Tree of Light Ceremony Supports Grieving Families 

There are times when life feels heavier than words can express—the empty chair at the holiday table, the quiet where laughter once filled the room, and the memories that come rushing back without warning. At Adventist Health, we believe these moments deserve to be met with deep care, a gentle touch and a presence that transforms grief into a shared journey instead of a lonely one.   

On December 9, our Tree of Lights ceremony embodied this belief in the heart of Bakersfield. The evening was illuminated not just by lights, but by the spirit of Christmas—a promise that love endures even in the face of loss. Families and friends gathered to reflect and remember, honoring a season that holds both joy and heartache.  

This deeply moving event underscored the mission of our hospice team, whose calling goes beyond medicine. Care Manager Michelle Wilms, RN, expressed it beautifully: “Being there for a patient during one of the most difficult times of their life is a privilege. It is a service that brings comfort, love, and hope in the way God would have us do. Hospice completes the work we give our whole heart to, from the first breath to the last.”  

Hospice care at Adventist Health is more than a service—it is a commitment to stand as a steady presence during life’s tender moments. Since 2021, Adventist Health Hospice and Home Health has served more than 220 patients and their families across Kern County, providing compassionate care in homes, skilled nursing facilities, assisted living centers and hospitals. With every patient, our team offers not just expertise, but a familial embrace of care and compassion.  

However, not every aspect of this care is covered by insurance. Services like bereavement support for families, holistic therapies, and spiritual guidance rely heavily on donor support. This is why we are proud to launch the Hospice Fund, a testament to our promise of personalized care. This fund ensures that families have access to expert care, compassionate comfort, and practical assistance exactly when it’s needed most. It is a promise to care for each patient with the same love and dedication we would show our own family. 

The Tree of Lights ceremony was not just about illumination but about the lives those lights represent. Each glowing bulb was a symbol of love remembered, lives cherished, and families supported through their hardest days. The stories shared during the evening were a powerful reminder that grief, though deeply personal, is never truly solitary. Together, we found strength, gratitude and resilience.  

You can be the light in someone’s journey. Your donation to the Hospice Fund today can bring comfort and care to families when they need it most. Donate today to support hospice care and help make every moment a meaningful one.