One of the most meaningful, and at times, most affecting, parts of my role as CEO of Central Vermont Home Health & Hospice (CVHHH) is how often my personal and work lives intersect. Our patients are neighbors, friends, and family members – people who make up the fabric of this community we all share.
I met Alex Boguzewski in 2020 when he joined CVHHH as a Personal Care Attendant. He immediately became part of the CVHHH family, and fulfilled other roles as a Telemonitor Technician and Community Health Worker. As the CEO, I enjoy the opportunity to go out on visits with staff on occasion, and Alex was eager to have me meet his clients and see his work. He was a natural at caring for people. It is from that point that I had the pleasure of getting to know him as both a colleague and friend.
Alex died last May at age 33 from brain cancer. In his memory – and in recognition of his larger-than-life generosity, tenacity, and deep commitment to this community – I am honored to write CVHHH’s Summer Appeal. With the blessing of his mother, Sharon, I’d like to share a bit about this remarkable person and the impact he had on all of us.
Not long after Alex’s passing, I looked up the meaning of his name: “defender of humankind or protector.” I couldn’t imagine a description more fitting or reflective of Alex’s spirit, not only in the things he did, but in how he lived.
Alex was a proud, lifelong Central Vermonter. He joined the East Montpelier Fire Department at 15 years old and later served on its Board of Directors. A true jack of all trades, he also worked at Tractor Supply and held several roles at Sugarbush Resort, always showing up with energy, humility, and a willingness to help wherever he was needed.
Alex arrived at CVHHH at the height of the pandemic and quickly distinguished himself as one of our most enthusiastic team members. I liked to call him our Chief Morale Officer.
“Your support of CVHHH is a way to carry forward the sense of care, service, and connection to community that defined Alex’s life.”
In October 2020, he organized a First Responder Parade in partnership with Montpelier’s Chief of Police, bringing together emergency, police, and fire departments from across our region. As sirens rang and lights flashed outside our office, Alex handed out donuts from the Wayside – a favorite local restaurant and bakery – to attendees, quietly thanking and feeding participants without taking credit for his efforts organizing the event.
It wasn’t just big, splashy moments like the parade, but everyday acts of kindness that Alex brought to his CVHHH colleagues and into his clients’ homes. Often, he’d stop by the office between client visits to check in, offer encouragement, or share an idea. He often texted me with thoughtful suggestions for how we could better serve our community or support our staff – and I always made time to listen, because his ideas were so heartfelt.
Alex embodied the spirit of CVHHH. He cared deeply about his community. He saw the value of working together and partnering for the greater good. He led with a rare combination of genuine care, curiosity, and positivity that lifted you up, made you feel good, and promoted peace. As his name suggests, he was a true supporter and protector of Central Vermonters – of all humanity, really.
Today, Alex’s spirit lives on at CVHHH. Our staff, who may be your neighbors, friends, or family members, strive to deliver kindness and courage, and to uplift our patients and families to provide them with a better tomorrow. If you knew Alex, you won’t forget him, and if you didn’t know Alex, I hope this letter gives you a glimpse of what staff at CVHHH stand for.
Your support of CVHHH is a way to carry forward the sense of care, service, and connection to community that defined Alex’s life. Your generosity ensures that during life’s most vulnerable moments, our neighbors can receive the care they need where they most want to be – at home – regardless of their ability to pay.
Please consider making a gift today in support of compassionate care for all Central Vermonters.
With gratitude,
Sandy
P.S. Your gift to CVHHH ensures that all Central Vermonters can continue to access high-quality healthcare when and where they want it. This builds resiliency and keeps people connected to their communities. This matters.
