Heartland Hospice serving Southern Ohio, a division of ProMedica, was able to help patient, Carl Shelton, with his last wish to have authentic cowboy clothes; from the spurs to the hat!

Carl lives at Edgewood Manor of Wellston in Wellston, OH. He is diagnosed with COPD and cannot be without oxygen. Even with his health declining, he always has a smile for everyone he meets. Over the years, Carl had many different occupations, from truck driving to the railroad. He enjoys being outdoors and watching cowboy shows on television.

Carl does not have any family, but considers the staff at Edgewood Manor of Wellston as his close friends, especially Jessica Harrison, Edgewood Manor Admissions Director, and Holly Helmic, Heartland Hospice RN/Account Liaison. Carl was approached about a last wish and he stated that he has always loved westerns and it was his wish to have authentic cowboy clothes, especially boots with spurs and a real hat, and to go out for a nice steak.

Michelle Manring, Heartland Hospice Volunteer Coordinator, and Holly Helmic discussed with Karen Cox, Heartland Hospice Social Worker, about applying for The Heartland Hospice Memorial Fund Grant to help fulfill Carl’s last wish. When the grant was approved, Stephanie Lanane, Heartland Hospice Account Liaison, went out and purchased the cowboy clothes Carl had selected.

Carl was so surprised and grateful to the Heartland Hospice team and the Heartland Hospice Memorial Fund for granting his last wish. As the day approached for his nice steak meal, Jessica, Holly, Karen and Stephanie took Carl to Rowdy’s Smokehouse, a local Western themed restaurant in Jackson, OH. The Rowdy’s Smokehouse Manager had reserved a special seat for Carl and his friends. Carl had a wonderful time out on the town, in his new cowboy clothes and spending time with his friends. He ate his steak and enjoyed a cup of coffee. Diners in the restaurant gave Carl a loving goodbye as he left.

Carl expressed his gratitude and has since told many of his friends at Edgewood Manor about his night out and his new clothes. “It was wonderful to do this for Carl, it was an honor. We had so much fun! Carl is a very special patient and man,” said Holly. “Carl had been looking forward to his night out in his cowboy gear, it was so great to see him so happy and to get his wish fulfilled,” said Stephanie. “This really made Carl happy and it helped him to feel loved and cared for. Giving him his wish and being a part of his joy is what Hospice is all about,” said Karen.

“This is why we, as a facility, love working with Heartland Hospice. The things they do for their patients goes above and beyond. Working with Karen Cox, Holly Helmic and Stephanie Lanane had been such a great experience, and to do the Wish Grant for Carl meant the world to him,” said Jessica.

The Heartland Memorial Fund made this cowboy’s dreams come true!

When Julie Moores, Regional Director of Business Development for Heartland Hospice serving Southern Ohio heard about patient, Joan Campbell’s “bucket list” wish to see or meet Dale Earnhardt Jr. she knew she had to do everything in her power to make this meeting happen for this local Seaman, Ohio resident.

Joan’s love of NASCAR started in the 1980’s. Watching races on television was a family affair for Joan and her two sons. “I remember mom proudly wearing a leather Earnhardt Sr. hat on race days,” commented her son, Chris. When Joan’s son, Michael passed away at the age of 33 from cystic fibrosis, he was buried with a great deal of Earnhardt Sr. memorabilia.

“I’ve been a Dale Jr. fan from the very beginning,” Joan proudly stated. After Earnhardt Sr.’s sudden passing, she started watching Dale Jr. as he followed in his father’s footsteps. When asked why she was a Dale Jr. fan, Joan quickly commented, “He’s a sexy fella and a damn good driver! He is also just an all-around good person.”

After battling several illnesses and overall declining health, Joan was no longer able to live by herself. Chris, her only living son, moved in to help take care of her. It was also at this time that Joan was referred to Heartland Hospice. Every day, Joan would ask if any races were on and basically watch anything NASCAR. Knowing Joan’s love of all things NASCAR, Julie was surprised to learn that Joan had never attended a race. That’s when the Heartland team rallied together to get Joan to the races and to meet Dale Jr.!

After several phone calls and emails, arrangements were made for Joan, Chris and Jacinda Brown, RN Heartland Liaison, to attend the Quaker State 400 at the Kentucky Speedway and to meet Dale Jr. and his team. Prior to the big day, Jacinda arranged for some pampering for Joan as she received a new haircut, her first “mani/pedi”,  a new outfit for race day and a special dinner. “I saw a marked improvement in Joan’s attitude as she looked forward to attending the race,” said Jacinda. “It was important to me that Joan receive her wish because she has suffered great losses in her life,” she added.

On race day, Joan and Chris met Dale Jr. and his team. They were also given access to the pits at trackside to see his car. Chris was able to get Dale Jr’s autograph for his mom. “Meeting Dale Jr. was an incredibly exciting experience for my mom,” stated Chris. “She couldn’t believe that Heartland set it up for her. It was one of the best days of her life,” he added.