A Chilly Wish, A Warm Moment: John’s Polar Bear Plunge

Hospice care is truly about honoring the moments, memories and experiences that matter most to the people we serve. Through the Elara Caring Hospice Foundation’s Lasting Wishes program, our teams help make meaningful moments possible.

For John, that moment involved something he had always wanted to try: a Polar Bear Plunge.

The Polar Bear Plunge is a tradition where brave participants jump into icy water, often as a fun way to ring in the new year. John had always admired the idea and shared with his Toledo, Ohio hospice care team that he wished he could experience it himself.

His care team quickly got to work.

With support from the Elara Caring Hospice Foundation, they created a special plunge experience just for John. Volunteer Coordinator Kate, Chaplain Steve, Nurse Sarah, Clinical Team Manager Emily, Social Worker Al and Volunteer Blake all helped bring the day to life and joined John for the chilly celebration.

Tubs filled with icy water were set up for the plunge, and the team leaned into the fun with a full polar bear theme — complete with polar bear Coca-Cola bottles, polar bear towels and even a custom “Polar Bear Plunge 2026” T-shirt made especially for John.

Proudly wearing his new shirt, John took the plunge, dipping his feet into the icy water while surrounded by his care team. Nearly all of his Elara Caring hospice team joined in on the fun, making the moment even more memorable.

After the plunge, the group celebrated together with chilled Cokes, laughter and plenty of smiles.

“This is my favorite Lasting Wish yet,” shared Kate, the team’s volunteer coordinator.

Moments like these reflect the heart of hospice care. While clinical support and symptom management are essential, hospice also focuses on emotional wellbeing, connection and creating special experiences for patients and their loved ones.

Thanks to the Elara Caring Hospice Foundation and the dedication of John’s care team, a simple wish became a joyful memory.