Hope Hospice Names Youngest Angel of Hope
In a surprise ceremony, Hope Hospice bestows Angel of Hope Award to Vincent Turner.
(Clockwise from Left): Lee McCuistion, Hope Hospice Social Worker; Dr. Matthew Hinsley, music instructor; Linda Rich, patient’s daughter; Leslie Ferguson, Hope Hospice Development Coordinator; Vincent Turner, ANGEL OF HOPE
Hope Hospice has given its Angel of Hope Award to the youngest ever recipient to date.
The Angel of Hope Award was designed in 2006 to recognize community members that exemplify Hope Hospice’s promise to provide Care and Comfort to all of its patients.
On Sunday May 25th, fourteen year old Vincent Turner of New Braunfels was surprised with this honor during a music recital in Austin. Vincent had the unique opportunity to make a dying woman’s wish come true.
When Kathryn Rich was admitted to Hope Hospice, she told her Admissions Nurse that she deeply wanted to hear live classical music one last time. Because Mrs. Rich’s health was declining quickly, an outing to a musical performance became increasingly impossible. But when Vincent Turner, an accomplished classical guitarist, heard of this woman’s wish, he immediately wanted to help her. He, along with his mother, Maria Turner, went to the patient’s home, where the young musician played soothing music for Mrs. Rich and her family.
His performance at the Rich home in San Marcos may have been one of the smallest audiences Vincent has played for, but it was one of the most important. Kathryn Rich died before the sun came up the next morning. Vincent’s selfless actions gave her family one more beautiful memory with their mother and the comfort of knowing their mother got her last wish.
Mr. Turner’s classical guitar instructor, Dr. Mathew Hinsley, said of the award, “What a great way for other young musicians to see the kinds of community service opportunities available to them.”
Vincent’s family, fellow musicians, music teacher, one of the patient’s daughters and Hope Hospice staff were in attendance at the Angel of Hope award ceremony. Since learning of award, the San Antonio Symphony has announced that Vincent and his family will be their honored guests at an upcoming Symphony performance.
Hope Hospice has been providing excellence in care, comfort and education to all in our community affected by life-limiting illness, grief or loss since 1984.
