Community Corner
Westlake Hospice Patient, Cleveland Indians Fan Attends Final Game with Generations of Family through “Gift of a Day” Program
WESTLAKE, OH — August 20, 2013 — Crossroads Hospice patient Robert Kohler, 62, has been a life-long Cleveland Indians fan. He passed down his love for the game to his son, Michael, by taking him to every season opener as a child. For Robert’s “Gift of a Day,” Crossroads helped Michael return the favor to his father by arranging for a special trip to see their beloved team, along with a dozen family members.
Created by Crossroads Hospice, the Gift of a Day program asks patients what their perfect day is and staff and volunteers work to make it a reality. The process begins as soon as a patient is admitted.
Robert, Michael and the rest of the family showed their pride by sporting Cleveland Indians paraphernalia. As the day came to a close, the Indians secured a six-five win over the Angels, making this day even more unforgettable.
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“The Gift of a Day program brings out the best in the community, with Crossroads staff, volunteers and area businesses coming together to create special moments for these seriously ill patients,” says Stacie Beck, Volunteer Coordinator for Crossroads Hospice’s Cleveland office. “The requests are as varied as the patients we serve, challenging us to find creative ways to bring about a perfect day. The Gifts have brought smiles, tears, laughter and joy to countless terminally ill patients and their families.”
The Gift of a Day program was inspired by Jim Stovall’s novel, “The Ultimate Gift.” Blind from age 29 due to a degenerative eye condition, Stovall went on to become an International Humanitarian of the Year, a national Olympic weightlifting champion, Emmy-award winner, world-renowned author and speaker.
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For more information on Crossroads Hospice, call (513) 793-5070 or visit www.crossroadshospice.com.
Crossroads Hospice is committed to being at the forefront of the hospice care industry, to continually shape the way end-of-life care is viewed and administered. The mission of Crossroads Hospice is to provide highly unique, comprehensive, and compassionate hospice services to persons experiencing a life-limiting illness and to their caregivers.
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