INDIANAPOLIS — Facing the fact that her 57-year-old husband, Arthur, had only weeks to live was difficult enough for Mattie Shelley. When the stately oak tree that had been in her yard for as long as she’d lived in her home was felled by a storm, it was just one more burden she couldn’t handle.

The staff at Heartland Hospice who was caring for Arthur Shelley, Jr., knew his wife didn’t need any more stress. So they asked Angie’s List to take care of the tree while the couple, who spent their years traveling and are the proud grandparents of 24 children, focused on their remaining days together.

“We are a hospice organization and we focus our attention on the patients in our care,” said Dustin Zeigler, coordinator and director of volunteer services at Heartland Hospice. “But part of that involves meeting needs and concerns of a patient’s family as well. During this stressful and emotional time of their life, a fallen tree in their yard should be one of their last concerns.”

Angie Hicks, founder of Angie’s List, said the situation was a perfect scenario for the Angie’s List Wishmakers program.

“Wishmakers is designed to help people through stressful times, and we were thrilled to have been able to help lift this burden from Mrs. Shelley’s shoulders,” Hicks said.

Indiana Tree Service stepped in, at Angie’s List’s request, to remove the tree at no cost. Felicia Clemons, co-owner of the company, said she was happy to help. “We know the costs involved in removing a tree of that size and felt that it was time for us to give back to the community and help someone else,” she said.

Do you know someone who needs a helping hand? Send your nomination to wishmakers@angieslist.com.

 

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