who will one day be cared for by them.”
Marilyn Webb, author of The Good Death

“Shows the character and style of early leaders in hospice.”

“Has the character of a fireside chat with people you have always wanted to know.”

“A wonderful archive of our important living history.”

“Balfour Mount’s comeuppance by Cicely Saunders is such a telling story for our field.”

Joanne Lynn, MD, author of Handbook for Mortals

“The Pioneers of Hospice marks an important milestone in the evolution of Western culture, the moment when society turned attention to the way we die. This fine film celebrates the heroes and history of end-of-life care in North America . We meet the actual pioneers who created hospice in the modern world and glimpse their wisdom and wit. It is a treasure!”
Ira Byock, MD, author of Dying Well and The Four Things That Matter Most

"The Madison-Deane Initiative has done all of us who are interested in death and dying a great service by compiling this compelling narrative of the history of the hospice movement.  By capturing the reminiscences of the key figures, the story of hospice comes alive in a way no written document could match.  Pioneers of Hospice will no doubt prove to be a welcome addition in any course that deals with death and dying. "

Stephen J. Cutler, PhD

Professor of Sociology and the Bishop Robert F. Joyce

Distinguished University Professor of Gerontology

Former President of the Gerontological Society of America

Former Editor of  the “Journal of Gerontology: Social Sciences”