A recent Napa Valley Register article shares the remarkable story of Pam Harter, a Providence at Home with Compassus Hospice Care patient whose dream of traveling to space is helping change how people think about hospice care.
Pam, 69, lives with pseudoxanthoma elasticum (PXE), a rare genetic condition that affects her vascular system. After years of complex medical treatment and difficult decisions about additional procedures, Pam chose hospice care.
What she discovered was not an ending, but support to live more intentionally.
Since enrolling in hospice, Pam has traveled to Italy, Croatia, Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands. During one of those trips, she shared an idea that would spark international attention:
“Wouldn’t it be amazing if I could be the first hospice patient to go to space?”
That conversation led to introductions with representatives connected to Blue Origin and other space exploration organizations. While flight plans are still being determined, Pam’s larger mission is already clear, to redefine what hospice care means.
What Hospice Care Really Provides
Hospice care focuses on comfort, dignity and quality of life for patients facing serious illness. Through Providence at Home with Compassus Hospice Care, Pam receives:
- Regular in-home visits
- Medication and symptom management
- Emotional and family support
- Care delivered where she feels most comfortable — at home
By avoiding frequent hospital visits and invasive treatments, Pam has been able to prioritize travel, connection and advocacy.
As shared in the original article:
“Her dream reflects the same courage and curiosity that defines how she lives each day. Just as meaningful is her passion for educating others about what choosing hospice care early has meant to her and her family.”
Choosing Hospice Earlier Matters
National data shows the median hospice stay in the United States is approximately 17–18 days. Many families begin hospice care only in the final weeks of life, limiting the full benefits available.
Pam’s advice is simple:
“The sooner you get on hospice, the more life you have.”
Her story demonstrates that hospice patients can continue to pursue meaningful goals, travel, build memories and live with intention.
Whether or not Pam ultimately travels to space, she is already helping change the conversation around hospice care, replacing fear with understanding and stigma with possibility.
We are honored to support Pam and her family.
