Celebrating Richard Crawford: A Heartfelt Birthday Surprise from Compassus

Richard Crawford, a cherished patient from our Southside, Alabama hospice program, recently celebrated his 82nd birthday. “I never thought I would see 82, let alone be surrounded by so much love on my birthday,” Richard shared. Thanks to the Southside team’s efforts, this birthday was unlike any other for Richard, filled with joy, love, and an extraordinary surprise that he will cherish forever.

Richard’s wife and children marked the special occasion with a cookie cake and other delightful treats. The highlight of his day came from an unexpected source—one of his favorite people and Compassus social worker, Cherelle George. Known for her compassionate and dedicated care, Cherelle has built a strong bond with Richard, often discussing football during her visits. As a die-hard Alabama fan with an encyclopedic knowledge of the team’s history since Bear Bryant’s coaching days, Richard’s love for the Crimson Tide is well known to those closest to him.

Understanding the importance of making his birthday truly special, Cherelle reached out to a close family friend who plays for the University of Alabama, Offensive Lineman Roq Montgomery. Eager to help, Montgomery responded with enthusiasm, “I will definitely make it happen for you; your patient deserves it all on his special birthday.” Together, they orchestrated a memorable birthday surprise by arranging for a University of Alabama football signed by all the current players.

On the day of the celebration, Cherelle arrived with Alabama balloons and a gift bag. Richard’s excitement was palpable as he opened the gift, revealing the autographed football. Overwhelmed with joy, he could barely contain his gratitude. His son, equally impressed, immediately offered to order a display box for the prized football. “Daddy, that signed football is awesome! Let me order you a display box for it right now” he said.

Richard could not stop expressing his appreciation, repeatedly thanking Cherelle and the entire Southside Compassus team. He expressed feeling especially blessed, not only on his birthday, but every day by the care and compassion he receives from Compassus. He even requested a photoshoot with his autograph ball, wanting to pose like his football heroes from the University of Alabama. The joy on his face was a testament to the impact of such a thoughtful gesture.

This heartwarming story perfectly encapsulates the Compassus ‘Care for Who I Am’ philosophy, which emphasizes person-centered care. The dedication and compassionate efforts of Cherelle and the support from Roq Montgomery highlight how Compassus goes beyond to honor the unique stories and wishes of each patient.

At Compassus, our mission is to advance well-being and honor the quality of life for our patients. Stories like Richard’s remind us of the profound impact compassionate care can have. We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone involved for their steadfast dedication to making each moment count, reinforcing our commitment to providing exceptional, person-centered care.