Every person has a story, and sometimes the most meaningful chapters are written in the final moments of life.
The Ambulance Wish SA (AWSA) program - led by Palliative Care SA - fulfils special wishes for South Australians living with a life-limiting condition and creates memories that last forever.
Each special wish is as unique as the person receiving it and, for many, these experiences provide treasured moments for both the wish recipient and their loved ones.
Here are just a few of the special wishes the AWSA program has fulfilled since its launch in May last year.
Loretta’s family gathering
Loretta’s Ambulance Wish was to spend precious time with her family in a place close to her heart.
Travelling from Modbury Hospital in the Wish Ambulance, she first visited her beloved family beach house at Aldinga Beach before heading to the Aldinga Surf Life Saving Club.
With special arrangements she was able to take in the sights and sounds of "her beach" - the sand, the waves, and the fresh sea air on a peaceful winter day.
Surrounded by her children and grandchildren, it was a day filled with love and cherished memories.
John’s oyster feast
John’s Ambulance Wish was to enjoy fresh seafood by the ocean one more time.
Transported in the Wish Ambulance to the Oyster Bar at Holdfast Shores, he savoured fresh shellfish with his wife Wendy, brother Robin, and sister-in-law Joy.
Seated by the water, John relived happy times and soaked in the joy of the moment.
"The wish was brilliant, the care and attention from everyone was amazing," he said, grateful for a day of wonderful memories.
June’s koala encounter
June’s Ambulance Wish was to meet a koala, and her special wish came true when she visited Cleland Wildlife Park.
Travelling in the Wish Ambulance she had the chance to meet Flo, an eight-year-old koala, patting her and feeding her eucalyptus leaves.
A lifelong koala lover, June’s joy was evident as she received a soft-toy koala to take home, a lasting reminder of a beautiful day shared with her friend and carer, Amanda.
Simon’s visit to Adelaide Oval
Simon’s Ambulance Wish was to have a pie and beer with his mates at the Adelaide Oval.
Travelling in the Wish Ambulance, he reunited with his family and friends to enjoy a classic footy tradition - pies and beers in the autumn sunshine.
While his mates had a kick on the Oval, Simon took a quiet moment to feel the grass beneath his feet and smiled as he saw the "Welcome Back Simon" message on the scoreboard.
It was a day of reflection, joy, and cherished memories.
A program that not only fulfils wishes, but creates meaningful moments
Wishes provided by the Ambulance Wish SA program have a far-reaching impact, not only creating memories that last forever for wish recipients, but memories for their families and extended community of care.
This has a ripple effect into the wider community and reflects the global social movement that is Compassionate Communities.
Each Ambulance Wish is free for recipients and their families and is available across the Adelaide metro, with the intent to expand statewide.
The program receives partial funding from SA Government to support the administration costs, with fundraising and donations supporting remaining costs.
On average each wish costs the program $2000 to fulfill. This is to ensure quality and safety of each recipient with clinical support, photographers, trained volunteers, memory books, specialised equipment and vehicles.
You can become involved
If you are inspired by these stories and would like to support more fulfilled wishes, consider contributing through donations, fundraising initiatives, or corporate sponsorship.
To learn more about how you can get involved, click here. (external site) (external site) (external site)
Ambulance Wish SA is a collaboration with Palliative Care South Australia, St John Ambulance SA and Flinders University. The program is proudly supported by community donations, corporate sponsors and the SA Government (SA Health).
