Edmarc Hospice for Children

Placed in hospice care at the age of 13 weeks, Shakur Martin still lights up a room with his smile. At 4 years old, he’s lived longer than anyone else in the world with Fibrochondrogenesis, a rare genetic disorder.

His parents, Shavonne Jeter and Paul Martin, credit Edmarc and its financial, medical and moral support, “We can call them anytime, day or night.”

Edmarc, established in 1978 in Suffolk as the nation’s first hospice specifically for children, is Hampton Roads’ only pediatric hospice and relies on philanthropic sources for 90% of its budget. Edmarc averages 55 patients a month and serves a total of 830 family members.

“Because of the Suffolk Foundation’s support we can be there for more suffering children and terrified parents,” says Deborah L. Stitzer-Brame, Edmarc Executive Director. “We can extend their time together and help them find comfort and hope. Sometimes that makes all the difference.”