A Day at the Zoo Brett Ware’s Wish

At Compassus, our mission is to provide not only compassionate care but also to honor the unique lives and wishes of our patients. Our “Care for Who I Am” philosophy is about recognizing and celebrating the individual needs and dreams of those we serve. Recently, the Compassus hospice programs serving Pell City and Birmingham, Alabama, had the profound privilege of fulfilling a wish for a cherished patient, Brett Ware.

Upon being discharged from the hospital, Brett expressed a heartfelt desire to our Compassus Clinical Liaison, Alyssa Weyandt. He shared that his dying wish was to visit the zoo with his sister Mickie and her family. With Brett’s health condition being closely monitored by his dedicated Pell City clinical team, Alyssa, along with her husband, Mitchell, set out to make his wish come true.

Reaching out to their contacts at the Birmingham Zoo, Alyssa and Mitchell arranged a special day for Brett and his family. On July 11, the zoo staff welcomed Brett with open arms, providing a memorable experience complete with behind-the-scenes tours and personal visits with some of the animals. This extraordinary day was made even more special by the generosity of anonymous donors, who ensured that the family had enough spending money for lunch, snacks, and souvenirs to commemorate their incredible day.

The joy and excitement were palpable as Brett experienced the zoo’s wonders. When asked what he was most looking forward to, Brett replied, “I want to see the monkeys!” His face lit up as he watched them jump from rope to rope and from limb to limb. The trip was a cherished moment for Brett and his family, filled with laughter, love, and unforgettable memories.

Brett’s experience is a reminder of the importance of fulfilling even the simplest wishes. For many, a trip to the zoo might seem routine or even daunting due to the heat and crowds. But for Brett, it was a dream come true. He was deeply humbled and thankful to Compassus for helping grant his wish.

Just six days after his visit to the zoo, Brett passed away at the young age of 35. However, he spent his final days happy and at peace, a sentiment that has also brought peace to our hearts at Compassus. Knowing that we made a genuine difference in Brett’s life is a testament to the dedication and compassion of our entire team.

We extend our deepest gratitude to Alyssa and Mitchell Weyandt, DCS Jamie Williams, and Brett’s RNCM, whose tireless efforts made this day possible. Their actions embody the essence of our “Care for Who I Am” philosophy, ensuring that every patient’s life is honored with dignity and respect.

Thank you to our Pell City and Birmingham, Alabama teams for your steadfast commitment to our mission of advancing well-being and honoring the quality of life for all our patients and their families. Brett’s story is a powerful reminder of the impact of compassionate care and the importance of cherishing every moment. And thank you to the Birmingham Zoo for your hospitality and open arms Brett and his family experienced on this memorable day.

Remembering Brett Ware

Brett Ware’s story is one of love, joy, and the fulfillment of a heartfelt wish. His legacy will continue to inspire us at Compassus to make every moment count and to always strive to honor the individual wishes of those we serve.

To learn more about our Pell City hospice program click here.

To learn more about our Birmingham hospice program click here.