NATIONAL HOSPICE FOUNDATION - Key Persons

Doris Rager's last wish was to have a nice holiday meal with her husband, and to celebrate Christmas and her birthday. Through the Lighthouse of Hope Fund, and Interim healthcare social worker, Malakeia Scott, Ms. Rager was able to have her dream dinner - which included cheesecake! Here is a note from her social worker who wrote to us regarding the dinner: "Mrs. Rager has been bedbound for a number of years and her spouse was talking about how much they used to love going out and looking at Christmas lights. That's where the idea was born for stringing Christmas lights in the house and having a special meal for them from a restaurant. They both chose Red Lobster. Christmas Day was the patient's birthday so this dinner was combined a Christmas Dinner and Birthday celebration. Mrs. Rager ate a whole plate of seafood. She saved the cheese cake for her birthday. The best part for all of us was that Mrs. Rager became verbal that day. She spoke a lot and never does so that was very special."

Fifteen years had gone by since hospice patient Henry Davis had last seen his children. Having been recently married, his dream was to take his wife on a honeymoon, as well as have the opportunity to introduce her to his children. In his last days, all Mr. Davis wished for was to be surrounded by those he loved and to create memories with them. Henry Davis dreamt of taking his newly wed wife on a honeymoon of their dreams. He wanted to make lasting memories with her before his death and for her to meet his children who he hadn't seen in over fifteen years. Through the help of VNA Hospice of Philadelphia social worker, Andy Stuart, and the Lighthouse of Hope Fund, Mr. Davis was able to take his wife to Atlanta. They spent quality time together and with his family. During the trip, Mr. Davis surprised his daughter with a birthday party and most importantly - he got to dance with his wife.