Orlando Team Helps Pediatric Patient’s Wish Come True

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VITAS HEALTHCARE SWFL

For more information about the author, click to view their website: VITAS Healthcare

Posted on

Nov 07, 2024

Book/Edition

Florida - Southwest

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When 18-year-old Abraham Maldonado confided in Chaplain Antonio Rivera-Maldonado (no relation) that he wanted to attend his high school graduation ceremony, Antonio immediately shared that wish with the rest of Abraham’s hospice team.

Abraham, a VITAS patient in Orlando, Florida, has lived with malignant neoplasm (a cancerous tumor) of the spinal cord for a decade and may only have another six months to live. Despite battling his illness, he has continued attending high school through a virtual learning program at home.

Only a few credits shy of completion, Abraham wanted to attend his graduation and celebrate his accomplishment.

The moment Team Manager Nicolette Burton heard about her patient’s final wish, she agreed: They had to make it happen.

“Abraham doesn’t like to complain—even when he’s in pain,” Nicolette says. “Despite everything he’s been going through, he has such an outgoing, positive, can-do attitude. I wanted to do anything I could to help make his dream come true.”

A Dream Realized

Thanks to Antonio’s work, Abraham was granted his wish. A private ceremony was held in the Boone High School auditorium in Orlando. With his family, high school friends, VITAS interdisciplinary team, and Boone High School staff in attendance, Abraham received his honorary high school diploma.

It feels good to know that I could make a difference in his life.-Werner Ferman, VITAS LPN

Originally from Puerto Rico, Abraham’s family has made many sacrifices to ensure he receives the best care possible.

“[He] is a gift. With support and love, his family rallies around him,” Social Worker Lisa Camacho says. “They’ve never once made him feel like he’s a burden. They love him. His condition is only a part of who he is. They’re running alongside him with comfort and support as he continues his unique journey on Earth.”

Finding the Strength to Persevere

Abraham worked hard to achieve his goal, and it was far from easy. The daily hurdles and obstacles were challenging.

VITAS patient Abraham Maldonado, at center in wheelchair, is dressed in cap and gown and surrounded by family and VITAS team members

At one point, as much as he loved learning, it was becoming difficult to find the strength to continue.

“Abraham was frustrated and did not want to go back to school. He almost gave up.” says Antonio. “So, his father made a deal with him. If he went back to school and finished, his [dad] would go back to school, and they would graduate together.”

Today, Abraham is a high school graduate. And on July 10, he attended his dad’s graduation ceremony for a bachelor of science degree in mechanical engineering.

“It was great to be there for Abraham on his special day,” says Werner Ferman, a licensed practical nurse on Abraham’s team. “He’s a warrior and a champion! I dressed up as the VITAS mascot and cheered him on as he received his diploma. It feels good to know that I could make a difference in his life, providing care that enabled him to achieve his goal and dream.”

Despite numerous struggles, 18 surgeries, and years of chemotherapy and radiation treatments, “Abraham’s personal life quote is, ‘Never give up!’” says Nicolette.

Abraham with his family. His father, in cap and gown, holds his high school diploma.

Abraham and his family celebrated his dad’s college graduation just a few weeks after Abraham’s high school graduation ceremony.

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Local Services By This Author

VITAS Healthcare

Hospice Homes 4980 Tamiami Trail North, Naples, Florida, 34103

Hospice Care in Southwest Florida: Collier, Lee, Glades, and Hendry countyThe VITAS Healthcare team visits patients wherever they call home, including but not limited to: private homes, senior living communities, and long term care facilities in Southwest Florida. We have offices located in Collier and Lee County and an Inpatient Unit in Naples. Coming soon, VITAS Inpatient Unit in Lee County.VITAS provides 24/7 support whenever our patients and families need it.At VITAS, we prioritize our patients and their families above all else. By concentrating on enhancing quality of life, managing symptoms and pain effectively, and minimizing 911 calls and hospital readmissions, we ensure our patients' comfort and well-being. VITAS distinguishes itself from traditional hospice providers through a personalized approach to care planning, transparent medication management, and a comprehensive range of specialized modalities tailored to meet diverse patient needs. These include physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, respiratory therapy, wound care, palliative oncology therapy, palliative dialysis, and more.Office Locations:Fort Myers VITAS Hospice Office12751 Westlinks Dr. Fort Myers, 33913 Vitas Inpatient Unit at Solaris Healthcare Imperial900 Imperial Golf Course Blvd. Naples, 34110 Naples VITAS Hospice Office4980 N Tamiami Trail, Suite 102, Naples 34103Our Care ServicesAt VITAS we care for patients with an interdisciplinary team comprising a nurse, physician, aide, social worker and chaplain. Our teams design personalized care plans to ensure comfort, dignity and quality of life.      Hospice Care at Home      Condition-Specific Care      24/7 Telecare      Intensive Comfort Care      Veterans Care      Inpatient Hospice Care      Music Therapy      Paw Pals Pet Visits      Grief and Bereavement Support 

