Mary Wade Resident Getting End-Of-Life Care Had Dying Wish Fulfilled

NEW HAVEN, CT —Karina Courtmanche is dying. A resident of Mary Wade in New Haven, she's been receiving end-of-life care from Connecticut Hospice since early this year, according to hospice spokesperson Mary Fitzgerald. Karina had a final wish.

"There is not much Connecticut Hospice won’t do to make a dying patient’s final wish come true," Fitzgerald said. Connecticut Hospice of Branford is the nation's first hospice.

Karina has owned, and loved, her horse Bella for nearly three decades. Her hope was to see Bella, who is boarded at Bittersweet Farms in Bethany, one last time. And with the help, and dedication, of Connecticut Hospice staff members Michelle Walker, RN and Sharmane Hawley, CNA, along with the support of Mary Wade and American Medical Response for an ambulance, Karina’s final wish came true.

On Sunday, Karina made the ambulance ride from New Haven to Bittersweet Farms.

"This event is a great example of the benefits of receiving hospice care earlier rather than later in a patient’s dying process," Fitzgerald said.

Shauna Perry, who owns and operates Bittersweet Farms with her husband Lawrence and daughter Megan Cusano, told Patch that Bella was born around 36 years ago with her now passed parents on the farm. When Bella, a quarter horse cross, was young, Karina bought her and thus began their decades-long relationship.

Shauna said the cherished horse participates in a summer youth program at the farm: kids groom her: "She really loves that." And Shaua noted that Karina's adored Bella will be cared for at Bittersweet Farm for the rest of her life.

"We love Bella."

About Connecticut Hospice

America’s first hospice, offers comprehensive and compassionate hospice, palliative and other supportive care management services. Whether in a residential home, assisted living center, skilled nursing facility, or at our 52-bed waterfront hospital, Connecticut Hospice is there for you in your time of need.

About Mary Wade

Founded in 1866, Mary Wade is a senior care community serving New Haven County which provides a plethora of care options for aging individuals in the community with our full continuum of care. Mary Wade provides the highest-quality compassionate care, senior living, and services that promote wellness for older adults in greater New
Haven. For more information, visit www.marywade.org

About American Medical Response

"We are caregivers, first and foremost and we will be there when you need us. And we will always treat our patients, customers and teams with respect. By designing new ways to deliver healthcare, whether in emergency situations or supplementing the home health care organizations, we are steadfastly patient focused, and customer centered. Our commitment as healthcare providers is to keep abreast of the latest medical procedures and practices for our patients.