A Brief History
Charlotte Skiff, a dedicated Auxiliary member, started the Holiday Stars project in the 1990s, to honor friends and family members whose lives had been affected by cancer. For many years, you could find Charlotte hanging stars in our hospital reception area during the holiday season.

Sadly, Charlotte lost her hard-fought battle with cancer in 2014. Today, the Stars Project for Palliative Care is a way to remember her nurturing spirit – a spirit that always reminded us that no one should be alone when battling and/or recovering from cancer.

Why Support Palliative Care?
All money donated to the Holiday Stars Project goes to support Palliative Care at MDI Hospital. Members of the Palliative Care team work with patients facing serious illnesses and their family members to improve their quality of life. Team members, in collaboration with primary care providers, and ways to prevent or provide relief from the physical, social, and spiritual aspects of suffering associated with illness.

Thank you for your support over the 2025 Holiday Season! Please check back in around November 2026 when the next Holiday Stars Project begins. If you need anything in the meantime, please contact victoria.mayer@mdihospital.org.