Client Testimonial

Almost a year ago, our team encountered a uniquely challenging and deeply human story—one that would remind us of all the profound impact of collaboration, compassion, and perseverance in patient care.

After his admission to UC San Diego, our patient, Ramon, was transferred to Castle Manor Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF), where he came under our care. Ramon’s medical needs were complex, but what quickly became clear was that his personal circumstances were even more so. Estranged from his immediate family—his ex-wife, children, and nephew all declined involvement in his care—he faced his medical journey largely alone.

Recognizing the need for compassionate support, he was referred to Art of Hospice prior to discharge. The hospice team, undeterred by the lack of nearby family, began diligently searching for any relatives who might be willing to reconnect with Ramon. After persistent efforts, they were able to locate his brother in the Philippines—who, in a poignant twist, had been searching for Ramon for years. 

Ramon's dearest wish was to return home to the Philippines. Unfortunately, numerous barriers stood in the way: he had no passport, and a restraining order from the past complicated matters further. Meanwhile, Ramon experienced several emergency department visits, primarily due to falls, leading his care team to transition him to home health support. Despite the shift, Art of Hospice continued their extraordinary efforts to help him secure a new passport and reconnect with his family.

Their persistence paid off.

Ramon was finally able to obtain his Philippine passport. His brother traveled to the United States, with assistance from the hospice team in expediting his arrival. In a triumphant conclusion to his journey, Ramon boarded an 18-hour flight back to the Philippines and arrived safely on October 1st. Today, he lives peacefully in his home country, surrounded by familiar sights and the companionship of his girlfriend.

Ramon and his brother have graciously given their permission to share this story, along with a heartfelt photo, as an expression of their deep gratitude to everyone involved in his care. In his own words, he asked us to say:

“Salamat.” means “Thank you.”

This story is a shining example of what is possible when we work together—not just as healthcare providers, but as advocates for dignity, connection, and hope. We honor Ramon’s journey and the incredible teams who walked with him every step of the way.

Written by: Mon Sayat, 2025 Apr 12