This past weekend we were able to follow a hospice care aide, Pattie Cross, as she shared with us why she chose this selfless career path helping care for the loved ones of others.

Our filming began in northern Michigan at the Freehan residence. As some of you may know, Bill Freehan was a catcher for the Detroit Tigers from 1961-1976, leading the team to victory during the 1968 World Series. Bill was diagnosed with Alzhiemers a few years back and now stays in his up north home on the lake with his wife, Patte Freehan, who is a registered nurse and cares for her husband with the assistance of Bill’s hospice aide, Pattie Cross.

Mrs. Freehan sat and shared with us the touching love story of their life that began when they were just young teenagers, the excitement of playing for the Tigers, and how life is unfolding for them now.

From the Freehan’s, we made our way over to American House Senior Living to see Cross spend some time with a charming couple, Gordon and Maragret, who recently sold their 5-acre home and now reside as tenants at American House. Pattie has become an integral part of Maragret's care team for several months now as Maragret is a last stage cancer patient.

Pattie Cross, a cancer survivor, knew she wanted to help people the same way others helped her in her time of need. Her work leaves her with a sense of pride knowing she is able to provide assistance and care to her patients that she has a deep love for. Hospice care is not an easy feat, but Pattie possesses a great deal of empathy and compassion, which in turn makes her job fulfilling.