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Santa Barbara, CA — August 10, 2026 —Hospice of Santa Barbara (HSB) is proud to announce that acclaimed author and New York Times bestselling writer Cheryl Strayed will serve as the keynote speaker for the 14th Annual Heroes of Hospice luncheon on Sunday, September 27, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Hilton Santa Barbara Beachfront Resort.
Centered around the theme “One Wild and Precious Life,” this year’s event celebrates the everyday moments that quietly become life’s greatest treasures—and the people who make them unforgettable. Inspired by Mary Oliver’s timeless question, the luncheon invites guests to reflect on love, resilience, hope, and the everyday experiences that ultimately remind us what matters most. Few contemporary writers have explored those themes with more honesty and compassion than Cheryl Strayed.
“Every day at Hospice of Santa Barbara, we are reminded that the moments people cherish most are often the simplest ones—a conversation around the dinner table, a walk with someone they love, or an ordinary afternoon together,” said David Selberg, CEO of Hospice of Santa Barbara. “While we often spend our lives searching for extraordinary moments, Cheryl’s writing reminds us of the extraordinary found in everyday life. Her wisdom, authenticity, and lived experience make her the perfect person to help our community reflect on what truly matters and inspire us to embrace our own one wild and precious life.”…