On November 6, 2013, a ceremony was held in Chimbote celebrating the opening of the Zespy Pharmacy. Gary and Donnie Zespy, Fargo, ND were present along with two of their children, Jeff and Jeanette. Ten years ago, the Zespy family made a commitment to support the Hospice of St. James and continue that legacy through this newest endeavor led by Sister Juanita Albracht.
Two years ago, the hospice board of directors decided that additional sustainable funding was a priority and as a result of a needs assessment decided to open a pharmacy on the hospice campus. A corner spot with a newly paved road became the ideal location.
The dream came true in November and the pharmacy is now operating under Sister Juanita’s oversight and managed by The Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word. It provides medication and supplies for hospice patients as well as the poor people that are served by ACAF.
In reflecting upon the many blessings that the hospice and now the pharmacy are bringing to the people of Chimbote, Gary and Donnie have said, “The pharmacy is just a natural extension of our family’s love affair with the Hospice of St. James. There is great satisfaction in relieving someone’s pain during their end of life journey”.
