Memory Keepsake Bears

Our phenomenal patient, Victoria Stempel has dealt with a long battle of pancreatic cancer. Along her journey, Mrs. Stempel has had her husband of 50 years, Gary, and her two daughters, Jill and Julie right by her side. Advanced Hospice’s very own, Katrina Sanchez, MSW, relayed to Mrs. Stem- pel about the opportunity of creating a “Memory Keepsake Bear”. With the help from some of our amazing Hospice team: Claudia Alvarado, David Giorgio, MSW, and our volunteers, we were able to take 2 pieces of shirts provided by our patient, and a jacket that Mrs. Stempel wore for her and her husband’s 25th anniversary to create three stuffed bears for the family to cherish. Attached to the bears were special notes Mrs. Stempel had written for her two daughters and husband. She repeatedly said, “They are absolutely perfect.” “This will be my last gift to my family and something they will have forever,” Mrs. Stempel stated.