COLUMBIA, Tenn. – The Compassus program serving Columbia, Tennessee, and the surrounding areas recently planned a special surprise for a very special young patient. Cree Mason has always admired Elvis Presley, and often dreamt of what it would have been like to meet him.
“Cree has multiple figures of Elvis and enjoys watching marathons of old Elvis movies,” said Betty Taylor, a Compassus nurse who has worked with Mason since July 2015.
To honor his wish to meet the “King of Rock and Roll,” Compassus – Columbia scheduled a visit from a local Elvis impersonator to meet Mason at Maury Regional Medical Center, where he was receiving treatment. Mason’s mother Peggy worked with his Compassus nurses to plan the surprise visit by Chuck Baril, known as “Nashville Elvis.” And Mason was overjoyed to finally “meet” his music idol.
“Cree is an amazing young man who has an outlook on life that very few possess,” said Sara Parker, another of Mason’s Compassus nurses. “He does not dwell on his hardships and does not blame anyone for his situation. I admire his strength and his willingness to live his life to the very fullest. ”
“When a loved one is battling an illness or disease, families and patients often focus solely on treatment, leaving behind dreams and aspirations their loved one once had,” said Edith Rimas, executive director of Compassus – Columbia. “Compassus is fortunate to have the opportunity to help patients fulfill these forgotten dreams and to bring happiness to those who are suffering.”
“It has been an amazing blessing to be able to work together to care for Cree and his family,” said Michele Marbet, clinical director of client services at Compassus – Columbia. “The team here is wonderful, and this is just one of the patient dreams we have had the privilege to help fulfill.”
For more information about Compassus – Columbia’s services, call 931-548-7014.
