Be True to the Nature of our Challenges

Social worker and Caregiver, Juan Chavarria, has worked at Saint Alphonsus Cancer Institute for 8 years after spending the previous 13 years at Saint Alphonsus Medical Center. After 21 years, Juan has lots of stories to share about the wonderful patients he’s cared for and learned from. But one patient, in particular, helped to positively shape the way Juan views planning for end of life. This is the story of Juan and his patient, “*Rose.”

Rose came to the United States from Germany and was a retired dog trainer. I don’t know what I enjoyed more, sharing stories about Europe or watching her with her faithful companion, Blue Heeler dog, who was always accompanied her.

Rose had a strong character and rarely complained about pain. But one day she told me, “I'm going on hospice because the treatment is no longer working.” I figured things were not going well as she now arrived in a wheelchair. Rose always made it a point to walk, sometimes telling me, “give me your arm,” so she could hold on. She said her goodbye and gave me a hug. I told her that I would call to check in on her to which she replied, “please do.”

When I called her the following week, Rose said she was very glad that I called because she wanted me to find out who the physician at West Valley was that had treated her. She had been asking certain people if they were interested in taking her dog after she passed. She wanted it to go to the right person and she felt he was that person. The physician said he was interested, but she did couldn’t remember his name.

I called the navigator at West Valley and she was able to identify and notify the physician. The following day, Rose’s son came to let us know his mother had passed. He said her dog was picked up by the doctor, but he forgot to give him the dog’s toys and other belongings. I told him I would take care of getting the dog’s items to the physician.

The following week the doctor came to pick up the dog's belongings and assured me the dog was doing well in their home and was well-loved by his children. As I walked back into the clinic, I thought about how Rose took so much time and care to be certain her beloved dog was taken care of and loved after she was gone.

It was in that moment that I realized Rose taught me that we must be true to the nature of our challenges and accept the inevitable – planning for the end. While I knew this as a caregiver, I never thought of it in such a personal way. Thanks to Rose, I have accepted that planning for the end is not a bad thing. I am grateful for my visits with Rose and feel happiness in being able to remember her as a wonderful human being.

*Not her real name

Juan’s sacred story remind us all that moments like this make everything worthwhile. We know that over the years, healthcare has continued to change and evolve, and while the work is hard, the tapestry of our hard work, our legacy, is now 125 years old, and that is what makes Saint Alphonsus the incredible organization that it is. – Odette Bolano, president CEO St. Alphonsus.