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"I believe strongly in Hospice and its ability to help people deal with a very natural but difficult time in their lives. In this way we hope to make the human experience more meaningful for our patients and their families. "
R. Thomas Abderhalden, MD
Medical Director
Southern Tier Hospice and Palliative Care
Patient Stories
Shooting Star…
Wishes can come true at any age; all you have to do is dare to dream! That is what Bob Culver of Avoca, N.Y. discovered 
during his first visit with his Hospice Home Care Nurse, Annette Gibson and his Hospice Social Worker, Jessica Byers. Bob described himself as “an adrenaline junkie” and then asked if a “Make a Wish” for adults exists. Bob went on to say that it was always a dream of his to drive a race car.
“Make a Wish” provides services to children only; however, through a few e-mails and phone calls the stars aligned for Bob's dream to be fulfilled. With the assistance of Watkins Glen International Race Track and Skip Barber's Racing School, and the Hospice team were able to provide Bob with the opportunity to drive a race car on the WGI track on May 23, 2009. In attendance were Hospice staff, Bob's friends and some local media. His wife Joanie was not able to attend as she was in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania at a jewelry event as part of the business they have been engaged in for over 20 years. However, at the end of his two laps around the track, Bob was able to speak with Joanie by phone.
Bob's dream adventure was photographed and videotaped by Hospice staff, the local media and Skip Barber's Driving School. Bob and Joanie were presented with copies of the DVDs and a photo album on Bob's 50th birthday this past June 2009. Skip Barber's Driving School provided Bob with T-shirts and a full driving suit, which Bob chose to be buried in after his death on July 13, 2009.
Bob lost his14 year battle with Melanoma but won his dream race.
See article published by the Corning Leader.
