What does it mean to make a core memory?
It’s the kind of memory that stays vivid over time and often influences emotions, values, or decisions long after the moment has passed.
When you or a loved one is faced with serious illness, core memories are often created through intentional, meaningful moments—time spent together, fulfilling a final wish, sharing stories, or simply being present.
On a sunny December afternoon, the rumble of motorcycles filled the air in Ruckersville. This wasn’t just any ride. It was a bucket list day for Kevin Olague, a 41-year-old Hospice of the Piedmont patient whose wish was simple: to feel the vibration of the road and wind on his face while riding a Harley Davidson.
“Even in the face of dying, I’ve never felt so alive as when I’m on two wheels,” Kevin said, smiling as he stood among the Harleys on the showroom floor.
Understanding Hospice: More Than You Think
If a hospice patient cruising down Route 29 on a Harley-Davidson seems hard to imagine, you’re not alone. But, the idea that hospice is only for the final days of life is far from true.
In fact, there are many myths about hospice care contributing to misperceptions that often delay beneficial support to patients and families.
That’s why Hospice of the Piedmont launched its proactive education campaign: “Make Every Moment Count”. The work is aimed at shifting how Central Virginia thinks about hospice and encouraging earlier engagement.
Early hospice enrollment correlates with higher quality of life and sometimes longer survival, particularly when care is planned months in advance.
Kevin’s Story: Choosing Quality of Life Through Hospice Care
Over the last few years, Kevin has faced a life-limiting prognosis marked by painful and frequent hospital stays. Treatment was hard on Kevin, and his motorcycle became a place of refuge.
“It’s something I’ve loved my whole life. I can’t describe what it feels like riding a motorcycle, but it’s somewhere between a rollercoaster and skydiving. I’ve always wished I could ride a Harley.”
When doctors offered hospice care as an alternative to ongoing treatment, Kevin had the courage to choose quality. Once connected with Hospice of the Piedmont’s interdisciplinary team, which includes physicians, nurses, aides, social workers, chaplains, and volunteers, his pain became manageable.
“We got our Kevin back. It’s the gift of more time with him making memories, like today.” his sister-in-law Heather shared.
Heather explained that Kevin had become more himself in mind, body and spirit. Hospice care eased the load on his family, and the impact was profound. It meant more quality time with his loved ones.
As Kevin’s Hospice of the Piedmont team started visiting, they made a point to understand what was most important to him, getting to know him as a whole person. His dream of riding a Harley quickly became clear, and the team went to work to make it happen.
“Hospice isn’t about giving up—it’s about living fully, right to the end,” reflected Robin Johnson, a social worker with Hospice of the Piedmont. “Kevin lights up when he talks about motorcycles and riding a Harley. I know how much this day means to him.”
The Hospice of the Piedmont team reached out to Stonewall Harley-Davidson and asked if they were willing to join in and make Kevin’s wish possible. The answer was immediately, yes. His care team then made a plan to ensure Kevin was safe and healthy enough to ride. Kevin was joined by three riders from Stonewall Harley-Davidson for the ride of his lifetime. The four men revved their engines and mounted their bikes outside the store. After a few laps around the parking lot, the riders headed off with the scenic Blue Ridge mountains in the background. It was a convoy of compassion and horsepower.
“It was an honor to ride alongside Kevin and help fulfill his wish. This is what community looks like. Today is a day I’ll never forget, it changes you.”
— Evan Bache, Owner/General Manager, Stonewall Harley Davidson
Kevin’s family drove behind the group of riders watching Kevin in his element on two wheels feeling the vibration of the road and the wind in his face.
“It feels amazing and very fulfilling,” said Robin. “It not only blesses the patient, but their family, too. They get to see the joy of their loved one doing something they’ve always wanted.”
After the ride, staff from Hospice of the Piedmont and Stonewall Harley-Davidson joined Kevin and his family for lots of pictures and lunch provided by The Market at Ruckersville.
What Kevin’s Story Teaches Us About Early Hospice Care
Moments like Kevin’s don’t just happen, they happen because early intervention gives people time to:
- Manage symptoms proactively, reducing ER visits and hospital stays.
- Make meaningful care decisions in line with personal values.
- Create memories—big and small—with medical, emotional, and spiritual support.
And that’s just what Kevin did. His inspiring story teaches us what it means to really live and make every moment count.
“Without Kevin’s courage to choose to live fully in his final journey, this ride would not have been possible. Early hospice care gives us time to plan for joy—not just care.” Robin added.
Importantly, choosing hospice early is not giving up. It’s choosing to live with dignity and meaning.
This might have been Kevin’s bucket list day, but there wasn’t a person in the room that left without a core memory made. The riders, the care team, and even the news reporters all felt the ripple effect of Kevin’s strength in choosing to ride on his terms.
Start the Conversation—Make Every Moment Count
Kevin’s experience proves hospice care goes far beyond comfort in the final days—it’s about living fully for as long as possible. If you or someone you love is facing a serious illness, start the conversation early. Give yourselves the gift of time: for care, connection, and moments like Kevin’s ride.
- Visit hopva.org
- Call 434-817-6900
