Who:
Bonnie Osif, volunteer, WellSpan Gettysburg Hospital
Michael Dellosso, practice manager, WellSpan Medical Oncology & Hematology

What:
In the quiet moments after a loved one is lost, words often fall short. At WellSpan Gettysburg Medical Oncology, a simple yet deeply meaningful gesture is helping families navigate grief – a memory pillow made from a cherished piece of clothing, sewn with care and given with compassion.

For therapy dog volunteer and seamstress Bonnie Osif, the work is personal.

When she was first asked to create memory pillows, her thoughts immediately went to her dear friend Dan, who had passed away.

“He was a wonderful person,” Bonnie shared. “My therapy dog, Danny, is named after him. Remembering Dan and the comfort his memory still brings made the decision easy. If I could make someone feel even a little bit more comfortable while grieving a life lost, I’d love that.”  

Bonnie approaches each pillow with deep respect and intention. She’s careful to preserve the clothing and handle it thoughtfully, knowing how meaningful it is.

For Michael Dellosso, practice manager, WellSpan Medical Oncology & Hematology, the memory pillow is an extension of care – one that continues even after treatment ends.

When a patient passes, Michael waits a few weeks before reaching out, allowing families space to grieve. He then calls to offer condolences and gently explains the memory pillow.

“I make sure they understand there is no cost,” he said. “This is a gift from WellSpan and the Cancer Center.” If a family chooses to participate, Michael works to ensure the exchange of clothing and pillow never becomes a burden.

Families’ reactions are often emotional. “They’re very grateful,” Michael shared. “Bonnie does a remarkable job.”

The pillow becomes something families can hold onto – literally. “It’s something they can touch, snuggle and keep close,” Michael said. “That empty spot on the sofa can be occupied with something tangible that reminds them of the spouse, parent, sibling or friend who is absent. Often, the clothing still carries the aroma of the loved one.”

Words to live by:
For Michael, offering comfort beyond clinical care is deeply meaningful. “It shows we truly care, even after we’ve stopped treating their loved one,” he said. “The pillow shows that we still think about them. We still care. And we grieve with them.”

For Bonnie, the experience reinforces a simple truth she lives by: “We need a lot more kindness and consideration for others in this world,” she said. “This is just a small way to do that.”

Through thoughtful hands, compassionate hearts and a shared commitment to caring, the memory pillow initiative reminds families that even in loss, they are not alone.