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.
Rob Riddell, a cancer survivor, had a good life: a job he loved, faith and optimism in spades, and a large, happy family.
In 2016, at the young age of 54, the cancer returned. Rob was undaunted. Despite a poor prognosis, he felt blessed to have lived six years past his last bout with cancer.
We cared for Rob at home. Then, in October, he was admitted to our Compassionate Care Center for symptom management. His large family was a constant presence.
As he thought about how important his family was to him, Rob made a special request: one more Christmas celebration with his wife, children, and grandchildren.
“I want them to have one more Christmas with all of us together,” he told us. “It’s my gift to these grandbabies.”
Our staff started to plan. But, just a few days later, Rob declined rapidly. We realized we had hours, not weeks, to make this happen.
We found donors and volunteers to help. We were able to source a Christmas tree with decorations and place it in his room. A staff member knew someone locally who plays Santa at events, and he agreed to help us. A local non-profit organization donated two toys for each grandchild, which we wrapped and placed under the tree. Rob told us what he hoped to give to each family member, and we found those gifts, too. Staff and volunteers donated decorations and food.
That evening, all 11 grandchildren gathered around Rob’s bed and sang carols with him. The tree cast a warm glow as gifts were exchanged and the family opened the presents Rob requested we find for them. Santa visited with every child and grandchild and treated some of the adult family members to a Christmas waltz. Christmas music played in the background as the family celebrated together.
For Rob’s wife Sandra, this special Christmas is a memory she treasures.
“It meant so much to us, knowing it meant so much to him,” she says. “We hadn’t even thought that far ahead. But, he had. He knew he wouldn’t be with us by late December, so he made sure he had one more Christmas with all of us. It was kind of a closure for him and it was so special for us.”
To watch Rob’s story, visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J2QRm8YoUR8
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:
Journaling Through Grief Series Hosted in Irvine
News & Events
Gift A Day Of Care in 2025
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Journaling Through Grief Series Hosted in Irvine
Hospice Care Plus is offering a new grief support series called Journaling Through Grief, starting Aug. 7 and ending Oct. 23. The group will meet every Thursday at 10 a.m. from Aug. 7 through Oct. 23 at the Estill County Public Library in Irvine. Enrollment is limited to 12 and is open to anyone in…
Give a Heart for Hospice in February
During the month of February, several local banks and businesses are hosting the annual “Hearts for Hospice” fundraising event. When you visit the lobby or drive-through of a participating bank or business, you will have the opportunity to request a memorial heart for a donation of at least one dollar. Donors write their name or…
Celebrating Teresa Turner’s Retirement
On January 31, Teresa Turner, APRN, will retire from Hospice Care Plus after more than 24 years of service. An open-house retirement party will be held Friday, January 31, between 12 PM and 2 PM at Hospice Care Plus & Compassionate Care Center on 350 Isaacs Lane in Richmond. All are invited to drop by…