Hospice Wishes Create Lasting Memories

An Elvis fan wishing to visit Graceland.

A 63-year-old man wishing for a laptop to complete his family tree.

A mother and grandmother wishing to have a pizza party for more than 30 relatives.

An avid car lover wishing to ride around Lake Springfield in a Cadillac.

Thanks to Memorial’s Sharing Wishes Fund, administered through the Memorial Medical Center Foundation, all these wishes came true for hospice patients looking to fulfill life-long dreams. Since its inception in 2012, the fund has granted more than 125 wishes for hospice patients and their families across central Illinois.

Patients tell us it’s a time they cherish—to create lasting memories with their loved ones, experience something new and perhaps, just briefly, leave everything else behind. Here are a few comments from family members and patients:

“I can’t thank you all enough. Never would I be able to repay what you have given to me, a total stranger. Please let everyone who is a part of the giving to those who need a soft place to land, that your mission has been accomplished.”

“When times are difficult and resources are limited, it is refreshing to know there are people like you out there who actually care. However we may try, we cannot express to you how grateful we are for your kindness.”

“We do not know how much longer we have here on earth with our brother, but we know one thing for sure—he will leave earth knowing he was truly loved and that he has seen all of his family. To all the amazing people that made this dream come true, I give you all my love and thanks.”