William “Billy” Ireland, a 48-year-old Centreville man is dying of end-stage liver disease. His one final wish is to travel to Walt Disney World with his family. With the help of Hospice of Queen Anne’s and the Dream Foundation, Ireland has been granted his wish and his dream vacation is now a reality.

“I have spent most of my life making promises and breaking promises to my family. Now I want to use what little time I have left to reconcile with my family,” said Ireland.

Ireland’s dream package includes one-day passes for the entire family to Disney World’s Magic Kingdom, accommodations for seven nights, passes to SeaWorld and Universal Studios, and cash to help offset travel expenses. With the support and advance planning of the Hospice of Queen Anne’s team, Ireland, his four children, four grandchildren and long-time friend and caregiver, Karen Schmitt are all going to be able to make the trip.

HQA social worker, Becky DeMattia worked with Ireland to compose a letter to accompany the application to the Dream Foundation. Hospice nurse, Sarah Wise prepared Ireland’s medications and supplies needed for the trip and helped arrange a travel contract with a hospice program in the Orlando area.

“This was such an important goal for Billy – to spend time at Disney World with his family and create memories that would last their lifetime. The hospice team is so fortunate to be able to help the family see this dream come true,” said DeMattia.

Ireland admits to making poor decisions and being absent as a parent when his children needed him most. “I want to replace all of the sad and bad memories with happy and joyful ones,” said Ireland.

“I’m so glad they are making it possible for us to do this,” he said.

For additional information about Dream Foundation, the largest national wish-granting organization for adults with life-limiting illness, visit www.dreamfoundation.org. To learn more about hospice care and grief services offered by Hospice of Queen Anne’s, call 443-262-4100 or visit www.hospiceofqueenannes.org .

In photo: Seated in center front is William “Billy” Ireland with granddaughter Mattison on his lap. Standing, from left is Becky DeMattia, HQA social worker; Scotty Schmitt, Ireland’s son; Sarah Wise, R.N., hospice nurse; and, Karen Schmitt, Ireland’s caregiver.

With his contagious smile and unconditional love, Jayden “Jay Jay” Oulahyane’s short life touched the lives of hundreds who knew him. Jay Jay passed away on May 16, 2013 under the Hospice of Queen Anne’s pediatric hospice program at the Hospice Center in Centreville. He would have been seven years old on Oct. 3.

“We always threw a party for Jay’s birthday with gifts, pictures … the works,” said his mother, Kari Oulahyane.

In celebration of their son’s “first birthday in Heaven,” parents Kari and Karim Oulahyane asked people to give gifts to Hospice of Queen Anne’s. It was their way of giving back to the organization that helped them care for Jay Jay during the final months and days of his life.

“I wanted to make sure that what we gave would be used to benefit other hospice families,” said Kari.

Through a special Facebook page that has been set up in Jayden’s memory, Jay it Forward, Kari published a request asking that others give items needed for the Hospice Center in honor of her son’s heavenly birthday. The drive that continued for the entire month of October yielded a room full of items in boxes that eventually lined the Oulahyane’s living room. About 30 individuals from as far away as California donated personal care items, paper products, towels, kitchen supplies, gift cards and much more.

“We have enough to last for months,” said Kenda Leager, HQA’s development officer. “Giving in-kind donations such as this saves us from having to use already stretched funds to purchase items for the Center,” she said.

To learn more about ways to give to Hospice of Queen Anne’s, visit www.hospiceofqueenannes.org, or call 443-262-4100.

In photo: HQA’s Kenda Leager, on left, accepts “tons” of donated items collected by Kari and Karim Oulahyane and delivered to the Hospice Center in honor of their son’s first birthday in Heaven.

Eight residents from Queen Anne’s and Caroline counties recently completed the Hospice of Queen Anne’s patient care volunteer training program, which qualifies them to provide emotional support and practical assistance to hospice patients, families and caregivers.

The comprehensive training program taught by HQA staff, teaches volunteers how to companion a patient at the end of life and prepares them with the knowledge and skills to enhance comfort and quality of life. Trainees explore their own feelings about death and dying as they learn how to be with a patient at one of the most vulnerable times in life.

Those who wish to provide direct patient care will be required to complete several additional hours with patients in the Hospice Center under the supervision of a clinical team member. For those who wish to be involved in grief support, their training will continue under HQA’s Grief Services and Support Program staff leading to new responsibilities as bereavement volunteers, vigil volunteers or grief support facilitators.

To find out more about volunteer opportunities with Hospice of Queen Anne’s, visit www.hospiceofqueenannes.org and click on “Volunteer.” Or call 443-262-4112 for additional information.

In photo: Hospice of Queen Anne’s patient care volunteer graduates include: Back row, from left, Connie Dean, Nancy Greenwell, Courtney Williams, Kellee McLean and Kim Tribbitt; front row, from left Kari Oulahyane, Kim Zwobot and Alison Payne.

When Mary and Tom Scull of Centreville retired to the Eastern Shore in 2006, they had no idea they would spend many days of their “golden years” volunteering for Hospice of Queen Anne’s and find fulfillment and purpose in their own lives at the same time. Each one has found their own unique place on the hospice team, giving their time and talents when available, which amounted to more than 250 hours last year!

Mary has found her place in HQA’s Bereavement Program as an office assistant, organizing the monthly mailings that are sent to grieving families and keeping bereavement files current.

“I feel like I’m really helping someone by reaching out to our grieving families and providing much needed administrative support to our grief counselors,” said Mary. “I have a purpose and I feel needed,” she added.

Tom, who is retired from clinical research in pharmaceuticals, has found great satisfaction in serving as a patient care and vigil volunteer.

“Everyone is so grateful for the time I spend with them. For me volunteering helps me spiritually. Being of help to patients and families allows me to show my caring and loving side,” Tom said.

He really enjoys hearing a patient’s life story. “My first patient was a bridge welder who worked high atop the Bay and Delaware Memorial Bridges,” he said. Another patient was a recreational pilot.

The Scull’s also help with HQA’s Community Outreach Program by serving as spokespersons at community events and hospice exhibits. This year, Mary also felt led to be a Camp New Dawn volunteer, HQA’s grief retreat for children and teens.

“There are so many more ways to help Hospice of Queen Anne’s other than being with patients directly, and all of them bring a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction,” said Mary.

Hospice of Queen Anne’s is offering a 16-hour Patient Volunteer Training class for individuals who want to work directly with hospice patients and families. It was scheduled Sept. 10, 12, 17, 19, 24 and 26 from 6-9 p.m. at the Hospice Center in Centreville. Specialized trainings for other volunteer opportunities are offered throughout the year.

To register for training, or to explore other volunteer opportunities with Hospice of Queen Anne’s, log on to www.hospiceofqueenannes.org and click on “Volunteer.” Or call Courtney Williams, manager of volunteer and professional services at 443-262-4112.

Photo provided by Hospice of Queen Anne’s