Final Ink: Charlene’s 86th Birthday Gift

Charlene’s 86th birthday wish was to get a tattoo. But not just any tattoo.

Charlene wished for a tattoo bearing her four children’s names so that she could keep them close to her heart. She wanted to “carry a piece of them to heaven” with her when she passed.

Amber, her hospice social worker, was moved by Charlene’s wish and was determined to help make her wish come true. She researched options and found a local tattoo parlor willing to help. Then, she reached out to the Elara Caring Hospice Foundation for funding.

A date was set, but as Charlene’s health continued to decline, it became clear she wouldn’t be able to make the trip to the tattoo parlor. Even so, her dream of getting the tattoo never waned.

Knowing of Charlene’s situation, Johnny Shahan, owner of Old 81 Tattoo, decided to come to her.

Johnny turned Charlene’s bedroom into his studio and went to work. Hours later, Charlene looked down to see her children’s names beautifully displayed on her arm—a gift she had truly longed for.

Thanks to your generous support, Charlene received one of the best birthday gifts of her life. You brought her pure joy and peace during her final days.