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.
We all have bucket-list wishes. Sometimes the thing you want to do seems simple, like getting a tattoo, but is really about much more–claiming and honoring someone you love, for instance.
As our Hospice Care Plus home care team worked with and cared for Deloris, it became clear that one of her daughters was on her mind. Deloris had tattoos representing each of her children. But this daughter was adopted later in life, so she wasn’t included in the tattoo. As our care team learned more about her, they could see that this was important and meaningful. They did what they always do – tried to find a way to make it happen.
Chasity Smallwood-Coleman, our director of development, heard about Deloris’s special wish on her day off work. She was familiar with a local tattoo business–Lucky Lady Tattoos in Richmond–and reached out to ask its artist, Will, for help. Will agreed to donate his services.
Then, as we often do, we turned to our heroes at Madison County EMS about safely transporting Deloris to Lucky Lady Tattoos. They also let her be tattooed on the stretcher, which was more comfortable for her.
By the end of the day, Deloris had what she needed: resolution, peace, and a mark that claimed and embraced all of her children.
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 provides exceptional, compassionate care for individuals with serious and advanced illness; while honoring dignity, ensuring comfort, and celebrating life.
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:
News & Events
CEO to Retire after 26 Years
After nearly three decades of leadership, Gail McGillis, the CEO of Hospice Care Plus based in Madison County, has announced her retirement. A master’s-prepared nurse, Gail came to Hospice Care Plus in 1994 from the University of Kentucky, where she served as a clinical nurse manager. At that time, the young, grassroots hospice organization employed…
Noodle Nirvana Announces Hospice Partnership
Noodle Nirvana, Berea’s fast-casual restaurant featuring homemade, Thai-inspired noodle bowls, has announced its most recent community partner. Hospice Care Plus, based in Berea, is the fourth non-profit organization to be the beneficiary of Noodle Nirvana’s mission to thrive as a small business while supporting its community with high-impact donations to local non-profits over the course…
Murder Mystery Dinner at Mardi Gras
It’s a murder mystery with a Mardi Gras theme, and it’s happening Saturday, August 10 at the Estill County Fair Barn. With the help of the River City Players Community Theater Group in Irvine, local organizers are planning a night to remember. With a served meal and lots of drama, guests will enjoy puzzling through…
Shadow Box Workshop July 12
A special workshop to help individuals and families remember and honor a loved one is coming July 12. The Shadow Box Workshop gives participants all the supplies they need—shadow boxes, scrapbook materials, and creative tools—to make their own shadow box or scrapbook page to display at home. There is no fee. All are invited, though…