Our hospice team first met Yolanda, a 44-year old mother of 11, after her kidney cancer had metastasized. At the time, Yolanda –who was a free spirit- elected to remain in a shelter, knowing her children were safe living with others.
When the pain became too severe, and her symptoms too complex to manage, Yolanda moved to our Hospice Residence in the Bronx.While living at the residence, Yolanda was provided with round-the-clock care. She bonded with our hospice physician and looked forward to their conversations.
Yolanda and her children were also able to benefit from our music and art therapy program and from regular visits from a volunteer. But most of all, Yolanda cherished being able to spend quality time with her family, particularly with her daughter Latifa — now a woman with a daughter of her own.
One day, our hospice care team surprised the family with an opportunity to build a special memory: A night away from illness, worry and sadness. It was a trip to a Brooklyn Nets game, complete with transportation, food and the opportunity to meet a star player.
The evening gave Yolanda the opportunity create stronger bonds with her family, and build memories that her family will cherish for a lifetime. Several months later, Yolanda died peacefully at our hospice residence.
Special hospice programs like Build a Memory rely on the generosity of donors. Thanks to people like you, Yolanda was able to just be a mom for a night, her daughter got a break from caregiving and the youngest children had a chance to giggle without a care in the world.
