Steve Morrow, a Navy veteran and VNA Hospice patient, struggles daily with his illness and poverty. VNA nurses caring for Steve learned that one of the “luxuries” he missed was a straight razor shave, complete with hot towel service that he used to treat himself to once in a while when he was younger. The nurses sprang into action through the VNA’s Christmas for the Elderly program, reaching out to a local barber who provided just that service. The barber, Todd Carpenter, owner of South Shore Shaving Company in Valparaiso and a veteran himself, gladly gave Steve a marvelous shave and threw in a haircut to boot. Because Steve can no longer drive, InHealth Integrated Care, a local ambulance service even gave Steve a lift to the barber shop.
During the haircut, Steve and Todd exchanged stories of their days in the service. Steve even joked, “I’m a sailor; this is what I get for trusting a Marine with my hair.” At the end of Steve’s shave, the heartfelt handshake and hug between veterans brought the VNA nurses to tears.
Steve had a smile on his face and a spring to his step – something his nurses hadn’t seen in a while. And that was thanks to the VNA’s Christmas for the Elderly program, South Shore Shaving Company, and InHealth Integrated Care.
Looking for a way to help make a difference for a senior during this holiday season? A gift to the VNA’s Christmas for the Elderly program helps the VNA identify needs and provide special experiences such as Steve’s shave, in addition to helping with things such as much needed home repairs, lift chairs, groceries, prescriptions, warm clothing, VNA Meals on Wheels, and Lifeline services all year long.
Monetary gifts may be mailed or dropped off at the VNA administration building, 501 Marquette St., Valparaiso, IN 46383. Gifts may be made in honor or memory of loved ones. Please make checks payable to VNA Foundation, with CFTE in the memo line. Donations may also be made online at: www.vnanwi.org/donate.
