provided to The Santiva Chronicle
John Holiday was a longtime island resident, who lived alone in a small apartment. He was unable to work due to his many medical conditions and struggled to make ends meet with the high costs of his treatments and care. He had few friends and very little contact with his sister or children, his only remaining family members.
Holiday, a name given to him to protect his identity, became known to FISH of SANCAP several years ago, when a neighbor realized she had not seen him for a while. The neighbor reached out to his landlord and FISH, an island organization known for its complete wrap-around services for anyone who lives, works or visits the islands.
A FISH team member and volunteer nurse made a visit to Holiday’s apartment, a place he had not left in about a month. It was untidy and cluttered with old newspapers and clothing. And there was very little food in the kitchen. Holiday appeared to be lethargic and disengaged in conversation. He was weak and barely able to walk, dress or feed himself. He was hungry, confused and angry. He needed immediate assistance.
The FISH team worked with medical professionals and the VA Hospital, assisted with transportation and helped offset the cost of a complete physical, medications, an inhaler and a walker. They provided a list of home health providers and helped interview caregivers until they found a gentleman who would oversee Holiday’s health and well being.
The FISH Food Pantry provided groceries and hygiene items. Holiday was set up with the Meals-by-FISH plan and the FISH team scheduled daily morning check-in calls. They also provided a weekly cleaning service and worked with the Area Agency on Aging, Lee County Veterans Services and other agencies for additional services and referrals that may help Holiday.
Since Holiday had little savings and lived on a fixed income, there were times FISH helped him pay his bills. He even made occasional appearances at the monthly Friendly Faces luncheon, where he and his caregiver made a few friends who would help look in on him. He also reconnected with his sister and adult children through occasional FaceTime chats with the help of FISH.
As time passed, Holiday and his caregiver became well known to the FISH team of staff and volunteers. Eventually his health began to deteriorate and he was diagnosed with cancer, which required several hospital and rehabilitation stays. His out-of-state family became more involved when his health declined. Although several attempts were made to move him closer to them, Holiday always refused and said he wanted to stay in his island home.
He became more and more ill, and eventually cut off communication with his family and refused services from FISH and others. His health never recovered and he was moved into an assisted living facility, where he passed away.
“Not all are happy endings,” Holiday’s sister said. “Please know I remain grateful for all the help and support my brother received from FISH during his last years on Sanibel.” She noted that her brother was not always the easiest to deal with given his medical challenges, but FISH never gave up on him. “I’ll always be grateful for (FISH).”
Holiday’s children are also grateful for the services FISH provided their father in his time of need. “The level of service from FISH was second to none,” they said. “It was a long roller coaster ride for us and Dad, but he is now at peace. We strongly believe FISH played a large role in prolonging his life on Sanibel, his special sanctuary, and never gave up on him, even when he gave up on himself and us.”
FISH is able to provide care to community members like Holiday through its network of individual donors, grants and partnerships with organizations, and the local business community which provide goods, services on an in-kind basis or at a reduced cost. After 40 years of helping neighbors, FISH is still here to help people of all ages, from the smallest ask to emergency assistance. Learn more about FISH, its services and programs, or how you can help our community by visiting FISH of SANCAP online here.