Ohio’s Hospice Patient Gets Surprise Tailgate Party and Trip to a Bengals Game
There was plenty of Who Dey! pride displayed recently at Ohio’s Hospice, as a touching Mission Moment happened when a patient, we have the privilege of serving, received a pleasant surprise: a ticket to a Bengals game and a customized tailgate party complete with food and Bengals gear.
The team at Ohio’s Hospice, along with our community partner Optimized Senior Living of Lebanon, helped organize a heartwarming surprise for one of our patients, Richard. Richard had long held season tickets to the Cincinnati Bengals but hadn’t attended a game in years.
Working with Richard’s family, the Ohio’s Hospice team planned a special tailgate party and trip to a Bengals home game, creating an unforgettable memory.
Whitney Osborne, the director of nursing at Optimized Senior Living, was thrilled to hear about our Mission Moments initiative and wanted to surprise Richard and his family with a tailgating event and a trip to a Bengals football game. The idea was to create a memorable outing for the family before Richard was no longer able to travel.
“Richard and his family had held season tickets for years, but it had been a long time since they’d attended a game together.,” said Community Outreach Liaison, Lynda Bockrath. “His family had been eager to take him to one of this year’s games, and with this special experience became a reality.”
A tailgate party was held at Optimized Senior Living of Lebanon, drawing around 40 to 50 guests, including family, friends, and staff.
“The staff enthusiastically joined in to help decorate and celebrate with Richard. It was clear from the smile on his face how much he and his family appreciated this thoughtful send-off before the big game,” Bockrath said.
The tailgate was decorated with both new and vintage Bengals memorabilia, and the festive atmosphere was enhanced with themed music, colorful balloons, and delicious food, making it an event enjoyed by all.
Richard was able to travel to “The Jungle” to watch his beloved Bengals defeat the Las Vegas Raiders, one last time.
This Celebrating Life’s Stories® “touchdown moment” exemplifies Ohio’s Hospice’s mission of creating meaningful experiences for patients and families during life’s most precious moments.
