Hospice Patient Marries High School Sweetheart

Liana Craven did not know what the days and weeks ahead would hold for her as her cancer progressed, but she knew one thing for sure. She did not want to spend that time in the hospital.

Bluegrass Care Navigators made it possible to be where she wanted to be.

“I did not want to be stuck in the hospital with a limit on how many friends and family could visit me,” said Liana. “Without them, I don’t think I would be able to stay home like I have.”

With her hospice team, she tackled her bucket list. At the top of the list? Finally getting to marry her high school sweetheart of 21 years, Richard.

“He had already known before I was diagnosed that I wanted to be married. And he made it happen,” she said.

Liana’s family surprised her with a wedding ceremony on March 30. A best friend purchased a new dress for Liana while others arranged makeup and hairstyling, food and music at the family’s Kentucky home.

“It was special. It was precious. It was meaningful,” said Liana’s stepfather, Dennis Dio Parker. “I have no doubt in terms of a bucket list this becomes her crown-topping moment.”

As a newlywed, Liana was able to check other bucket list items off her list. She took a joy ride with her dad in his sports car. And she enjoyed a massage at home thanks to Bluegrass Care Navigator’s Integrative Medicine program, which provides therapies to patients and families that complement their medical care.

Most importantly, Liana enjoyed time with friends and family, especially her new husband and twin sister Melissa.

“I just thought that going home with hospice meant you’d be gone in a few days. I got married March 30 and I just feel like, I can do this,” said Liana. “Hospice is not just the end of the line. Sometimes it’s making things you’ve been waiting 21 years for happen faster.”