| Life! Celebrating Life! That’s What We’re All About! |
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 Jennifer and Robert Francis pictured with their three children.
Little Claire is absolutely the sweetest child. Her smile is infectious and her laughter is captivating. She shares both often! Claire is a lively seven years old. She and her sister, Delaney, have a special bond between them that is beautiful to witness. Delaney turned eight in November. However, with mom and Claire at Duke Hospital, there was no chance to celebrate her birthday. Now Claire was turning eight and her hospice team members decided this was a perfect time to celebrate both birthdays! What a celebration it was! With a few phone calls, the celebration was planned. Thanks to Cecil Burton and the use of his brand new limousine, mom and daughters were taken to Jammin J’s Pizza Factory where Jeff Walker, owner, graciously donated the use of his restaurant, pizza, and game room tokens for the sisters and their friends. Hospice Social Worker, Priscilla Brooks, arranged the Hello Kitty Birthday party, including a cake for each girl, donated by Ingles. Area businesses donated gifts and party favors. A Face Painter and Balloon Artist, who also did a special Magic Show, provided entertainment. For a few hours, there was complete focus on fun and frolic; no medications, no doctor appointments. Little girls, ALL little girls need to celebrate each and every birthday in style!
Randy and Sylvia celebrated 35 years of marriage. Randy and Sylvia Reep met at the Bar-B-Que King in Lincolnton when it was a “curb hop”. Sylvia’s eyes glistened when she told about seeing Randy pull up the first time on his motorcycle. Until a few years ago when Randy’s health declined significantly, the couple celebrated their anniversary by going out to dinner. This year, to help celebrate their 35th wedding anniversary, Alston Bridges Barbeque donated ‘ribs and all the fixins’ for the couple to enjoy at their home. Randy’s Hospice team members surprised the couple with a cake and balloons. VA-room, va-room, love was in the air!
Thirty-two year old Robert Francis was battling Melanoma. In business for himself with 3 small children, one under the age of 1, life had become significantly more hectic and difficult. Medical expenses mounted and the family eventually had to move in with relatives. This year, they were not planning to celebrate their 12th anniversary. Robert was physically unable to make or shop for an anniversary present for his wife, Jennifer. When contacted, Smoke on the Square agreed to host the couple with a candlelight dinner in the private dining room; a dozen red roses from Holly’s Flowers decorated the table; National Champion Mountain Dulcimer player, Joe Collins, provided entertainment; Victorian Rose Photography Studio took pictures and completed a photo album for the couple; Lowery’s Jewelers donated diamond earrings and Arnold’s Jewelers donated a necklace for Robert to give Jennifer at the restaurant. With the help of our community, this anniversary is one that will never be forgotten. (Editorial Note: During the production of this paper, Robert Francis passed away. Please remember his wife and children in your prayers.)
The people of Cleveland County know the value of helping one another in times of need. Without the community’s support and willingness to give, there is no way Hospice Cleveland County could provide the level of compassionate care and support to our patients and families. In all three of these celebrations, all it took was a few phone calls. They are sincerely grateful to everyone that made a difference in the lives of these patients and their families. Your support means more than you can imagine!
Life, celebrating life, that’s what Hospice Cleveland County is all about! Submitted by Pam Isaacs of Hospice Cleveland County
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