One pediatric patient who received care at the E.T. York Hospice Care Center in Gainesville touched the lives of patients, families and care center staff—all because we ensured that patient’s final wish came true. This reflects the fact that Haven’s care center staff’s commitment to compassionate care ensures that love, support, and healing extend far beyond a patient’s final days.
It started in 2024 when the care center had the privilege of caring for not one but two pediatric patients. One of those patients, a four-year-old, had one wish: to experience one more Christmas with his family.
The Gainesville team of hospice workers leapt into action, making Christmas wishes come true for our patient, including “snow” from a local ice machine and lots of festive Christmas decorations. The family enjoyed a cheerful—albeit bittersweet—holiday. The early Christmas had a profound impact not just on our patient’s loved ones, but also the community. The family was so touched, in fact, that our patient’s aunt became a Haven Hospice nurse and the patient’s mother formed a not-for profit organization dedicated to supporting families facing similar heartbreak. The organization donates comfort baskets to Haven filled with keepsakes like hand prints, footprints and blankets to provide solace to families grieving a young loved one.
Care center team members were deeply moved by the emotions of caring for two pediatric patients at the same time and decided the best way to honor these two young patients was to create a sanctuary for patients, families and staff facing a similar situation. As a result, Haven’s “Christmas Room” was born.
A funding request was submitted to the Haven Foundation’s philanthropic group, the Haven Women of Philanthropy. It outlined the total cost of the room’s decorations, including a 12-foot tree, holiday wreaths, garland, and décor.
The Haven Women of Philanthropy enthusiastically granted the request. Haven team members also contributed to this warm space.
The Christmas Room provides families with a place to create meaningful memories, as well as offering staff and caregivers a retreat to process the emotional toll of their work.
While centered around the spirit of Christmas, the room is inclusive of various cultural and religious beliefs, symbolizing hope, love, and healing.
Thanks to the Haven team members’ dedication, countless visitors have enjoyed Haven’s Christmas Room. In fact, other Haven Hospice care centers are hoping to create something similar for the patients and family members they care for.
The Christmas Room initiative exemplifies the heart of hospice care—compassion, dignity, and unwavering support.