VITAS Healthcare

Palliative Care 4980 Tamiami Trail North, Naples, Florida, 34103

Hospice Care in Southwest Florida: Collier, Lee, Glades, and Hendry countyThe VITAS Healthcare team visits patients wherever they call home, including but not limited to: private homes, senior living communities, and long term care facilities in Southwest Florida. We have offices located in Collier and Lee County and an Inpatient Unit in Naples. Coming soon, VITAS Inpatient Unit in Lee County.VITAS provides 24/7 support whenever our patients and families need it.At VITAS, we prioritize our patients and their families above all else. By concentrating on enhancing quality of life, managing symptoms and pain effectively, and minimizing 911 calls and hospital readmissions, we ensure our patients' comfort and well-being. VITAS distinguishes itself from traditional hospice providers through a personalized approach to care planning, transparent medication management, and a comprehensive range of specialized modalities tailored to meet diverse patient needs. These include physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, respiratory therapy, wound care, palliative oncology therapy, palliative dialysis, and more.Office Locations:Fort Myers VITAS Hospice Office12751 Westlinks Dr. Fort Myers, 33913 Vitas Inpatient Unit at Solaris Healthcare Imperial900 Imperial Golf Course Blvd. Naples, 34110 Naples VITAS Hospice Office4980 N Tamiami Trail, Suite 102, Naples 34103Our Care ServicesAt VITAS we care for patients with an interdisciplinary team comprising a nurse, physician, aide, social worker and chaplain. Our teams design personalized care plans to ensure comfort, dignity and quality of life.      Hospice Care at Home      Condition-Specific Care      24/7 Telecare      Intensive Comfort Care      Veterans Care      Inpatient Hospice Care      Music Therapy      Paw Pals Pet Visits      Grief and Bereavement Support 

VITAS Healthcare

Hospice 4980 Tamiami Trail North, Naples, Florida, 34103

Hospice Care in Southwest Florida: Collier, Lee, Glades, and Hendry countyThe VITAS Healthcare team visits patients wherever they callhome, including but not limited to: private homes, senior living communities,and long term care facilities in Southwest Florida. We have offices located inCollier and Lee County and an Inpatient Unit in Naples. Coming soon, VITASInpatient Unit in Lee County.VITAS provides 24/7 support whenever our patients and familiesneed it.At VITAS, we prioritize our patients and their families aboveall else. By concentrating on enhancing quality of life, managing symptoms andpain effectively, and minimizing 911 calls and hospital readmissions, we ensureour patients' comfort and well-being. VITAS distinguishes itself fromtraditional hospice providers through a personalized approach to care planning,transparent medication management, and a comprehensive range of specializedmodalities tailored to meet diverse patient needs. These include physicaltherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, respiratory therapy, wound care,palliative oncology therapy, palliative dialysis, and more.Office Locations:Fort Myers VITAS HospiceOffice12751 Westlinks Dr. Fort Myers, 33913 Vitas Inpatient Unit atSolaris Healthcare Imperial900 Imperial Golf Course Blvd. Naples, 34110 Naples VITAS Hospice Office4980 N Tamiami Trail, Suite 102, Naples 34103Our Care ServicesAt VITAS we care for patients with an interdisciplinary teamcomprising a nurse, physician, aide, social worker and chaplain. Our teamsdesign personalized care plans to ensure comfort, dignity and quality of life.      Hospice Care at Home      Condition-Specific Care      24/7 Telecare      Intensive Comfort Care      Veterans Care      Inpatient Hospice Care      Music Therapy      Paw Pals Pet Visits      Grief and Bereavement Support