In April of 2017, William ‘Bill’ Bierwirth was getting ready to retire after a long career in law enforcement, most recently as a Sergeant at the Wayne Brown Correctional Facility. As an avid outdoorsman, retirement held promises of hikes, lakeside camping, bonfires and family fun. Life was good for Bill and his beautiful bride of 8 years, Rocio. Then one Thursday, everything changed.
At Rocio’s urging, Bill made an appointment to see his doctor. She had noticed a bewildered look on his face a couple of times and thought it could be an ‘absence seizure’. During his appointment, Bill’s doctor said “Humor me with this and stop by the emergency room on your way home,” he encouraged. It had been a long, hot day and Bill didn’t want to go, but Rocio persuaded him to get it out of the way. What the ER doctors found was cause for concern. By Sunday morning, Bill was in surgery. By Sunday noon, they had a diagnosis of stage 4 glioblastoma.
The relative newlyweds were told if they had any big dreams or family events to plan, they should do it soon.
While the doctors conferred with the couple to determine the first round of treatment, Bill struggled to accept the reality of his condition. But Rocio understood the gravity of the situation and realized she was in way over her head. She didn’t know what to do or expect as Bill received radiation and chemotherapy. When a nurse recommended the Foothills Palliative Care program, Rocio gratefully reached out for help.
The Foothills Palliative Care program was a godsend to Rocio and provided the support and guidance she desperately needed. The nurse and social worker were always available to help, whether it was interpreting test results, making recommendations for medications to keep on hand, connecting Rocio to resources and information, or just to commiserate. They were also able to coach her on what she needed to communicate to Bill’s oncology team and how she needed them to communicate with her.
Throughout the next several months, Bill continued treatment. Nevertheless, Rocio could clearly see his slow decline. He was losing cognitive function and experiencing personality changes, headaches and increased weakness. In January of 2018, Bill was admitted to Hospice of the Foothills.
Over the next several weeks, Bill and Rocio received the warm embrace of care given by true hospice professionals. The team was available night and day to help with any problems or issues as they arose. In addition to Bill’s exceptional medical care, Rocio received equal support and attention. When Bill was no longer able to communicate, the team helped her anticipate what was ahead. On January 24, 2018, just nine months following his diagnosis, W5illiam Bierwirth died.
“I am thankful for everything we received in terms of help and encouragement,” said Rocio. “I so appreciate the HOF team being so careful and gentle with him. I had everything I could possibly ask for, short of the cancer going away,” she concluded.
Rocio continues to receive love and support from Hospice of the Foothills. As she navigates the new road ahead, she’s benefiting from the help provided by HOF’s bereavement counseling and support groups. The same strength and courage that carried her through Bill’s illness, will carry her forward in life.