Anthony’s Christmas with Santa

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.

Anthony is a young man under our care. His home-hospice team worked to manage pain and symptoms and to support him and his family. As they got to know him, they were reminded that, even in the midst of crisis, children want to feel “normal.”

All he wanted, he told his family, was a Super Mario game. It was October, and our team immediately set out to make sure he got the game he wanted. We asked the local Walmart to partner with us. They did, donating the game along with dozens of Mario-branded toys, clothes, and bedding.

With a cartload of wonderful gifts, we had an idea: would Anthony’s family be interested in making this an early Christmas? Yes, they told us. Anthony still believed wholeheartedly in Santa, and he loved Christmas.

A local Santa agreed to help. On Halloween day, he and Anthony’s Hospice Care Plus team drove to Anthony’s home in a car filled with Christmas gifts wrapped by our volunteers. One team member remembers that, when Anthony first spotted Santa, he could think of nothing to say about this unexpected, magical moment except, “Santa. I love you.” For the next hour or so, Anthony and his parents—we made sure they had gifts, too—shared a small family celebration of Christmas on Halloween afternoon.

Magical moments like these are possible because our community of donors, businesses, and volunteers understands that, in hospice and palliative care, every moment matters. We believe that making these moments possible is every bit as essential to quality of life as the medical management of pain and symptoms.

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.

Leave a Comment





Our Mission:

Hospice Care Plus provides exceptional, compassionate care for individuals with serious and advanced illness; while honoring dignity, ensuring comfort, and celebrating life. 

Our Values:

Compassion. Hope. Dignity. Integrity. Accountability. Our mission reflects the values we hold dear, and our commitment to these values shows in the care we provide.

Our Promise:

These values have led us to promise to honor your journey with dignity, compassion, and respect.

Our Service Area:

Our hospice home program serves 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:

A New Name, The Same Compassionate Mission 

Hospice Care Plus Becomes Compassionate Care Plus  For more than 40 years, we have been honored to care for patients...

Rockin’ Derby Eve Returns for a Night of Music, Celebration, and Compassion

Reservations are now open for the Rockin’ Derby Eve Benefit for Hospice Care Plus! This adult only event is the longest running derby...

Join Us for New Volunteer Training on March 21

Hospice Care Plus is hosting an in-person training for new volunteers on Saturday, March 21, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00...

Creating Space For Joy: BJ & Aimee’s Hospice Story

"Because of Hospice, mom found joy again!" Recently, BJ Chaney shared a deeply personal story about her mom, Aimee Potter,...

News & Events

mother and two small kids adjusted

Remembrance Tree Ceremony 2023

QUICK FACTS: When: Sunday, December 3, 2 PM Where: EKU Perkins Building, 4436 Kit Carson Drive, Richmond, KY 40475 Why: Whether your loss was recent or not, the holidays are a time when those we’ve lost are especially missed. Who: All are welcome to participate, regardless of whether we cared for your loved one. What does…

387179005_914080276758489_7845721179632476550_n

BID2GIVE Charity Auction is LIVE

The 2023 BID2GIVE Online Charity Auction benefiting Hospice Care Plus is now live.  This year’s auction features more than 140 items, including UK and EKU sports packages, cabin and pontoon rentals, fall décor, antiques, and much more. Visit the auction site to see items, read descriptions, and place your bids. You will need a Ford…

Robert Kilbourn is inducted into the Kentucky Guild of Artist and Craftsmen

A Life’s Passion Shared

Through his long and dedicated career as a surgical technician, Robert has come to know countless people in his community. However, many had no idea that he had another great passion.  

a photo of Dr. Rondal Goble standing outdoors at Hospice Care Plus

Dr. Goble is New Chief MD

Rondal Goble, MD, is the new chief medical director for Hospice Care Plus. Dr. Goble replaces Hanan Budeiri, MD, who retired in August after 23 years with the organization. “Dr. Goble’s effortless ease of communication is instantly comforting; he is compassionate and has a delightful personality,” says Dr. Budeiri. “Above all, he is a sincere…