Patient Has a Ball on Gift of a Day

On a recent Gift of a Day, hospice patient Laverta Stewart received a visit from a very colorful character.

For years, Stewart lived in California and watched fondly as All-Star slugger Dusty Baker won a championship with the Los Angeles Dodgers in the early ’80s. When she began experiencing health complications, she moved to Cincinnati to be near her daughter and the two of them regularly went to Reds games, where Baker had become a manager.

Stewart fell in love with the franchise but she can no longer leave her nursing home. Now, she can only watch her new favorite team on television. When Crossroads staff asked Stewart’s daughter to help them put together the perfect afternoon, they decided to bring a part of the team to its biggest fan.

Rosie Red, the female mascot of the Cincinnati Reds, stopped by Stewart’s nursing home for an ice cream social and a performance of her signature song, “Rosie at the Bat.” The party featured Reds-themed decorations, refreshments, and a crowd of family and friends. Stewart posed for pictures with Rosie and was given a customized souvenir Reds mug.

When they saw Stewart’s smiling face, Crossroads staff knew they knocked this one out of the park.

If you need more information on hospice or our Gift of a Day program, please call us at 888-564-3405 or visit our website.

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