Baptist Golden Triangle retiree and veteran Walcie Porter, 85, recently went on an unforgettable fishing adventure thanks to the Baptist Hospice-Golden Triangle staff and the Priceless Wishes program.
Porter was diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, which over time has been accompanied with congestive heart failure. He came to Baptist Hospice in April 2015, and after his first week there many nurses noted that he probably would not survive the weekend.
However, Porter has defied the odds and surpassed all expectations. He now lives independently with slight supervision from his daughter, Theresa.
Porter has frequently told stories of his fishing trips at Columbus Lake with his youngest grandson, Kiefer, to Baptist Hospice staff. Recognizing his love for fishing, several staff members expressed a strong desire to grant him a Priceless Wish.
Members of the hospice staff contacted local professional fishermen Jerry and Joey Pounders to ask for their help in making this wish come true for Porter, and soon, the plan was put into action.
In October, the Pounders brothers met Porter, his daughter, and his grandson at Columbus Lake for an exciting day. The group got on the boat at around 10 a.m. and waved goodbye to friends, family, and hospice staff before taking off on their adventure.
A few hours later, they returned with several fish and an especially happy and appreciative Porter.
“I’ve been waiting on this for years. This has been the best day of my life,” said Porter.
Baptist Hospice’s Priceless Wishes program helps fulfill the dreams of patients with life-limiting illnesses. Nurses, social workers, chaplains, volunteers, aides, bereavement coordinators and support personnel work to make these special wishes come true.
If you would like to support the Priceless Wishes program, considering purchasing an honorarium in honor of family, friends and/or co-workers. Not only will they receive a thoughtful card, they’ll also know their gift is helping fulfill the last wish of someone who terminally ill.
With a minimum donation of just $10, you can purchase a card, and the Baptist Foundation will notify the recipient that you made a contribution to Priceless Wishes in his or her honor. If you provide an address, the Foundation will send a card to a single recipient for a minimum donation of $10, or you can purchase blank cards and personalize them yourself.
To purchase the cards, go to http://pricelesswishes.com/holiday. For more information, please contact Penny Aviotti at 901-227-7125 or penny.aviotti@bmhcc.org.
