Heart & Soul Hospice in Farmington, in partnership with Meadowbrook Assisted Living in Pilot Knob, Mo., made a One More Time wish come true for community resident James Degonia.
Degonia, who is now a Heart & Soul Hospice patient and a resident at Meadowbrook Assisted Living, and his wife, Mildred, spent many years traveling the square dancing circuit, where he was a square dance caller. The team at Heart & Soul Hospice worked with Meadowbrook Assisted Living to make his One More Time wish for one more opportunity to enjoy a hobby he loved come true.
Because square dancing was such a large part of Degonia’s life, it made sense to give him one more opportunity to enjoy his hobby through Heart & Soul Hospice’s One More Time program. The Heart & Soul team arranged a special event at Meadowbrook. Degonia and his wife, who lives at another senior living community, dressed in their square dance attire. The Southeast District Federation Square Dancers entertained Degonia’s family, guests and other Meadowbrook Assisted Living residents.
The dancers, many of whom knew and danced with the Degonias, donated their time for the event, and the dining staff at Meadowbrook made refreshments. Degonia’s wife, Mildred, lives at another senior living community and arrangements were made to bring her to Meadowbrook for the event.
The “One More Time” program brings moments of joy and meaning to those nearing the end of life by making life enhancing wishes come true. Each moment is unique and personal by creating lasting memories for the patient and families of those served by Heart & Soul Hospice.
Heart & Soul Hospice is a not-for-profit, Medicare-certified hospice agency serving Iron, Madison, St. Francois, St. Genevieve and Washington counties.