Wedum Residential Hospice staff fulfill a patient’s last wish

[Allina Health Newsroom, November 22, 2024] Sometimes in life, joy can overshadow grief. That’s the case for Becca Wichlen.

In January 2024, Becca’s mom, Pam, was at the end of a six-year journey with cancer. To ensure her family didn’t have to act as caregivers, Pam chose to move to the J.A. Wedum Residential Hospice for her final weeks. At the time, Becca was engaged to Tom, and they were expecting a baby in early March.

“As soon as my mom was transferred to hospice, I told Tom we needed to figure out how to get married,” said Becca. She began thinking about how and where they could have a wedding so her mom could witness the ceremony.

Apparently, Pam was thinking about the same thing as she mentioned it to Judy Johnson, a hospice social worker.

“I got a call from Judy right after my mom moved in. I assumed she was calling about the rules and regulations of taking my mom off-site for a wedding,” said Becca. “Instead, Judy said, ‘If you’re ok with it, we could host the wedding on-site.’”

At first Becca thought the ceremony would include just a few people in her mom’s room, but Judy raised several ideas. “The staff were super amazing about the entire event,” said Becca. “Judy asked me about the number of people who might attend and having a toast. She asked about things I hadn’t thought about because all I thought about was making the wedding happen.”

Just 10 days after Pam moved into hospice, Becca and Tom were married in the Reflection Room of J.A. Wedum Residential Hospice. They were joined by about 20 close friends and family. Pam was in a special wheelchair arranged by the staff so she could sit up or lay down as needed. An uncle of Becca’s conducted the wedding ceremony, and another uncle played the guitar. The couple was toasted with apple juice so Pam could join in the moment. Wedum staff arranged for a volunteer pianist when guests were arriving.

“The wedding was her last good day. That brings me the most joy,” said Becca. “Knowing that my mom was coherent and social and as able-bodied as she could be for the day of my wedding is my favorite thing about it.”

Pam passed away two weeks after the wedding. Becca delivered her daughter, Kaylee, a few weeks later. Though Kaylee will never know her grandma, Becca’s 9-year-old son, Brayden, promises to tell his little sister the family story. “He is adamant about making sure his sister knows about his grandma,” said Becca.

“I don’t have enough good things to say about Wedum,” said Becca. “The staff were amazing. They made the wedding happen because my mom wanted it.”