Pacer’s Forever – Resident Jane’s slam dunk of a wish

The players, the memories, the stories from different eras of the game. Basketball has clearly been one of the constants in her life, so when staff at the Morning Light Home asked what she would most love as part of the Making Memories Program, her answer came easily. She wanted to meet someone connected to the Indiana Pacers. Over the last few weeks, that wish slowly turned into something much bigger than expected. Former Pacer and broadcaster Eddie Gill recently stopped by the home to spend time with Jane. The second she saw him she smiled and said, “You’re so handsome!” which immediately got everyone in the room laughing.

The two spent time talking basketball, posing for photos, and sharing stories about the Pacers. Gill signed a photograph for her, brought gifts, and treated the visit less like a public appearance and more like visiting an old friend. Before leaving, he even promised he would call back once their framed photo together was hanging on the wall.

Another surprise arrived when Pacer’s legends Darnell Hillman and Dave Robisch also came to Morning Light to spend time with Jane. Hillman, known to generations of basketball fans as “Dr. Dunk,” still carries the same warmth and energy that made him such a beloved figure during the Pacers’ ABA years. Robisch brought stories from a long professional career that stretched across one of basketball’s most memorable periods. Sitting together in the home talking about old games, legendary players, and Indiana basketball culture, the whole thing felt natural and relaxed. At one point Jane simply smiled and said, “Pacers forever.”

The Morning Light Home provides free end-of-life care for people on hospice who need a safe and supportive place to call home, and we believe every day is precious, and people on hospice need wishes to come true more than ever. Through the Morning Light Making Memories Program we work hard to make that happen. 

https://www.morninglightinc.org/lastwish/# to support today.