Steven’s Story
At three years old, Pat and Larry Kerian’s son Steven was one of Hospice of the Red River Valley’s first pediatric patients in 1991. Steven had an AV malformation of the brainstem and was cared for by Hospice at home with his parents and two brothers. Pat and Larry were grateful to be spending time together with Steven, as a family. “We wanted to try and keep the family together as much as we could, and to have Steven at home as long as we could, and spend as many moments we could have with him,” expressed Pat.
Just before Christmas, Hospice of the Red River Valley coordinated with the Make-A-Wish Foundation to bring Steven and his family a visit from Santa. During that visit, Steven was gifted a stuffed cat, which he cherished closely. The Kerian family was also gifted a sleigh horse bell which they continue to hang on their Christmas tree every year, reminding them of these last memories with Steven.
The Hospice nurses, doctors and volunteers that cared for Steven also provided an immense amount of support to the Kerian family. “There’s a saying, ‘care for the caregiver,’” said Larry, “it was a real blessing.” Hospice of the Red River Valley helped the Kerian family through the care of Steven, his passing and also in the grief that followed.
“They provided support before, during, and after, and all along the way. And you don’t feel isolated or lonely, you have people that you can talk to,” stated Pat. Following Steven’s passing, the Kerian family went through grief support counseling provided by Hospice of the Red River Valley which focuses on providing resources for families to help them cope with their grief and work towards healing.
“They were present with us,” said Pat, “they just went above and beyond.”
Though their son was cared for many years ago, Pat and Larry continue to actively support and advocate for Hospice of the Red River Valley. Pat volunteers with Hospice, visiting nursing homes and patient homes, noting what a privilege it is to be there for those in need.
Larry states, “I know there are people out there that have a heart to help other people and are looking for a way to help other people. And this is certainly a wonderful way of providing comfort and assistance to somebody in need.”
We provided care to the Kerian family as Hospice of the Red River Valley. Now, as HIA Hospice, we continue to provide that same care to others. To learn more about our care or our name change, please contact us or visit our rebrand page.