The Twilight Brigade / Compassion in Action
Spokane                               

The dying is one of society’s most unrecognized and under-served minorities. As individuals near the end of life, they are often ignored, discounted, misunderstood and forgotten. In 1997, a small group of dedicated individuals, under the leadership of best-selling author Dannion Brinkley, came together to form a very special organization named COMPASSION IN ACTION... now officially named, 
The Twilight Brigade.

The Twilight Brigade is a  501c (3) nonprofit organization committed to raising society’s consciousness about the needs of the dying through community and professional education, advocacy, and direct service to the terminally ill and their loved ones, ensuring that no one need die alone. The Twilight Brigade is both a Service Organization and an Educational Organization. 

As a Service Organization, The Twilight Brigade's trained corps of volunteers visit patients in Veterans' Hospitals, Nursing Homes, Hospitals and Hospice facilities. Through our unique service system, our trained volunteers visit terminally ill patients at Veterans' Hospitals, Hospitals, Nursing Homes, Hospice facilities, and Assisted Living communities. When possible, we provide 24-hour attention during the final hours allowing people to die in peace and with dignity.

As an Educational Organization The Twilight Brigade's conducts volunteer training sessions, community workshops, and professional education seminars. Our informative 20-hour volunteer training programs are also open to the public.

As a 501c (3) Nonprofit  Organization, The Twilight Brigade exists solely upon your generosity, and the donations of people just like you. The core of The Twilight Brigade’s program involves training volunteers and placing them in service roles to provide support and reassurance to those facing terminal illnesses, delivering community and professional education that increases the acceptance of death and dying as a natural life process, and advocating the critical need for quality end-of-life care.

Volunteer service is delivered to individuals, regardless of age, race, or ethnic background. Individuals must be diagnosed with a terminal illness or condition, but is not limited by prognosis or treatment course. Most referrals for service come from medical care-givers, family members, or loved ones. Individuals may self refer.

Our Local Chapter

The first Compassion in Action training held in Spokane was in January of 1998.

Ronnie Foster and Mike Zundel were in that class. They then established a relationship with the VA hospital where our volunteers have been serving ever since.

In January of 1999 Ronnie took the Train the Trainers training in LA and was then certified to teach classes in Spokane.

Ronnie is now one of five National Trainers and travels the country teaching people how to be there for someone who is dying. She still presides as President for this chapter and received a pin from the VA for 500 hours of service.

Spokane has fourteen active volunteers.

Ronnie Foster
Not only does Ronnie spend her time volunteering with The Twillght Brigade, she is also an intuitive counselor and an author as well.
Got Ghosts???

Mike Zundel
Considered Ronnie's right-hand man, Mike is the chapter's Vice President. He has also received his 500 hour pin for his volunteer work at the VA.

Carla Haley
Carla is a pet photographer and dog trainer. Her Cattle Dog, Takoda, is a certified Delta Society Therapy dog who accompanies  her during visits to the bedside, bringing happy smiles to everyone.
Critter Prints Photography

Janice & Keith Raschko
Janice and her husband Keith have been volunteers of The Twilight Brigade since 2003. They are the founders of One World Spokane, an organic community kitchen. One World Spokane reaches out to a cross section of their community.
One World Spokane

LuAnn Stallcop
Along with being our treasurer for many years, LuAnn volunteers with the Red Cross and SCOPE. She also publishes The Open Line, a cutting edge environmental newspaper.
www.theopenline.org

Julie Smith
Julie has also been with our chapter for many years. She recently taught herself the harp so she could play at the bedside of those in transition.

Patty Cannon
Patty brings her beautiful enthusiasm and positive attitude everywhere she goes. She works full time, has a husband and 3 children yet always finds time to give to others through Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts and the Twilight Brigade.

Frank Sell
Frank, one of our newer volunteers has been very active helping our veterans. He just returned from a trip with Dannion and Kathryn Brinkley to the Yucatan.

Pat Martin
Pat, a veteran herself, not only volunteers with The Twilight Brigade but the Red Cross as well. She is also active with a committee on Emergency Preparedness for People with Special Needs.

Kent Moline
While Kent was a paid employee for Horizon Hospice, he was volunteering his time with us. He has been our Secretary for many years and is now a social worker for Hospice of North Idaho.

Kim Sugar
Kim, one of our newest volunteers is a full time student.

Ramona Kellogg
Ramona is a talented Animal Communicator, horse riding instructor and is also able to provide bodywork on large and small animals. She and her husband Gene have developed a special mechanical bed that would help thousands of injured veterans. They are in need of funding to start production.

Anne Whigham
Anne used to be the Director of the Spokane AIDS Network. She enjoys teaching and being with people.