Patient Stories

A Journey of Love, Literature, and Care

Christine Reichert and Nancy Brown's love story began with a shared passion for literature. Nancy pursued a doctorate in American Romantics, while Christine's master's degree focused on British Romantics.

"If you know one, you know the other; they are separate but connected," Christine explained.

Their love of literature became the foundation of a 25-year partnership. But Christine says that was matched by their shared "goofiness." They would make up songs and create their own sign language.

"We would say we were very excited about life," she remembered.

The two first met while working in Toledo, Ohio. By 2013, with eyes towards marriage, they chose to move to Salem, Massachusetts (same-sex marriage was not allowed at the time in Ohio). Both had independently visited Salem years earlier, and loved the local culture, as well as the history of the region.

They explored the landscapes that had inspired their beloved writers, including Nancy’s favorite, Walden Pond in Concord, famed for its connections to writer Henry David Thoreau.  But their most meaningful journey took them to England for their honeymoon in 2014.

"We went to places tied to (poet William) Wordsworth, we went to Scotland, we went to the real Birnam Wood that influenced Shakespeare's Macbeth," Christine recalled with a wide smile of appreciation at having had the experience. "We saw (novelist and poet) Sir Walter Scott's home, sat in his chair, touched his books. We could do anything we wanted in that whole house."

It was one of many adventures the couple had overseas, with other notable trips to France and Africa.

Facing Illness Together

By 2018, health problems began to slow them down. Both Christine and Nancy were battling their own serious illness and chose to contact Care Dimensions for palliative care support.

"We both became in palliative care at the same time, and that was amazing," Christine explained. Having the same care team meant they could support each other while receiving coordinated care.

The palliative care team, including a nurse practitioner and a social worker, added a layer of support, helping the couple maintain their independence and continue doing what mattered most to them.

Social worker Siobhan Mahoney explained: "With palliative care, we want to try to help make sure that if they want to get out of the house, they can get out of the house. If they want to do something social, they can.”

Christine emphasized how the team understood their needs: "They got us what we needed, when we needed it. They were there at every step supporting us. We knew if something was going wrong, we could call them or text them and they would be there and help us."

Siobhan expanded on the role of a palliative care team, noting that they are not only communicating with the patient and family, but also helping to articulate their thoughts to other health care providers.

"Sometimes a patient can have a hard time conveying ‘I'm not giving up. I am simply trying to go at my pace.’ That’s where we can come in and try to find the right path where the patient is kept as comfortable as possible, while also seeking curative treatments."

Christine said she and Nancy embodied this philosophy, living by the motto: "Not only am I not giving up, I'm living as fully as I possibly can.”

Transition to Hospice

Nancy’s treatments included kidney dialysis and other specialized care for over six years. Christine became her primary caregiver over that time.

"That was a lot for someone with an English major, but I can do all kinds of things now," Christine noted, with her characteristic humor.

As Nancy’s condition worsened in 2024, the couple made a pivotal decision. Instead of pursuing aggressive treatments that may not improve Nancy’s quality of life, the two ruled out any new procedures.

Having already established a years-long bond with the Care Dimensions palliative care team, they could all talk together about what transitioning to a hospice care plan would look like. Medical teams were realistic in their outlook: once dialysis was stopped, Nancy’s time would likely be short, perhaps as little as 10 days. She ended up living six-and-a-half more months.

"Those were our most glorious times because we just didn't have to run to doctors. We could just be with each other," Christine reflects.

As for the care the hospice team provided, Christine noted it went beyond medical needs. "They didn't just come in and provide services. They touched her soul and we needed it."

Nancy remained engaged throughout her hospice care. Even the day before she died. In January 2025, the couple and one daughter wore matching “Frog and Toad” t-shirts, a small but meaningful way to maintain their playful connection.

A Network of Compassionate Care

Even while those months were difficult, Christine looks back with appreciation at the compassion and care that became central to their lives.

As part of their hospice team, a music therapist visited. A Reiki volunteer came in to relieve Nancy’s pain and stress.

Beyond Care Dimensions, Christine praised the Meals on Wheels volunteers who not only checked to make sure they were OK, but remembered to include fresh fruit in their delivery. The housekeeper who they brought in would offer a supportive hug when she saw Christine needed it.

"There was this camaraderie," Christine explained. "It did not matter which service we were using because all of it had that background and that sense of caring and community."

Continuing Forward

Still living in Salem, Christine continues to receive support from Care Dimensions as she navigates grief and her own health challenges.

"I couldn't imagine not having support right now because it makes all the difference," she said.

Looking back on their experience, Christine has clear advice for others facing similar outlooks.

"It's an emotional roller coaster and some days were harder than others” she noted. “The Care Dimensions team offered us freedom and the ability to feel comfortable as things were getting harder.

"I love the name Care Dimensions. It absolutely encapsulates what they offer. I would never, ever have made it through without them. That's a fact."

Christine carries Nancy's memory in tangible ways. Her home is adorned with keepsakes from their decades together, and laid across her bed is a memorial quilt made of pieces of clothing that bring back fond shared memories.

Perhaps most special is a new tattoo that Christine recently got on her wrist. It is a heart-shaped pattern she and Nancy had created together for their wedding, half tribal pattern and half Shakespearean script.

"We said it when we got married and it's still true,” said Christine. “We’re the same but different. And now, she's spirit and I'm body, in the same home."

Learn about how palliative care services can support you or a family member.