Our stories about meaningful experiences are written as they unfold. Therefore, most stories are in the present tense. Some of the patients in these stories are no longer with us. They, and their families, gave us permission to share their experience with you. For those who have since passed, we share these in their memories with deep appreciation for what they have taught us about life and living.
This bucket-list story is about sweet young Sara (name changed). We had the honor of caring for Sara, and of working with her family to help prepare them for life without her.
One of their bucket-list wishes was to make sure they had one more Christmas together before losing Sara. Unfortunately, it wasn’t going to be easy. Her medical care up to that point had been intense, and it wiped out nearly all they had. They weren’t sure how they would truly make it Christmas, since gifts for Sara and her siblings seemed out of the question. Plus, her Hospice Care Plus team was fairly sure Sara wouldn’t be with them by Christmas.
But, as always, the hospice team met to come up with a plan. They worked closely with Sara’s family to see if they were open to having Christmas a little early. Not only were they willing to do it, they embraced the idea. Together, Sara’s parents, siblings, and the hospice team planned a family Christmas celebration to remember.
Everyone at Hospice Care Plus pitched in to find a Santa Claus, a very kind gentleman from Mt. Vernon, Ky., who agreed to volunteer his services, including traveling to Sara’s home in Jackson County, Ky. There were no extra funds at our hospice to purchase gifts for all the children, so the hospice team and other staff used their own money to make sure every child had a few gifts. The family and the team also worked together to decorate the house.
When the day finally arrived, it was as authentic as any Christmas we’ve seen. There were gifts, trees, decorations, and an entire family gathered together to celebrate.
The highlight of the day was seeing sweet Sara rest so peacefully on Santa’s lap and in his arms. She was so content and comfortable, she fell asleep in his lap as Christmas went on around her.
Bucket-list wishes like these aren’t just for patients, although it was definitely a memorable day for Sara. They are for the families, too. It is a gift to Sara’s parents that, even in the midst of the unfathomable pain of losing a child, they have this special day to remember—a magical Christmas together, complete with their own Santa Claus and gifts for everyone.
How can you honor life during National Hospice & Palliative Care Month? Visit the #WeHonorLife campaign page to learn about all the ways you can help, from volunteering and shopping to helping us increase access to specialized care for the seriously ill and their families. Questions? Contact us at hospice@hospicecp.org or 859-986-1500 or visit our website.
Hospice Care Plus empowers those we serve to enjoy the highest quality of life, respecting their values, beliefs, needs, and goals through specialized care, education, resources, and grief support.
Our Service Area:
Our Home Hospice and Home Palliative Care programs serve you, wherever you call home, in the Kentucky counties of Estill, Jackson, Lee, Madison, Owsley, and Rockcastle.
Our inpatient care facility, the Compassionate Care Center, and administrative offices are located in Richmond, Kentucky.
Recent News:
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News & Events
Scott Thompson Named CEO
Scott Thompson has been announced as the new CEO at Hospice Care Plus. At its December 10 meeting, the organization’s Board of Directors unanimously approved a resolution naming Thompson as CEO. He follows Gail McGillis, RN, MSN, who announced her retirement earlier this year after 26 years of service. Hospice’s board initiated a CEO search…
Remembrance Tree Dec. 8
The annual Remembrance Tree ceremony is set for Sunday, December 8, at 2 p.m. at Chenault Vineyards in Richmond at 2284 Barnes Mill Road. The event is a long-standing tradition for the community, bringing hundreds together on the first Sunday in December for more than 25 years. The Remembrance Tree ceremony gives the community a…
Receptions for Retiring CEO
Hospice Care Plus will host two retirement receptions for Gail McGillis, who announced earlier this year that she will retire at the end of 2019 after 26 years of service. Both receptions are open to the public and will include refreshments. “Gail always shies away from recognition and did not plan to hold any public…
National Hospice Month
In honor of National Hospice Booth, Hospice Care Plus is hosting multiple information booths in Estill, Jackson, Lee, Madison, Owsley, and Rockcastle counties. The booths will feature helpful resources on advance care planning and related documents, hospice care, palliative care, family caregiver workshops, and more. Tiffani Wright, Community Liaison at Hospice Care Plus, will be…