There are some people who, the minute we meet them, we realize they’re special. This is the story of one of those people.
The gentleman was a spirited 80 years young when he arrived at OHI in April 2013. Doctors had diagnosed him with liver and lung cancer, and given him just two months to live.
When I met him, I was struck by how personable, engaging and positive he was. It wasn’t that he was afraid of dying – it was that he still had one more river to raft. He and his wife of 50 years had rafted every river in the country, except for the Mississippi. They had saved the largest river for last, and he didn’t feel he could leave this life in peace until the two of them shared this final adventure.
While he didn’t come to OHI expecting a cure, he did hope to gain enough strength, and time, to create one more joyful memory for his wife and family.
In line with OHI Scholarship eligibility requirements, the man paid for the first week of the OHI program, then applied for and received a scholarship for the second and third weeks.
To everyone’s delight, he found that the food, wheatgrass, fellowship and information he gained made him feel better than he had in 30 years. He not only regained enough strength to do the Mississippi rafting trip – he was still living seven months later, and feeling great.
His wife shared how fantastic the trip was, and how blessed her husband felt to have the opportunity to do the entire OHI healing program. The experience gave him more precious time than he could have imagined.
It was several more months before he went into hospice, and he had time to accomplish everything he wanted to do. To me, that’s the true essence of the OHI Scholarship program.
It’s being of service to people who are working to balance health opportunities, and realizing that “healing” can take many forms, depending on what an individual’s personal situation is. For this gentleman, the healing he received through his scholarship was living his life to the fullest, with grace and dignity to the very end. His three weeks at OHI gave him time to finish what he wanted to do, enriching every moment he had left and bringing joy to all those around him.
Daily, I get to see how the OHI Scholarship program is such a healing and humbling service to people. The dollars donated are more than just dollars. They’re the gift of life.
When you give to the OHI Scholarship Fund , you are giving the gift of healing to OHI community members who require financial assistance. Please consider a one-time donation or a sustainable monthly contribution of $19.99. Your generosity will directly benefit those in need of healing.
The Greatest Gift of Love is the Gift of Healing
The OHI Scholarship Fund was established to help those who have a life-threatening health opportunity and require financial assistance. The OHI community relies on acts of kindness and generosity to support.
Thanks to your support in 2014, we were able to provide 115 scholarships, which represents a 26% increase given in the previous year. Our overarching goal for 2015 is to raise $500,000 in scholarship funds.
You can give the gift of healing for those who are ill, and in need by supporting the OHI Scholarship Fund by making a:
• One-Time Donation
• Sustainable Monthly Contribution
Three Ways to Give
1.Donate by mail: Use the newsletter donation envelope
2.Donate online: www.optimumhealth.org
3.Donate by phone: (800) 993-4325
Optimum Health Institute is a non-profit, religious organization. Your donation is tax deductible.
