NEOMED Student Serenades Hospice Couple on 52nd Anniversary

There are many ways to help others in the community during a pandemic, as demonstrated time and time again by the NEOMED community throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Third-year College of Medicine student Omar Azem found a creative way to use his talents to help a local family celebrate a very meaningful milestone.

Azem volunteers for Serenity Hospice in Stow, Ohio, where he met a couple, Cameron and Jeanie, who were preparing to celebrate their 52nd wedding anniversary. However, it looked as if it would be a bittersweet celebration, since they would need to keep a safe six-foot physical distance apart.

Azem had the perfect idea to lift their spirits – using his vocal talents to serenade the couple during a small anniversary party at Serenity Hospice.

The celebration started with Azem’s rendition of L-O-V-E by Nat King Cole, and it didn’t take long for other residents to begin opening their windows to listen along.

“It almost felt like a little concert!” exclaimed Azem.

Jeanie was brought to tears by the moment, while Cameron hummed and clapped along with the music. The couple’s daughter thanked Azem, telling him it was the most emotion she has seen her father display since the progression of his dementia. Azem joined the family (from a safe physical distance) for cake as they shared some of their fondest memories from 52 years of marriage.

“I had an absolute blast,” Azem said of the experience. “It was a very special afternoon. I was glad to be able to share it with them.”