Literature Review

98-year-old Korean War veteran honored in Redding through hospice recognition program KRCR-7 ABC News, Redding, CA; by Mike Mangas and Maxwell Valva; 5/5/26 Staff with Bristol Hospice, a provider of end-of-life care services, honored a Korean War veteran, 98, Tuesday, May 5 in Redding as part of a nationwide recognition program. The ceremony took place at Sundial Assisted Living, where John Schaefer was recognized for his military service. Schaefer served in the U.S. Army and was wounded during the war, earning a Purple Heart.

[UK] Dorset hospice and community choir charities announce merger CivilSociety; by Alex Turner; 4/30/26 Two Dorset-based charities, one providing hospice care and the other a community choir supporting people living with cancer, have announced a merger. Lewis-Manning Hospice Care said this week that the “exciting new step” will “bring together clinical excellence in palliative care with the powerful therapeutic and community benefits of music and singing.” Rising Voices Wessex, based in Poole, added that the partnership will expand access to the choir for people living with life-limiting illness and their families across east Dorset and Purbeck. The charities highlighted the benefits that group singing can bring, including around lowered stress, improved respiratory function, new social connections and overall mental wellbeing. 

Have guitar, will travel: music therapist brings comfort Lovin' Life; by Karen Schaffner; 5/3/26 Michael Hieber has a warehouse of music in his brain, everything from the Great American Songbook to Rob Zombie and beyond. He knows the value of music and how personal it is. As a board-certified music therapist, Hieber’s job is no different from other types of therapy. “The way to think of music therapy just in general is, imagine any kind of therapy there is: cognitive behavioral, occupational therapy, speech language pathology, et cetera,” Hieber said. “Music therapists can work in all those areas but you use music to achieve your therapeutic goals.” Hieber is a music therapist at Casa de la Luz Hospice, has a Yamaha guitar and will travel to patients.

Wish granted: Man in hospice attends his 80th Kentucky Derby in a rowWLKY-32 CBS News, Louisville, KY; by Addie Meiners; 5/4/26 An 89-year-old Louisville native living in hospice care was able to fulfill one final wish this weekend—attending his 80th Kentucky Derby in a row. Bob Weihe marked the milestone Saturday at the 152nd Run for the Roses. Despite being in hospice, his lifelong tradition was made possible for another year after a story about his situation gained attention. ... Editor's Note: Even though weather was cold and the sun did not "shine bright" for the Derby this story warms the heart. 

Hand-stitched memory bears help grieving maker and recipients ArcaMax, Pittsburgh, PA; by Gretchen McKay; 5/1/26 Shirley Whitlinger knows all too well the profound, existential loneliness that follows a spouse’s death. When David, her husband of 50 years, died from prostate cancer in 2021, after two years of chemotherapy and trials at Hillman Cancer Center, it was almost impossible not to lose herself in grief. Whitlinger finally learned to move forward last year, she says, with the help of a support group and, more recently, a beloved hobby that started in childhood: sewing. Three months ago, she started making keepsake “memory” bears from a piece of clothing in honor of a lost loved one.

Man in hospice had final wish of attending his 80th Kentucky Derby, and it's coming true WLKY-32, Louisville, KY; by Addie Meiners; 4/30/26 An 89-year-old Louisville native in hospice care wants to get in one final Kentucky Derby before he dies. Bob Weihe has been to 79 Derbies in a row. But in a wheelchair, unable to walk and unable to afford it, he feared his dying wish would not come true. But after a public appeal, it looks like he'll get that wish. Journalist David Begnaud shared a video online asking for help to grant it. Weihe’s passion for the Derby began in 1946 when he attended his first race at the age of 8 with his mother. ... Weihe’s wife, Barbara, has been his date to 62 Derbies, starting in 1957. ... Churchill Downs responded to Begnaud’s video, providing tickets to make Weihe’s wish come true.

