“It was a dream come true—there’s no other way to describe it,” shared a patient reflecting on her journey with cholangiocarcinoma.
Her story was one of courage, faith, and the gift of time. She first began experiencing excruciating pain in July of last year. For months, she sought answers, only to be told by many that the pain was “in her head.” But she knew her body. She continued to advocate for herself until finally, in February, she received the difficult diagnosis.
Though the news was devastating, she saw the pain as, in its own way, a blessing. “If I had not been in pain, I would not have pushed to be seen. That pain allowed me to advocate for myself.”
Through her illness, she found opportunities for healing beyond the physical—reconciling family differences, finding peace with her past, and putting her financial affairs in order. “It has been a gift,” she reflected. “I feel fairly organized to be passing, and able to advocate for myself.”
One of her greatest joys was fulfilling a lifelong dream: a bucket-list trip with her son. Despite the toll on her body, she said it was worth every moment. With the support of hospice, which helped manage her pain and gave her strength, she was able to spend a week making unforgettable memories with her son. One of the most meaningful parts of this journey was reconciling with her son, restoring their bond and creating treasured memories together.
The highlight? Floating high above the Red Rocks in a hot air balloon. She also visited the Church of the Holy Cross—built into the red rock cliffs of Sedona—and took in the breathtaking wonder of the Grand Canyon. “If you can do that bucket list, even just one thing—do it,” she encouraged. “Don’t think that you can’t.”
In time, she passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by the love of her family. She left behind the gift of her story—one of perseverance, faith, and the importance of living fully even in life’s most difficult moments.
Her family shared how thankful they were for the support of Compass Hospice, especially her care team members Dawn and Roya, who helped bring comfort and dignity during her final months.
As she once explained: “When I tell people I signed up for hospice, I tell them they are more than just the end of life. They are palliative, they help you during your transition. People hear the word and they automatically think you are on the death bed. Which you are, but you’re not in the bed yet.”
Her journey reminds us all that hospice is not only about the end of life—it is about helping patients and families live each day with meaning, peace, and love.
