A Wedding Wish Fulfilled at Samaritan Evergreen Hospice

AJ Pieper never imagined his first job at Samaritan Evergreen Hospice would come full circle. Now a professional services coordinator, he first started working as a door screener during the pandemic. From his first day on the job, he felt something different about the hospice house.

“It’s such a small, tight-knit community,” Pieper said. “I fell in love with it right away.”

Years later, hospice became the setting for a day he’ll never forget. Last summer Pieper’s father became critically ill after a sudden infection. After weeks in the hospital, his dad was stable enough to relocate from Idaho to the valley. Shortly after arriving, his body started shutting down and he was admitted to Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center. He then moved to Samaritan Evergreen Hospice House where the focus shifted to comfort care. During this time, Pieper and his fiancée, Dani Finlay, decided to marry quickly so his dad could be there.

“My dad’s last wish was to see us get married,” Pieper said. “He literally fought till the very end to make sure he got through the wedding.”

A Day Built on Love & Support

With only days to plan, Pieper’s colleagues stepped in to make it happen. They found a wedding cake, arranged flowers and turned the Hospice House family room into a wedding space. His supervisor even brought a camera to capture the special moments.

“I’ve only been in my current position since April,” Pieper said. “My team’s generous support made me feel like I’ve been here for 10 years. It’s something I’ll carry with me forever.”

The ceremony on Saturday, Nov. 8, was small and meaningful, filled with joy, gratitude and moments of grief. He still remembers the first hospice wedding he witnessed years ago while working, when a patient’s last wish was to marry their partner. During his own ceremony, Pieper saw how his journey at hospice had returned in an unexpected way.

The hospice care team also played a vital role; the nurses managed medication so Pieper’s dad could be present.

“From the moment we stepped into the house, it eased my worry about my dad,” Pieper said. “They were all so caring and patient.”

The day wasn’t easy, but Pieper is grateful it happened. It honored his father’s wish and showed him the power of compassion in care.

“The care we received was incredible and I couldn’t imagine my wedding day without my dad present,” Pieper said. “I’m incredibly grateful that even after the ceremony and my dad’s passing that the hospice team continued to offer support and resources.”