Gratitude for high-quality, compassionate end-of-life care
For the family of Alice Proffitt Dawson, there was “no greater gift” than Centra Bedford Hospice House. They made a gift of their own through the Centra Foundation out of profound gratitude and a desire to help families who need assistance.
Seeing a Centra Hospice Caregiver carefully and compassionately embrace her mother as she neared the end of life is now a beautiful memory that Nancy Wilkerson cherishes deeply.
“They were so wonderful with her,” Nancy reflected. “We simply could not have asked for better or more compassionate care. The Centra Bedford Hospice House was a blessing for all of us.”
Alice Dawson, Nancy’s mother, made the decision to seek care there. “It was a great decision,” Nancy said. “We are so very thankful.”
‘A friend to everyone’
Alice Proffitt Dawson was born in 1927 as the fourth child in a large family. She retired from Sears, Roebuck and Company after 35 years of service and was a member of a church in Altavista.
Dale Dawson Nichols, Nancy’s sister, remembers their mother as a friend to everyone and someone who helped others in their times of need. She remained active and engaged even toward the end of her life.
“She was living her best life at the age of 96,” Dale said. “Her health challenges – diabetes, congestive heart failure, maintaining her mechanical valve – were at times difficult, but she still managed to get up every day, put on her makeup, dress and work out with the PT specialists, and get her steps in by walking the halls.”
Eventually, Alice’s health challenges caught up with her. She made the decision to end all curative care and seek care from Bedford Hospice House, which recently underwent upgrades funded by the compassionate generosity of donors and grateful families.
‘We felt the love immediately’
Dale sees her mother’s decision as a gift to herself and her family.
“We felt the love immediately from Kayla, Susan, Trinda, Regina, Lorraine, Judy, Tracey, Samantha and Dr. Beahm,” Dale said. “These ladies walked with us every step of the way guiding her (and us) through her transition. Mom entered her eternal rest just as she had prayed, in her sleep in the most loving, caring atmosphere.”
The care the family received did not end when Alice passed.
“Imagine our surprise when we arrived the following day prepared to pack up her belongings to find them already packed by this amazing group,” Dale said. “Words can never express our deep appreciation for the loving care we all experienced during this difficult process. At the end of mom’s life, there was no greater gift than Bedford Hospice House.”
Out of gratitude for the compassionate, high-quality care, the family wanted to make a gift of their own through the Centra Foundation.
“We are forever grateful for their love and support and are at peace with the loss of our beloved mother knowing that she lived out the end of her life in the arms of these heroes,” Dale said. “As a token of our appreciation, we hope our gift paves the way for someone else in their time of need. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”
Have you or a loved one received excellent care at Centra? Learn more about Grateful Giving or share your story in honor of your Caregiver(s): Grateful Giving
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