One by one, officials came to the podium delivering welcoming remarks, compliments, and proclamations celebrating the ribbon-cutting and official opening of Regional Hospice and Home Care's new Center for Comfort Care & Healing in Danbury January 26. And after enduring countless challenges involving virtually every aspect of the center's development, it was not until President and CEO Cynthia Roy began talking about her dedicated staff that tears began to flow.

Quickly composing herself, Ms Roy related how "100 percent" of her staff helped get the facility completed by donating their own money - sometimes pledging their daily coffee money to ensure the project came to fruition as imagined.

"I cannot believe we are finally here," Ms Roy stated as she addressed more than 100 guests who gathered for the festivities while an oncoming blizzard began spitting its first few heavy snowflakes outside.

Noting that she took shovel in hand for the facility's groundbreaking on one of the hottest summer days of 2013, it almost seemed appropriate that Mother Nature sent another winter weather system along to bookend the process.

Among official well-wishers were representatives of US Senators Richard Blumenthal and Chris Murphy, Danbury Mayor Mark Boughton, State Representatives Dan Carter and Jan Giegler, State Senator Michael McLachlan, and former representative and newly appointed State Liquor Commissioner David Scribner, who marveled at the finished complex.

"This is a tremendous living tribute to those who need it most," Mr Scribner said during his remarks.

Rep Carter, whose district overlaps part of Newtown, said he was happy to extract himself from the early days of the current legislative session to participate in an event that appeared to be devoid of political posturing.

"Facilities like this, and the dedicated staff who devote so much of themselves to make others' lives comfortable, transcend politics and I'm honored to be a part of the opening," he said.

For Rep Giegler, the event touched a very personal chord.

"I lost my mother to cancer a few years ago and it is comforting to know that this facility is available for those who are facing end-of-life issues within their own family," she said. "I know this center will be an important resource and place of comfort for all of greater Danbury."

Although Ms Roy joked that Sen McLachlan initially suggested "it couldn't be done," the lawmaker said the community and the state should recognize the historical significance of this new complex.

"This modern facility right here in Danbury will provide best care practices and meet a vital need in our region," the senator said. "It is the state's first and only private-room facility, and its dedicated staff of professionals will provide exceptional end-of-life care, comfort, and compassion to children, adults, and their families. We commend everyone at the Regional Hospice on their work, and we thank the community for their efforts to make this day a reality."

Regional Hospice has been providing care for 30 years, but the Danbury Center for Comfort Care & Healing is the first hospice residence in the state of Connecticut to offer private room service. Across its network, more than 1,000 patients of all ages can be cared for and accommodated by Regional Hospice whose goal is to provide an at-home feel for patients and their families.

According to a release, the facility incorporates 12 private suites feature a balcony onto which patient beds can be rolled for fresh air. And the living rooms, family rooms, dining room and kitchen, library, and patient rooms are ornamented with Ethan Allen furnishings and tranquil displays of art.

The center - which has been in the works for eight years and began construction with the Blessing of the Land in June 2012 - also features a professional chef, spa and salon services, a chapel, gardens, and playscape.

Care at the Regional Hospice Center is provided by medical directors, registered nurses, social workers, spiritual counselors, hospice aides, and trained hospice volunteers. Hands-on attention can be customized into individual care plans for pain management, symptom control, and special services such as speech, physical, and occupational therapy.

Patients also have the option to receive care from home, an assisted living facility, or a skilled nursing facility.

The residence also offers support and counseling services to families and significant others through a Healing Hearts Center for Grief and Loss, which also offers an Infant Loss Support Group. Each care plan can be covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and most private health insurances.

If interested in being a part of this wonderful initiative to serve others in need, or for more information, Reps Carter and Giegler, and Sen McLachlan encourage area residents to visit scheduled open houses, as well as orientation sessions for lobby greeters, family support volunteers, and food service helpers this February.

Visit regionalhospicect.org, e-mail info@regionalhospicect.org, or contact Mary Beth Hickey at 203-702-7415 for details.

In closing the speaking program, Ms Roy wrapped up her remarks saying: "This center has been both a labor of love and a bit of an obsession. Now you'll get to see the legacy we have built for our community and our state."