Local boy becomes honorary doctor with Hospice Family Care teamFox 54, Huntsville, AL; by Caleb Aguayo; 4/24/26 A young boy battling what his caretakers call a "likely incurable disease" got to live out a dream Friday when his hospice care team made him an honorary doctor for the day, complete with scrubs, a white coat bearing his name, a name tag and his very own stethoscope. Abobakr Almageleh, who has spent years surrounded by medical equipment, has long shown a fascination with the tools and routines of the health care professionals caring for him, from listening to his own heartbeat to tracking the rhythm of monitors nearby. His caregivers at Hospice Family Care took notice.

A father's dying wish comes true at special graduation ceremony YouTube | ABC WNEP-16, by Michelle Charlesworth; 4/23/26 It's one of his last wishes, to see son Cooper Crawford graduate from Northwest area high school. It's one wish that came true Wednesday night. "I think it was really cool that we have a community that size that can come together to support my father and my family. ... I wish I could be half the man my dad is." ... The school district put together this ceremony for Cooper a little over a month before his graduation date. ...  Cooper's older sister gave a speech. His younger siblings were given honorary diplomas so that their dad could be there. Jess's mother, "I'm realizing the finality of what's happening." Editor's Note: Against the backdrop of hospice fraud headlines, this story reflects what hospice care can hold at its best—a father’s wish honored, a community leaning in, a moment this family will carry forward. May it inspire us all to create space for what matters, when it matters most.

Mary Chan legacy fuels record fundraising at hospice race The Standard Newspaper, Kingman, AZ; by Allen Scott; 4/22/26 The 21st annual Mary Chan “Race for Hospice” drew roughly 200 runners and walkers to downtown Kingman on Sunday, where participants once again faced the steep and unforgiving Andy Devine Avenue/Route 66 hill leading up to the El Trovatore Motel. The challenging climb has become a defining feature of both the 5K and 10K courses. The race honors Mary Chan, whose Chinese-American family has lived in the Kingman area for six generations, beginning with work on the railroad. Chan has been involved with the fundraiser since its inception in 2005.

Turning wishes into wonder - creating magic at home when dreams take a detour Hometown News, Treasure Coast, FL; by Mary Ann Ketcham; 4/19/26 Thanks to Treasure Coast Hospice, the dream of becoming princesses recently came true for 11-year-old Olivia and her younger sister Valerie. Olivia, a patient being cared for by Treasure Coast Hospice’s Little Treasures program, and her family were scheduled to set sail on a Disney Princess Cruise when unforeseen circumstances arose, resulting in them having to cancel the opportunity. Music Therapist Liz Lung learned of the heartbreaking news and gathered her Treasure Coast Hospice colleagues together to develop a plan to create a Princess Party Experience that would bring smiles and laughter to Olivia and her sister. 

End-of-life nurse's top things terminal patients wish they knew earlier: pearls of wisdom from people in their final days have been revealed Wales Online; by Samantha Leathers; 4/17/26 End-of-life care specialists at Marie Curie have revealed the most precious wisdom shared by dying patients in their final months, weeks and days, urging others to focus on what genuinely matters. Living in the moment, letting go of grudges and embracing life without fear were among their top recommendations. Multiple nurses and care assistants also revealed that among the most common regrets voiced was missing family gatherings due to work obligations. This ranks alongside worrying excessively about money, with numerous patients advising their loved ones to invest in memorable moments instead of saving for potential emergencies.

Giving back gives purpose to local woman The Hinsdalean; by Ken Knutson; 4/15/26 Those nearing the end of life and their loved ones may not know Bonnie Walk. But her longstanding, dedicated behind-the-scenes volunteer service for St. Thomas Hospice has helped deliver resources and comfort to untold families during difficult seasons. ... "I work anywhere from one hour to six hours a week," she said. "It just depends on what needs to be done." ... How long will she stick with it? "Until I can't, I suppose," said Walk, not keen on passive entertainment. "You've got to do something. I'd rather help than not."