Hospice Patient Skis “Norm’s Way” One Last Time
PRINCETON, M.A. — Together, Hospice Services of Massachusetts, Cape Regency Rehabilitation & Health Care Center in Centerville, the Adaptive Program at Wachusett Mountain in Princeton, family, and friends all rallied efforts, and their teams, to make a hospice patient’s final wish come true.
Norm’s last wish was “to ski just one more time.”
To begin, it seemed like an impossible idea, but through more planning and conversations between the family, the hospice team, Cape Regency staff, and the team at Wachusett Mountain, the impossible idea became reality for Norm.
In his youth, Norm was an avid skier and ran a ski school at Wachusett Mountain in the 1960s. He even has a ski run named after him called “Norm’s Way.” On Tuesday, March 21st, 2023, he was able to ski down “Norm’s Way” for one last run. It was with great teamwork that Norm went all the way to the top and came down.
The Adaptive Program at Wachusett Mountain helps people of all ages and abilities be able to participate in and enjoy winter snow sports.
Melissa DeLorey, Hospice Nurse Case Manager with Hospice Services of Massachusetts said, “From organizing equipment, transportation and drivers, supplies, fluids and nourishment for the long trip, and our wonderful home care aide Michelle Parrot for taking excellent care of Norm while away for the day. This was a team effort. Special thanks to Administrator Steve Colarusso at Cape Regency for hearing our plan, rising to the occasion, and providing the van and driver.”