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.
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:
Print & Online Resources for Caregivers
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News & Events
“Evening of Music” in Beattyville Nov. 7
Beattyville Christian Church is hosting a special event—An Evening of Music—on Saturday, Nov. 7, at 6pm, to raise funds for Hospice Care Plus. Featured music includes bluegrass, jazz, classical, country, gospel, folk and more. Local musicians will be highlighted. The organizers suggest a donation of at least $5.00 to attend. All proceeds benefit Hospice Care…
Holiday Grief Workshops Nov. 10 and 12
For people who’ve recently lost a loved one, the holiday season can present numerous challenges. The Holiday Grief Workshop, created and hosted by Hospice Care Plus, will discuss those challenges and give participants tips and tools to help them navigate the holiday season. The workshops will be held on November 10 and 12 at Hospice’s…
New Volunteer Training Nov. 7
Hospice Care Plus is hosting a new volunteer training on Sat., Nov. 7, from 9am to 4pm at the Compassionate Care Center in Richmond. The training is for those who would like to help provide care and support to individuals, caregivers, and families. Tina Hesketh, Hospice’s volunteer coordinator, says volunteers can fill many roles. “We…
“Save A Seat” Coming Oct. 17
A group of Bereans are once again holding their own special event to raise funds for Hospice Care Plus. “Save a Seat,” a dinner and show, is scheduled for Sat., Oct. 17, 6PM, at the Rock House, located behind Church on the Rock in Berea. Created by Donna Angel, the event will raise funds for…