SUMMER 2022
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
As a newlywed, Liana was able to check-off other bucket list items. 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
hospital.
medical care.
Bluegrass Care Navigators made it possible to be where she
Most importantly, Liana enjoyed time with friends and family,
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
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
home like I have.”
do this,” said Liana. “Hospice is not just the end of the line.
With her hospice team, she started to tackle her bucket list.
happen faster.”
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
Sometimes it’s making things you’ve been waiting 21 years for
Hospice care is a choice for patients who are no longer seeking curative treatment for an illness, and instead seek to focus on
made it happen,” she said.
quality of life and managing symptoms. Patients receive care
Liana’s family surprised her with a wedding ceremony on
physicians, nurses, certified nursing assistants, social workers,
wherever they call home from an interdisciplinary team of
March 30. A best friend purchased a new dress for Liana while
and chaplains. The hospice team helps the patient with pain
others arranged makeup and hairstyling, food and music at
and other discomforting symptoms, daily activities, emotional
the family’s Kentucky home.
and spiritual support, medication and equipment management,
“It was special. It was precious. It was meaningful,”
and support for caregivers.
said Liana’s stepfather, Dennis Dio Parker. “I have no doubt in terms of a bucket list this becomes her crown-topping moment.”
Read more about Liana’s story on our blog.
bgcarenav.org/lianas-story