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Allan Reddish, a devoted Florida Panthers fan, experienced a memorable moment despite the team's 2-1 loss to the Seattle Kraken. Allan, who is living with Parkinson’s disease at Lenox on the Lake in Broward County, Florida, has been under the care of nurse Natalie Villabrera-Williams from VITAS since 2022.
Natalie has developed a close bond with Allan over her nearly 18 years at VITAS. She noticed his reluctance to shave during the playoffs due to superstition and decided to nominate him for the VITAS Wish Maker program. This initiative aims to fulfill special requests for hospice patients.
Natalie and social worker Elizabeth Clifford advocated for Allan's wish during a team meeting. "It’s a testament to how far VITAS will go to make their patients and families happy," said Natalie.
The effort was led by Broward County General Managers Jaime Collazo and Donna Borland, along with the Wish Maker Committee. They secured game tickets and organized a pep rally send-off at Allan's facility. Donna expressed excitement about fulfilling such wishes: “This is an amazing opportunity for us to make a final wish come true.”
Future Tech donated two skybox tickets for Allan and Natalie, while National Health Transportation provided transportation. "It is because of our amazing partners that our patients can transition out of this life with memories that will carry them to the next," stated Jaime.
On game day, staff and residents gathered for a surprise pep rally organized by VITAS Wish Makers. The event marked Allan's first live Panthers game since 2007. "His face lit up, and he had tears in his eyes," Natalie recalled.
At the arena, Allan enjoyed viewing from the VIP skybox alongside Natalie, who was attending her first live hockey match. "I will never forget it," she remarked about seeing Allan’s joy.
During the game, Allan received unexpected gifts from Florida Panthers representatives: memorabilia including a signed cap and bobblehead doll, plus an opportunity to try on a Stanley Cup championship ring. With tears in his eyes, he expressed gratitude: “You’ve made my life.”
Despite the Panthers' defeat that night, both Allan and Natalie left feeling victorious. "I wouldn’t have traded this experience for anything in the world," said Natalie.
