Lila Harrison shares a quiet moment with the elephants at the Oregon Zoo.
Families and community partners who have walked with a loved one through end of life with Housecall Providers Hospice understand the depth of our patient-centered care. Beyond the medical support are the small, meaningful moments that can brighten a person’s final months. Lila Harrison felt that impact firsthand when our hospice team, in partnership with Gifted Wishes and the Oregon Zoo, created an event that honored her last wish.
Surrounded by the compassionate care she received as a Hopewell House resident and supported by Housecall Providers Hospice, Lila cherished weekly visits from our hospice liaison and volunteer, Laura Brooks. During one of these visits, Lila shared her dying wish: to see an elephant. “I want to look them in the eye. I love them,” she said.
Laura always goes above and beyond to bring meaning and connection to our patients, so it was no surprise when she started pulling in staff and community partners to make the wish happen.
The Oregon Zoo was the first to answer the call, generously donating five admission tickets. Soon after, Gifted Wishes joined in – a local nonprofit that helps fulfill last wishes for hospice patients who have limited funds.
“Gifted Wishes was able to provide Lila's transportation, some snacks like elephant ears, of course, and gifts from the gift shop. What she provided us in return was an honor beyond measure,” said Executive Director of Gifted Wishes Jean Rosenbaum.
On the big day, Housecall Providers Hospice staff members, Morgan Clemenhagen and Lisa Desper Holmes, arrived at Hopewell House to do Lila’s makeup – featuring all new products thoughtfully donated by the team at Nordstrom Washington Square.
Laura and Jean joined the group shortly after, along with the rest of Lila’s crew from Housecall Providers Hospice, Kristy Sibley and Kate Doebke.
When they reached the zoo’s elephant habitat, Lila said softly, “I’m here. I made it. I love you, Rose.”
After exploring the zoo, the group stopped by the gift shop to pick up a few keepsakes to remember the day – items Lila’s loved ones would treasure long after she was gone.
With Lila comfortably in bed, her new elephant stuffed animal tucked under her arm and a smile on her face, the day came to an end.
Lila’s story reminds us that choosing hospice is not about giving up – it’s about choosing care that that supports living each day to the fullest, with comfort, dignity and personal choice at the center.
Whether we’re booking classic car rides, setting up massage therapy, or helping to make final wishes like Lila’s come true, our hospice team is dedicated to bringing meaningful moments to the patients and families we serve.
Lila passed away only a week after her final wish came true – a day made possible by the generosity of Hopewell House, the Oregon Zoo, Gifted Wishes, Nordstrom at Washington Square and our dedicated hospice team members.
