Finding Strength in the Journey: John Halley’s Story
For John Halley, life has always been about resilience. Growing up in West Baltimore, he was raised in a close-knit, religious family that cherished holidays, family gatherings, and togetherness. As the oldest sibling, John has always carried a sense of responsibility, looking out for his brother and two sisters.
Throughout his life, John has embraced learning and self-improvement. A natural musician, he plays the bass and lead guitar. He’s a sports enthusiast who enjoys ping pong, pool, and basketball. His passion for martial arts, instilled in him by his grandfather at the age of five, has helped shape his mental and physical resilience. He’s also a skilled handyman, having worked in construction and home repair, always eager to learn and take on new challenges.
A Life-Altering Diagnosis
Recently, John’s life took an unexpected turn. What began as persistent stomach pain soon became unbearable. Despite trying over-the-counter medications, the pain persisted. One day, feeling weaker than ever, he made his way to his father’s house and told him, “Dad, take me to the hospital.” He had a sinking feeling that something was seriously wrong.
At the hospital, doctors ran tests, and John received devastating news—he had pancreatic cancer. The diagnosis was overwhelming. As he began to educate himself on his illness, fear set in, but so did a sense of preparation. He knew he had to face whatever lay ahead with strength and faith.
Finding Support with Gilchrist
When John’s doctors told him there were limited treatment options, they suggested hospice care, and Gilchrist is the first name mentioned. At first, John wasn’t sure what to expect, but looking back, he’s grateful for the support he’s been receiving since starting service in November.
Today, John receives compassionate hospice care from Gilchrist while residing with his mother and one of his sisters in Middle River. His two children and six grandchildren live nearby in Baltimore, providing him joy and connection. With Gilchrist’s comprehensive support—including regular visits from a registered nurse case manager, personal care from hospice aides, counseling from social workers, and spiritual care from chaplains—John experiences comfort and dignity. The support of his mother and sister, combined with the love of his children and grandchildren, further enriches his daily life, giving him strength and purpose. “This crew—they’ve been incredible,” he says. “My nurse, social worker, and chaplain bring good energy, and that’s important to me. They check in on me, call me, ask how I’m feeling. Sometimes I tell them, ‘No, not today,’ and they say, ‘Okay, we hope you feel better. We’ll see you next time.’”
A Message of Faith and Strength
John has a message for others who may be facing similar struggles: “You gotta have faith. If you don’t believe in something, it’s not gonna help you.”
He encourages others not to see hospice as an ending but as a way to embrace life more fully. “Nobody really knows how long they have—doctors can estimate, but only God knows,” he says. “Just keep striving. Keep going. Some days will be rough, but they’ll pass. Believe in yourself, keep your head up, and have faith. That’s what helps me.”
John Halley’s story is one of strength, faith, and the power of connection. Through life’s hardships, he continues to find ways to move forward, surrounded by the love of his family and the compassionate care of Gilchrist.