Heartland Hospice Serving Miami Valley is highlighting State Tested Nursing Assistant (STNA), Amber, for going above and beyond for the community during the pandemic. Amber coordinated an event for Greenville Health and Rehab to lift the spirits of the residents and staff. The event included yard signs and balloons, a parking lot parade with police and community members, dinner for the staff and a ceremony with prayers for the safety of residents, staff and the community. Amber is honored to be recognized and told about her experience planning this event:

“I started my career at Heartland of Greenville in 2008 and transferred to Heartland Hospice in 2014. Both of my maternal grandparents lived at Heartland of Greenville and both passed away on our hospice service. I spent a lot of time at Greenville Health and Rehab (formerly known as Heartland of Greenville) since my grandparents were there and I worked there. This building is obviously very special to me.”

“Planning the event was all done via email, texts and phone calls. We couldn't meet up in person and discuss ideas because of the social distancing order. I have an unbelievable group of friends who jumped at the idea of this event. We worked together as a team to get it organized properly and cautiously so in the end, Greenville Heath and Rehab’s staff and patients knew that the town of Greenville is praying and thinking of them!”

“Everyone kept their distance from each other at the event. Families stood at the closed windows of their loved ones, others stood next to or inside of their vehicles and masks were worn. Law enforcement was there to show support and to ensure all social distancing orders were being followed. I saw the patients smiling and waving and I saw staff members crying tears of appreciation. It was a truly special day.”

Heartland Hospice serving Miami Valley patient received a personal video message from Matthew Slater, wide receiver for the New England Patriots football team.

When Mark was discussing his favorite football team, the New England Patriots, with Crystal, RN, Heartland Hospice case manager, she knew that she wanted to do something special for him. The Heartland Hospice team got to work and Dusty, Heartland Hospice volunteer coordinator, reached out to the Patriots marketing department. Anne Noland with the Patriots marketing team contacted Dusty about doing a personal video message from Matthew Slater to Mark.

The next day Heartland Hospice received the video and later visited with Mark to surprise him. When Crystal and Dusty arrived, they watched the video with Mark, his wife, Pam, their three children and their grandchild. The whole family was surprised, shocked and speechless upon watching the video from Matthew Slater!

Thank you to Matthew Slater and the Patriots for taking time to send a personal video message and for making a difference!

Heartland Hospice serving Miami Valley participated in a Celebration of Life Party for hospice patient Donna Todd. Donna, a resident at Heartland of Beavercreek expressed a heart’s desire to have an opportunity to personally thank her friends and family before she passed. The team agreed that a Celebration of Life Party would give her the chance to fulfill her wish. However, Donna insisted on planning and coordinating the entire party by herself.  

“I wanted to say good-bye in my own way,” commented Donna. “I’ve always liked to do things my way. I love the Heartland Hospice and Heartland of Beavercreek staff…they mean so much to me.”

The celebration began with a few words from Donna. Then she shared her favorite scriptures from the bible and led the group in singing some of her beloved gospel hymns. Several people stood up to say kind words including friends, family and staff from both Heartland of Beavercreek and Heartland Hospice.

“We were excited to help Donna with her Celebration of Life Party,” said Casey Howard, Manager of Business of Development for Heartland Hospice. “Donna is such a wonderful person to be around,” he added, “she is always smiling, uplifting, and thankful for all of her friends. It is truly our honor to care for Donna.”

One of the more touching stories was told by one of Donna’s friends who shared how her relationship with Donna changed her life. She was battling depression and had thoughts of suicide. They became close friends and Donna’s faith and outlook on life helped her friend during this difficult time. The friend ended up moving out of state so Donna’s family paid for her to return to Dayton for Donna’s Celebration of Life party!        

Donna explained, “the celebration was my way of saying good-bye. I want people to think of Christ when they think of me and I want to thank everyone for being my friend.”

Heartland Hospice serving Miami Valley treated patient, Donald Myers, to a day at the ballpark to see a Cincinnati Reds game.

Donald has loved major league baseball ever since he saw his first game as a small child. In fact, he would play baseball all summer long with the neighborhood kids and family cow (the cow serving as home plate). Throughout the years, Donald developed a love for the Cincinnati Reds, admiring and cheering on his favorite player, Pete Rose.

“Donald always has a positive disposition and eagerly wanted to attend the ALS Cincinnati Reds vs. Miami Marlin game,” stated Candy Null, Heartland Chaplain. “We were very excited that Donald was able to attend the game with his daughter and grandson,” added Sara Whitman, Heartland Administrator.

Donald enjoyed every minute of the game from start to finish. He received a Reds gift basket and was visited by the Reds mascot, Mr. Red. There were tears of joy throughout the game. The Reds even won the game which brought even more excitement and joy for Donald.

“Experiencing the joy of the game with his family was a wish come true for Donald,” said Amy Holderman, Heartland Social Worker.