Jerry McDevitt has lived a life full of purpose, passion and adventure. Now, with the support of HSHS Hospice, one of those passions took flight once more.
Veteran. Husband of 66 Years. Father of Three. Pilot.
Jerry’s Passion for Flying
One year, Jerry’s wife gifted him private flying lessons at a small, local airport. It was love at first takeoff. Flying gave Jerry the feeling of freedom and adrenaline.
“From the moment we took off, with my hand on the control, I knew I wanted to keep flying,” said Jerry.
Jerry pursued his pilot’s license and enjoyed many years of flying. But after heart surgery and continued declining health, Jerry was no longer able to pilot a plane.
A Wish Takes Flight
When Jerry began receiving hospice care through HSHS Home Care, he met with his care team, including Valerie Engelbart, Bereavement Services Supervisor. Jerry shared that some of his most cherished memories were of when he was piloting a small aircraft.
"When talking to Jerry, it was evident that flying had been a passion,” said Valerie. “He became more animated and shared that if given the chance, he would love the experience of being back in a small craft, seeing the controls and discussing flight plans.”
Through HSHS Hospice’s Everlasting Memories program, fully funded by donations to local HSHS hospital foundations, hospice patients and their families can experience meaningful moments together.
Jerry’s care team was determined to give him one of those special moments: the gift of one last flight.
An Everlasting Memory
Jerry’s care team began coordinating with the hospice teams to discuss ideas and resources to make this Everlasting Memory possible.
When Dr. Paul Malcharek, HSHS Medical Group physician and Hospice Medical Director, heard about Jerry’s wish, he was happy to make it come true.
As a pilot himself, Dr. Malcharek has been involved in Honor Flights over the years and was proud to take Jerry up in his plane.
On a beautiful day in May, Jerry and Dr. Malcharek flew over parts of southern Illinois, giving Jerry the opportunity to experience his passion for flying one more time and reminisce about his days as a pilot.
“We are so thankful to Dr. Malcharek and the HSHS Hospice team for giving Jerry the chance to take to the skies once more,” said Valerie. “The flight with Dr. Malcharek has given Jerry something to talk about and share with others, truly becoming an everlasting memory for him to cherish.”
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