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, and the care she received from Hospice Care Plus during her journey with metastatic brain cancer. So touched by her mom’s experience, BJ felt compelled to share their story more broadly, hoping it would help others understand the comfort, dignity, and connection hospice care can provide.

In April 2024, when doctors delivered the news that Aimee was diagnosed with cancer, she met the news with calm, faith, and even humor. She looked at the doctor, then to her daughter BJ, and said she had lived a full and wonderful life and was at peace. Then, with her trademark humor, she asked, “How do we bust out of here?”

Rather than pursuing chemotherapy or radiation, Aimee chose comfort, dignity, and quality of life. Hospice Care Plus became a lifeline for her family, providing guidance, symptom management, and compassionate presence every step of the way.

For 17 month’s Aimee’s hospice team became like family. Each offered guidance, companionship, and support, treating her with dignity and respect every day. “Hospice Care Plus became our lifeline, guiding us every step of the way.” BJ shared. “What struck me most, in the midst of questions, chaos, and uncertainty, was how hospice created space for joy, something we never thought could still be possible. Because of the wonderful care mom received, I was able to simply be her daughter. I held her hand, we watched all her favorite shows, cheered on the UK Wildcats (her favorite team), and ate way too much fast food!”

What made a lasting impact on both BJ and the hospice team was the meaningful connection that developed during Aimee’s care. As Madison, Aimee’s hospice nurse, later shared, “Aimee wanted to know me. Every visit to her home, she’d ask about about my life, my family, my dogs, my weekends. The more time I spent with her and her family, I realized that Aimee was helping me as much as I was helping her. She made me a better nurse, and a better person.”

Stories like BJ’s reflect the profound impact hospice care can have on patients and families. They also highlight the vital role community support plays in making compassionate care possible. We are grateful to BJ for sharing Aimee’s story and hope it inspires others to partner with Hospice Care Plus in creating space for joy for families throughout our communities.

Hospice Care Plus was founded as a non-profit organization to support the quality of life of its communities through hospice, palliative, and bereavement care programs. The organization serves Estill, Jackson, Lee, Madison, Owsley, and Rockcastle counties and owns and operates the Compassionate Care Center in Richmond. Relying on contributions from individuals and groups, all care is provided regardless of insurance status or ability to pay. Make a gift, explore career and volunteer opportunities, or call 859-986-1500 to learn more.