Fulfilling a Hospice Patient's Illuminights Wish

On December 14th, a hospice patient’s wish came true.  Thanks to the collaborative efforts of Carilion Clinic Hospice, Carilion Clinic Patient Transport, and Roanoke County Parks and Recreation, the patient was able to visit Explore Park’s Illuminights with her husband, two sons and 13 grandchildren.  The patient told her hospice social worker, Kedra McNeil about her desire to go with her family to Illuminights. Kedra contacted Aaron Murray, Director CCPT who worked diligently to secure staff to safely transport the patient via stretcher.  Kedra also shared the patient’s wish with Roanoke County Parks and Recreation who donated nine tickets.  A total of 17 family members accompanied the patient and made cherished memories.  The patient said this was a “magical Christmas” and expressed her gratitude to everyone for helping make this happen.  She also shared an inspiring message with her family to “remember, even with a grim diagnosis such as terminal cancer; don’t give up on your dreams or things you want to see or do.  Just because you may not think it’s possible, does not mean it's impossible.”  One of the grandchildren sized it up as the “best Christmas ever!”