Project Wish

As the only hospice provider in Indian River County, the VNA strives to ensure that our patients and their families experience optimal quality of life at all times. One way that we achieve this is through Project Wish. Project Wish is a donor funded program allowing the VNA to make our patients end-of-life wishes come true. As a loved one is nearing the end of their life journey, the VNA plans and fulfills that one final wish, allowing the patient and their family to experience something that will produce lasting memories without the worry of having the financial resources to pay for the wish.
Our clinical team works closely with our patients, identifying these last wishes, which range from reliving experiences the patient once enjoyed regularly, experiencing something on a bucket list, or simply being given the opportunity to tie up loose ends. Some wishes are simple and other wishes are more complicated. Besides donations, Project Wish relies on a group of volunteers who help orchestrate these wishes by coordinating them and often offering in-kind services if they can. It’s through the generosity of our donors, community partners and volunteers that this program achieves its goal of improving the quality of life for our patients and their families at end of life.
 
Since 2019 we have granted over 30 wishes and need your support to help ensure that we can continue to grant wishes to those at their end-of-life journey. To make a donation to Project Wish and help bring a beautiful experience to patients and families as they face a very difficult time in their lives, please visit here.
Robert Small with nurse floating in swimimng pool

One final swim.

A hospice patient had one simple wish that lingered in his heart—to swim one last time.  With the help of  compassionate organizers and caregivers, he was gently guided into the pool. As he floated, the weight of illness lifted momentarily, replaced by a sense of peace and fulfillment. Watch his wish in action here.

Connie smiling with kittens in her lap

Comfort in the company of kittens.

When a hospice patient shared her love of felines with her VNA caregiver, the caregiver,  knew just how much this connection meant to her. To bring her wish to life, the VNA Volunteer Department arranged for two kittens to visit bringing a sense of calm and serenity. Read her story here.
"Snow White" aka Carly Graef poses with Doris Gazda and VNA Musical Therapist Paloma Infante

An enchanting lunch with a princess.

When Doris’s home hospice team discovered her deep passion for a beloved Disney princess, Project Wish sprang into action to create a truly magical experience. They planned an enchanting afternoon luncheon, complete with whimsical decor and delightful surprises. Read Doris’s story here.

Smilin Bill with his daughter at Navy Seal Museum

A visit to the Navy Seal Museum.

When Bill, a retiree who dedicated his time to volunteering at his beloved Navy Seal Museum, was diagnosed with cancer, he and his family feared he would never have the chance to visit again. With the help of his VNA nurse and VNA Volunteer services Bill was able to visit the museum one last time. 

A beach day with family!

After months of isolation due to COVID-19 precautions, all Karen wanted was to spend time with her grandchildren. Knowing her love of the ocean, Project Wish arranged a beach day with special transportation, for Karen so that she could spend a day at the beach with her family.

Wounded Waters Fishing Trip with Bob Albeitz

A chartered fishing excursion.

After learning he had terminal cancer Bob became frustrated that he might never have the opportunity to go fishing again. Through careful planning, Project Wish coordinated with Wounded Waters, a local non-profit to take Bob and his brother out for the afternoon on a delightful excursion. Read Bob’s story here.

A drone flight over the Atlantic.

Not long after starting a new business in real estate photography using a drone, Aaron became sick  and had doubts whether he would get the opportunity again to fly his drone over the local beach but with the help of a special VNA Volunteer and Project Wish, his dream became a reality. Read Aaron’s story here.

Dominick LaCavalla, far right, with his grandson Jacob and son, Dominick III, during his visit in Denver

A reunion with family.

Shortly after Dominick began hospice care, his VNA hospice counselor put a plan into motion with Project Wish to arrange for Dominick to take a much needed trip to Colorado to visit his adult son who was unable to travel due health issues of his own. Once there, he was able to spend a memorable week with his family.

A special trip to see the Blue Angels.

Hospice Patient Douglas Margiotta’s wish was to watch the US Navy’s Blue Angels flight squadron practice in Pensacola. His two day trip involved the coordination of multiple VNA staff to escort him via plane ride to Pensacola to watch a spectacular practice and finished with an overnight stay at an Airbnb.