January 24, 2023

Stories of Support & Healing Top EveryStep's Most Read of 2022

With more than 30 programs and services touching the lives of Iowans across the state, EveryStep has many stories to tell. From a heartfelt donation from an unexpected source to the remarkable life story of a woman in hospice care, the stories we shared in 2022 highlighted how EveryStep is with the people we serve, every step of the way.

Below, you'll find the five most-read stories on EveryStep's blog in 2022, but there are many more waiting for you here.

Remembering a Mount Pleasant Icon: Lea and Jerry Bradley's Hospice Story

Married for over 56 years, Lea and Jerry Bradley spent their lives taking care of each other. Business decisions, raising a family and navigating through health crises had taught them many things, but above all, they learned how to take care of each other. When Jerry received hospice care at home from EveryStep Hospice’s Mount Pleasant team, Lea knew she had made the right decision. “He knew he was at home,” says Lea. “I’m just grateful that we were able to accomplish that.”

Grand Re-Opening of EveryStep Hospice's Kavanagh House in Des Moines

2022 began on a celebratory note with the grand reopening of EveryStep Hospice’s Kavanagh House hospice home in Des Moines. The $3.7 million dollar renovation and upgrades include modern amenities and décor, medical equipment, new technologies and efficiencies designed to provide compassionate medical care and comfort at the end of life. More than 100 people attended the ribbon cutting at Kavanagh House on January 7, 2022.

From Grieving Teen to Giving Back: Rebecca's Healing Journey

Rebecca Nielsen was a teenager in 2014 when her older brother Erik died suddenly of a brain aneurism at just 20 years of age. EveryStep Grief and Loss Services helped Rebecca process her emotions and express her grief and an EveryStep Cheer Box received by Rebecca’s family is vividly remembered. Rebecca remains involved with EveryStep’s Cheer Box program, now as a volunteer — she helps wrap Cheer Boxes for others grieving the loss of a loved one during the holiday season.

EveryStep Hospice Patient Gloria Coverdell's Journey

Gloria Coverdell’s life included Hollywood lights, extraordinary acts of kindness, dedicated volunteerism and deep friendships. A hospice volunteer at EveryStep’s Kavanagh House and with EveryStep’s Senior Companion program for many years, Gloria was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer of the stomach and abdomen in February 2022. As she received EveryStep Hospice care in her home, Gloria looked back on her life of adventure.

Unique Donation Provides Assistance and Perspective

When EveryStep’s Cheer Box assembly and wrapping location was burglarized in November of 2021, vehicles, electronics, volunteer resources and Cheer Box items were stolen. As word spread through the media, donations poured in from individuals, groups and businesses to help replace the items needed to fill the Cheer Boxes. One donation came from an unexpected source — a group of prison inmates at the Fort Dodge Correctional Facility. Their story was one of the most read in 2022.