Outstanding Volunteers Recognized by Advocacy Group for Their Work to Improve End-of-Life Care in their Communities
Doris Fischer and Rosalind Kipping are the Inaugural 2023 Allyne Hammer Excellence in Advocacy Award Recipients
Sep 6, 2023
Allyne Hammer
Compassion & Choices has announced that Doris Fischer of Sheridan, Montana and Rosalind Kipping of Silver Spring, Maryland are the recipients of the inaugural 2023 Allyne Hammer Excellence in Advocacy award. The award was created after the death of Compassion & Choices’ supporter Allyne Hammer to honor volunteers who work within their communities and exemplify the values of the end-of-life options movement.
Allyne Hammer was a leader of the Compassion & Choices Santa Cruz Action Team, a member of the Compassion & Choices LGBTQ+ Leadership Council and a Compassion & Choices storyteller. She was heavily influenced by the AIDS epidemic, losing many friends who she honored throughout her life with her work in the end-of-life options space.
Hammer worked to pass medical aid-in-dying legislation in California in 2015 and the improvement bill, SB 380, in 2021. Last year, California State Senator John Laird passed a resolution in her honor for all of her advocacy work over the years.
Doris Fischer
Recipient Doris Fischer has been a volunteer for 16 years and is dedicated to advancing the end-of-life movement in Montana, working closely with C&C regional advocates and being a welcoming voice for new volunteers. Her passion stems from an unshakable belief in C&Cs mission and in memory of her partner, who died without access to medical aid-in-dying.
Chris Riley, Compassion & Choices Montana manager said, "Doris Fischer is an exemplary volunteer veteran who is dedicated to protecting medical aid in dying and advancing conversations about end-of-life planning, with no sign of stopping. She goes above and beyond and does so with grace, good humor and cheer. Doris always looks for opportunities to educate her community and fellow volunteers."
Rosalind Kipping
Recipient Rosalind Kipping has worked in many different roles over years working with C&C from chapter leader to advocate. She has led hundreds of tables and exhibits and has been a tireless supporter of C&C and their mission.
Brandi Alexander, Compassion & Choices Chief Engagement Officer said, "Rosalind is the epitome of dedication and embodies Allyne Hammer's fire. She has dedicated many years to C&C in everywhere possible – as a chapter leader, advocate, testifier, leading sessions, and tabling. But what's more, her story and her passion has been the inspiration staff have needed to feel invigorated in this movement."
