VNA Celebrates 50 Years and Co-Founder Ann Marie McCrystal

VERO BEACH, Florida - (Thursday, April 17, 2025) On Monday, April 7, 2025, the VNA & Hospice Foundation hosted a cocktail party at Quail Valley in Vero Beach to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Visiting Nurse Association of the Treasure Coast (VNA) and those who support it. The VNA is the only local home healthcare provider that offers home health and hospice care regardless of a person's ability to pay, which is made possible by our generous donors who provide philanthropic support to the VNA & Hospice Foundation.
The event paid tribute to the original Founders of the VNA and the donors whose continued support allows the VNA to continue its mission in the community. And the evening honored one person in particular, VNA co-founder Ann Marie McCrystal who has dedicated the last 50 years of her life to the VNA and the patients we serve. Everyone had a good word to say about Ann Marie, who is still an active participant on the boards of the VNA of The Treasure Coast and the VNA & Hospice Foundation. The accolades included one from her son, Hugh McCrystal. "I'm really glad that the VNA is recognizing her tonight. It's incredible how far the VNA has come. It's a great legacy for my mother, and I'm so proud of her. She put her life into the VNA, it's her baby, especially Hospice House."
Indeed, Ann Marie's commitment to Hospice House has been significant. She helped attain financing to break ground as well as spearheaded donations for an endowment campaign, ensuring its longevity. And for over two decades, the VNA Hospice House truly has been the crown jewel of Indian River County.
VNA's beautiful Hospice House was a theme throughout the evening, with many noting how it had touched their lives in meaningful ways. One guest, Sara Carter, said how her late husband, who had early onset Alzheimer's, benefited greatly from spending his final days in VNA's Hospice House, as did she. "The care was unreal. Not just of him but us too. Every staff member was amazing," she said.
John Moore, whose late mother, Pat Moore, also helped found the VNA, recalled his experience with VNA Hospice House, where his mother received end-of-life care. "I couldn't understand hospice until going through it with my mom. But it's a gift," he said.
John's mother, who was an RN, is credited for getting Ann Marie involved in the VNA because she was who invited Ann Marie, also an RN, to the first VNA meeting; after that, Ann Marie was hooked for life. "Ann Marie is wonderful," said John. "She and my mom started the VNA and never looked back. I'm thrilled with what the VNA has done in our community,"
Ann Marie believed so fervently in the VNA that she ended up recruiting more board members than any other founder or subsequent board member. One of those recruited was VNA & Hospice Foundation board member, Emily Sherwood, whose mother has used VNA's services. "I believe in VNA as both a consumer and also in the mission of VNA, which provides care for those who can't afford it," said Emily. "And we are so lucky to have Ann Marie as our driving force for 50 years! She always speaks up for the needs of this community. She's an inspiration."
Long-time VNA & Hospice Foundation donor, Lucia Bailey, was also inspired by Ann Marie. "We got involved of course because of Ann Marie. It was back in the day, 1990. We've been donors ever since.  It's really special," she said.
VNA & Hospice Foundation's current Board Chair, Carol Kanarek also spoke at the event. "Ann Marie has dedicated her life serving others," said Carol. "She is a force of nature."
VNA CEO, Lundy Fields, called Ann Marie a "trailblazer" and presented her with a gift: a professional accordion player who performed a lovely tune. It was a very personal present for Ann Marie, who has played the wind instrument since she was nine years old. Lundy also thanked donors, volunteers and board members for their incredible support of the VNA.
The final person to speak was Ann Marie, who made it clear that the evening was not about her. "This event is about the donors. I'm just a person who was passionate about health and did what I wanted to do and helped people have access to healthcare; the VNA allowed me to realize that passion," she said. "It's a blessing to be here with so many of our wonderful donors who have as much passion for the VNA as I do; without them, we would not be here."

About the VNA
The Visiting Nurse Association (VNA) is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and provides home healthcare services, including Medicare-reimbursed and private-duty nursing; home health aides; physical, speech, and occupational therapy; in-home companions; and personal transportation-throughout Indian River County. The agency is also the only licensed hospice provider in Indian River County, offering end-of-life care in patients' homes, local hospitals, assisted living facilities, and the VNA Hospice House. The VNA also provides low-cost medical care aboard the Mobile Health Clinic at convenient locations throughout Indian River County and no-cost blood pressure/blood sugar screenings. To learn more about the VNA, please visit www.vnatc.com<http://www.vnatc.com/>.

We hope you'll join us in honoring the incredible legacy of Ann Marie by donating to the Ann Marie McCrystal Legacy of Caring Fund in support of VNA's many services and programs for the patients and families we serve. Please visit Ann Marie McCrystal Legacy of Caring Fund - VNA & Hospice Foundation<https://foundation.vnatc.com/legacy-fund/> for more information.

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VNA Co-Founder Ann Marie McCrystal with Carol Kanarek, VNA & Hospice Foundation Chair.
Photo credit: James Crocco


A special gift for Ann Marie, accordion player, Nick was enjoyed by all.
Left to right: Lundy Fields, CEO and President of the Visiting Nurse Association; VNA Co-Founder Ann Marie McCrystal; accordion player, Nick; and Carol Kanarek, VNA & Hospice Foundation Chair.
Photo credit: James Crocco