June 25, 2019

Celebrating 102 Years: David Appel

What do you get for someone turning 102? For an EveryStep Hospice patient in Council Bluffs, the answer was one more visit with his sister.

David Appel celebrated his recent birthday with his sister and his three children by his side recently, thanks to his EveryStep Hospice team and with help from the Dreamweaver Foundation. 

When David made his birthday wish known, his hospice team reached out to Dreamweaver Foundation in Omaha. The organization is dedicated to fulfilling the dreams of seniors who are terminally ill.

Dreamweaver then made it possible for David's sister to visit for the entire week.

During that time, David was treated to not only a birthday celebration but a special veteran pinning ceremony organized by his EveryStep Hospice team.

David, who was one of the first men drafted to serve in World War II, was a combat engineer in California for the Army and served until the war ended in 1945.

EveryStep Hospice spiritual care counselor Mike York led an observance honoring David's service, presenting him with a small flag, a flag pin and a certificate of recognition.

“When you think about a lifetime of many years, there are so many things that he has done,” York told the Daily Nonpareil. “Since I’ve gotten to know him, I’ve really grown to respect him. He’s a good man.”

In addition to honoring Appel, EveryStep Hospice in Council Bluffs also recognized four other veterans living at the same assisted living facility, The Heritage, at Fox Run.  

To read more about David Appel's live, visit the Daily Nonpareil.