Patient Stories

A Tradition of Illuminating Memories and Compassionate Care

For 15 years, Elvira Borsari has illuminated lights through Care Dimensions’ Tree of Lights program in tender tribute to her parents, Antonino and Giovanna Nasti, who died six weeks apart in 2007. Giovanna was cared for at the Kaplan Family Hospice House and Elvira praises the extraordinary care her mother received. “It went above and beyond and made a world of difference to me and my family,” she says.

Elvira’s beloved husband, Andy, also was in the care of Care Dimensions and died in 2020. She credits the exemplary support she received during his care for allowing her to continue caring for him at home. “Andy wanted to stay in his home in Ipswich, the town he loved and the subject of his renowned landscape photographs, and Care Dimensions made his wish possible,” Elvira says. “I never felt alone, thanks to his hospice team.”

Last year, Elvira added a light in memory of Andy. Her lights bring her a special comfort as she reflects and cherishes wonderful memories.

“When I see the postcard in the mail announcing the Lights Ceremony, a warm feeling fills my heart that Andy, my dad, and my mom will be remembered again this year,” she says. “I am consoled when I see their names in the Tribute Book and I don’t feel so all alone. I am so grateful for Care Dimensions’ comfort and support during such challenging times.”

Elvira appreciates that her donations support the organization that cared so lovingly for her and her family. She wants all families going through life-limiting illness of loved ones to receive the same compassionate care.

“I’ve always thought of hospice as being enormously helpful,” she says. “I tell anyone who is ready for hospice to turn to Care Dimensions for support. What they do is amazing and I’m proud to support their mission.

“As I continue to embrace the meaningful tradition of the lighting ceremony, I look forward to joining this year’s virtual celebration as beautiful lights are displayed across the community.”

Join us for the 2021 Care Dimensions Tree of Lights ceremony. With the safety of you and our communities in mind, “Lights Across the Community” will be a virtual ceremony held on Wednesday, December 8, 2021, at 5:30 p.m. See our Tree of Lights page for information about viewing the event and inscribing your loved ones' names in the Care Dimensions Tribute Book.

Help create more moments like Elvira's.

Across Eastern Massachusetts, more than 1,000 people a day depend on the compassionate expertise that Care Dimensions provides to hospice patients, regardless of their ability to pay. Your support helps give comfort to patients like Andy and Giovanna and assurances to their families. Please make a tax-deductible gift today.