Archives: Stories

Facing the end of his life, Thomas reflected on all the challenges he had overcome—a difficult childhood, battles with addiction, homelessness, jail—and considered how a song he’d written had helped him to pull through and attain sobriety.

His greatest wish before dying was to record the song and leave it as a legacy for others who struggle. Southern California Hospice Foundation reached out to musician and artist Craig Sussman who generously donated his time and talent to create music to go with Thomas’ lyrics, and helped to arrange for a recording to be made of Thomas singing his own song.

To read more about Thomas’ journey, see our 2013 annual report.

Edwin had one wish: to be with his family at the Happiest Place on Earth. SCHF stepped in and made his wish come true.

Elizabeth’s dying wish was to marry the love of her life. The community came together with SCHF to give her the wedding of her dreams.

Evelyn had long enjoyed the outdoors and visiting zoos. She particularly loved dolphins and wished to visit Sea World, San Diego before she died. As her COPD worsened, she’d become bed-bound and oxygen dependent, but her hospice team knew that her wish could still come through with help from SCHF.

Evelyn, her niece and grand-niece were taken to Sea World for a day of excitement and fun including a private lunch in the tearoom, and a behind-the-scenes dolphin maternity pools where she was able to meet, pet and feed her favorite mammals.

To read more about Evelyn’s wish fulfillment, see our 2013 annual report.

Eileen was an enthusiastic swing dancer before her husband died. Later, when in board and care, a life-size photo of the two of them dancing resided with her. When SCHF discovered her love for song and dance, they contacted the Johnny Holiday program, who paid a special visit in her honor, allowing Eileen to take a stroll down memory lane.

She was even serenaded by Johnny Holiday with her favorite song, “God Bless America.”

To read Eileen’s story, see our 2012 annual report.

Jamari was just 11 years old when he received the devastating diagnosis of an inoperable brain tumor. The young boy’s favorite holiday was Christmas, but his precarious health meant that he might not live that long.

SCHF rallied together to bring Christmas to Jamari in November, bringing the family a bedside Christmas tree and decorations, decking his bedroom in holiday cheer. There was even a special appearance by a certain jolly old elf bearing gifts for Jamari and his family.

To read more about Jamari’s story, see our article in the 2014 SCHF annual report.

Jayla was only 7 years old when she received the diagnosis of a rare terminal cancer. SoCal Hospice learned of her love for Disney’s classic “Cinderella” and set to work putting together a special day fit for a princess.

Jayla and her friends were whisked away by limo to a private screen of the live-action Cinderella movie, then new in theaters, followed by a lavish tea party hosted by Cinderella herself. The highlight of the day was when Cinderella surprised Princess Jayla with a ride in her very own enchanted carriage, creating a perfect ending to her magical day.

To read more about Jayla’s magical day, see the feature article in 2015 SCHF annual report.

Ernest was a 63-year-old patient on hospice services with a terminal diagnosis of Chronic Ischemic Heart Disease. Before his decline, Ernie had been able to sit in a wheelchair and was actively involved in working with others who were disabled. SCHF responded to a simple yet incredibly profound request to help enhance his quality of life.

Margaret’s final wish was to speed around a racetrack in a pace car. SCHF worked with the Auto Club Speedway in Fontana to make Margaret’s dream a reality.

The Marine (Margaret was one of the first women to serve in the military branch!) wanted to celebrate her 94^th birthday in a thrilling manner, and the Foundation made it happen. She was greeted at the track with a video message from race car driver Tony Stewart wishing her luck and thanking her for her years of service. She then got in the pace car and raced around the two-mile speedway at 120 mph.

For more about Margaret’s adventure, see our 2012 annual report.

Robert’s dying wish was to show his commitment to the love of his life. This is their love story.