Phoebe Sumter Helps Hospice Patient Say Final Goodbyes To Moonshine and Cowboy, Her Beloved Animals
Americus, GA | November 14, 2025 – It was a shocking and sudden health crisis. Decades ago, Kate Morton found out she had pulmonary fibrosis, a chronic lung disease characterized by scarring and thickening of lung tissue that can prevent the lungs from properly delivering oxygen to the bloodstream. But she had never experienced significant symptoms, and she never shared the diagnosis with anyone.
Abruptly, at age 69, Kate experienced what’s called an acute exacerbation. She began having trouble breathing and was taken to Phoebe Sumter Medical Center where she learned her disease was so advanced, there was no effective treatment. Kate decided to enter hospice care at Phoebe Sumter where a compassionate team of healthcare professionals dedicated themselves to making her last days as comfortable and meaningful as possible.
“Caring for her was an honor. I was grateful to be able to support her through such a difficult journey with pulmonary fibrosis. Knowing how this illness has touched my own family made the experience especially meaningful to me. I hope the comfort, dignity and peace we worked to provide brought some ease to her and all who loved her,” said Maggie Gonzalez, RN, a Phoebe Sumter critical care nurse.
As they learned of the seriousness of Kate’s illness, her family and friends quickly gathered by her side. At one point they joked that, despite all the humans there to support her, Kate’s only wish was to see her horse, Moonshine.
“She was just an animal person,” Kate’s close friend Sunday Laramore said. “She was an amazing horse trainer. She had been doing that since very early adulthood. She got Moonshine when he was 18 months-old, and she’s done everything with that horse. They just had an amazing bond.”
Kate’s condition was too unstable for her to return home to visit Moonshine, so the Phoebe Sumter care team began formulating a plan to bring Moonshine – and Kate’s dog, Cowboy – to the hospital to see her. Less than an hour after the team learned of Kate’s desire to see her animals, the pets were loaded up and on the way to the hospital.
“It was our honor and privilege to care for Kate and to help fulfill her final wish of seeing her beloved horse, Moonshine, and dog, Cowboy, one more time. Moments like this are a powerful reminder of why we do what we do every single day. Our team is committed to providing not only exceptional medical care, but also heartfelt support that honors the dignity, joy and individuality of each patient. Being able to give Kate and her family this meaningful experience is something we will never forget,” said Kelsey Reed, DNP, Phoebe Sumter Chief Nursing Officer & Chief Operating Officer.
The staff coordinated with Air Evac Lifestream – which is headquartered on the Phoebe Sumter campus – to use their helipad for the meetup. They notified EMS and ambulance services to turn off their lights and sirens as they entered the campus so as not to spook the animals. And they made a plan to safely bring Kate down from her room to the helipad.
“It meant everything in the world to her. We surprised her, so she didn’t know where she was going. When she saw Moonshine and he saw her, she had the biggest smile on her face. It was the best thing any of us could have done for her right then,” Laramore said.
Kate got to spend about an hour with Moonshine and Cowboy, surrounded by her daughter, sister, other relatives and close friends. The staff brought apples from the hospital cafeteria so Kate could feed Moonshine one of his favorite treats one last time. It was a moment of both profound sadness and immense joy that greatly impacted, not just Kate and her loved ones, but her caregivers as well.
“I am truly grateful that I was part of her visit with Moonshine and Cowboy. Her face lit up as we turned the corner outside to see her animals. It was very moving to make this small request a reality. She was surrounded by love throughout her stay, and it was an honor to be part of Ms. Kate’s last ride,” said Carrie Hawkins, RN.
A week and a half after her diagnosis, and just a few days after her last meeting with Moonshine and Cowboy, Kate passed away peacefully with loved ones by her side.
“Kelsey and her team were unbelievable. They took such good care of Kate. From the time we arrived in the emergency center until Tuesday (when she passed), we could not have been more satisfied and happier with the care,” Laramore said. “Kate was spectacular. She was genuine. She was kind to everyone. She’s going to be missed.”
Kate’s family has asked that anyone wishing to honor her memory donate to Phoebe Sumter Hospice. Donations may be made online through the Phoebe Sumter Foundation or by calling 229-931-1300.