Wish Comes True for Hospice Patient at The Village

Russell Crownover, 89, a Hospice patient at The Village at Morrisons Cove, Martinsburg, was recently a recipient of the Dandelion Project.

The Dandelion Project is unique to VIP Hospice, Erica Coppersmith, a social worker for VIP Hospice, said. She said the Dandelion Project gives patients an opportunity to compete an activity that would not have been possible without the help of Hospice.

Crownover, who has bladder cancer, has always wanted to go to an Altoona Curve baseball game. His wish was granted on May 16, as two LPNs (Ron McConahy and Casey Brockus) from the Village took Crownover to a Curve game. Crownover said he "loved it" and had a lot of fun and even enjoyed one beer. He thought the fireworks were also great. He loves the Hospice staff and considers them like family.

Crownover was born in Altoona and moved to Williamsburg at the age of 17. He served his country by being in the Marines. After the Marines he married and had six children to his first wife, Elma Roub. Next, he married Sandy Rattner, who had three boys.

Crownover was a butcher in Williamsburg and ran a store with his father and family called Crownovers. According to Crownover, the store closed in 1986. He has been at the home now for about a year and a half and is on Hospice.

Projects such as the Dandelion Project are not funded by Medicare or insurance but mean so much to the patient.