Alua Arthur Inspires with ‘Glitter Wave’ – Houston Hospice 24th Butterfly Luncheon Celebrates Volunteers of the Year
HOUSTON (May 1, 2025) – Alua Arthur, death doula and New York Times bestselling author, shared her philosophy on how preparing for death can lead to a better and more fulfilling life at the Houston Hospice 24th Butterfly Luncheon held April 28. The luncheon, chaired by Monica Hampton, whose son was a patient with Houston Hospice, also honored four volunteers.
Arthur is America’s leading death doula, and in her memoir, “Briefly Perfectly Human: Making an Authentic Life by Getting Real About the End,” she reframes how we think about death and shares how exploring death can help you live more intentionally in the present.
Arthur’s company, Going with Grace, guides people as they navigate the emotional, practical, legal, and spiritual issues surrounding end-of-life. Arthur supports and helps manage end-of-life care for patients and families by meeting people where they are and encouraging them to face their mortality, by asking, “What must I do to be at peace with myself so I can live presently and die gracefully – holding both at the same time.”
“Alua breathes a new and refreshing perspective to a topic many find scary or taboo,” said Al Gatmaitan, board chair of Houston Hospice. “We are grateful for the positive way Alua uses her platform to raise awareness about all things concerning end-of-life. Her message is an inspiration.”
Additionally, four volunteers were honored at the luncheon: Josepha O’Brien, Volunteer of the Year – Houston; Patti Roades, Volunteer of the Year – El Campo; Pat Mosier, Administrative Excellence Award; and Norma Echegoyen-Lima, Youth Service Excellence Award.
“Volunteers are the heart of our hospice organization,” said Aida Matic, CFRE, vice president of philanthropy and community engagement at Houston Hospice. “Their efforts touch every aspect of Houston Hospice, and they are integral to the services we provide patients and families.”
Emceed by Gina Gaston Elie, anchor for KTRK Channel 13, nearly 200 guests gathered at The Junior League of Houston to support Houston Hospice and its Butterfly Program, which cares for its youngest and most vulnerable patients. The community-based nonprofit has provided quality, end-of-life health care to generations of families in Southeast Texas for more than 45 years.
About Houston Hospice
Founded in 1980, Houston Hospice is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing quality, end-of-life care to patients and their families throughout 13 counties in Southeast Texas. We offer an interdisciplinary team-led approach that includes physicians, nurses, chaplains, social workers, hospice aides, bereavement counselors, and volunteers. We provide the appropriate level of comfort care in a setting the patient calls home or in our freestanding inpatient unit. Our holistic view of hospice care is enhanced by the extensive knowledge and expertise of our staff, specialized educational opportunities, and community outreach efforts. Houston Hospice is a member of the Texas Medical Center. For more information, visit: houstonhospice.org.