Literature Review

Wings of togetherness: National nonprofit providing flights for families of New Braunfels Hope Hospice veterans

Assisted living residents surprised on Christmas Day—’Value these beautiful lives’WTVR-TV (Richmond, VA); 12/29/23Henrico County, VA—Residents at an assisted living community in the West End received a surprise on Christmas Day thanks to workers at a Richmond Hospice service. Debbie Johnston, a registered nurse at Serenity First Hospice, said her team members adopted Morningside in the West End to give residents a “fairytale” for some residents who have not had a Christmas gift for years. As a result, the hospice workers shopped for gifts and promoted a present drive over the past few weeks. Additionally, business and members of the community made donations.

Hospice patient granted wish of meeting penguin at Mystic AquariumWTNH-TV (New Haven, CT), 12/22/23Mystic, CT—Mystic Aquarium played host to a special visitor on Wednesday to give her a every special experience. It’s been more than 30 years since Denise Oliver has been to Mystic Aquarium. Visiting and being able to pet a penguin, she said, made her “like a kid.” “Oh my God, I can’t believe I’m actually touching a penguin,” she said. Oliver is on hospice care at Civita Care Center at West River in Milford. “People kind of see [hospice] as the last little bit of their life, but it’s supposed to bring a celebration for all that they’ve done, and be able to enjoy the things that they like to do,” said Tayler Klein, the director of social services at the Civita Care Center.

Helping hands in hospiceC-Ville (Charlottesville, VA)December 13, 2023Charlottesville, VA—It’s a conversation starter you might throw out with a group of friends hanging out at a winery, or after a large informal family supper: “What would you like to do before you die?” The answers are probably interesting, intriguing, even surprising. The discussion could inspire someone in the group to make those dreams happen. But for Beth Eck, director of end-of-life doula services for Hospice of the Piedmont, the real question is: “Have you said what needs to be said?” 

A Wish Come True—8-year-old in hospice goal surpassed by 10,000 cards and giftsWEWS-TV (Cleveland, OH)December 12, 2023Conesville, OH—Last week, we talked about a little boy in hospice who wished for 2,000 birthday and Christmas cards; after that, so many of you reached out, wanting to know an update! ... They got more than 13,000 cards and gifts from across the nation. On Tuesday, UPS picked up the packages and cards from the Community Hospice center and hand-delivered them to Andrew’s home where he was overwhelmed and in shock at how much there was. The boxes filled their kitchen, barely leaving standing room, but more importantly, they brought Andrew the holiday joy he needed.

8-year-old in hospice wants 2,000 cards for his birthday and ChristmasWEWS-TV (Cleveland, OH)December 4, 2023Cleveland, OH—If you are looking to give some love this holiday season, there is a young boy who would appreciate getting a Christmas or birthday card from you. Andrew Miller is an 8-year-old who enjoys cards and loves reading them every day. Linda Miller, Andrew’s mom, said last year, her son was diagnosed with two types of Stage Four cancers. ... “He’s got so many little tumors starting in our inoperable places and there’s nothing we could do about it,” said Linda. So, his parents came up with a plan to get his spirits up again. “Every time something comes in the mail, he’s all excited. So, for his birthday we’re trying to get him 1000 birthday cards,” said Linda. ... If you would like to send a card, the mailing information is: Buddy, Truman House Community Hospice, 716 Commercial Ave. SW, New Philadelphia, OH 44663.