The article is part of a series . In it, we present the difficult fates of people who have lost their loved ones, and expert advice on how to cope with the loss. You can also read reports from original cemeteries in Slovakia and inspiring interviews with those who accompany people to the other world.
Meetings with loved ones, friends, a trip to the cottage or to church… People who find themselves in the last stage of their lives have such simple wishes. “Wish Ambulance”, a Czech non-profit organization, transforms the last moments of people with severe health limitations into moments of joy and peace.
The mission of these empathetic people is to provide assistance to patients who are in the terminal stage of the disease or have very limited mobility, so that they can meet or say goodbye to loved ones or places that have become inaccessible to them due to the disease. The non-traditional service is most often ordered by family members or caregivers of the sick, who know what would bring them a little joy and peace. And while the organization doesn’t claim to fulfill people’s last wishes, in many cases it really does.
Most sick or dying people wish for modest things. “We drive with clients to meetings with friends and family, to celebrations, weddings, funerals, we take them home, to the garden or to church. Recently, we even attended a concert by the Czech band Kabát,” says founder Igor Kytka. “Wishes that we do not fulfill are mostly due to the client’s very serious health condition or his death,” he adds.
An idea and a story
The organization was established in 2022, when it was founded by three people, gradually joined by volunteers who were inspired by the desire to help. They fulfilled their first wish in 2023, to date there are 140 of them. However, the idea of establishing such an exceptional service arose several years ago. “At the beginning of our project, there was an effort to help people who are in long-term social isolation due to their health condition,” says Kytka.
They found inspiration in the Netherlands, where the initiative of the same name has been operating since 2007. The organization transports patients to the desired locations and accompanies them throughout the journey. They have found support from individuals, companies and foundations that contribute to the operation and finance the trips. The “Wish Ambulance” fulfills people’s wishes for free. “The selfless work of volunteers who help in their free time is also very important, and some companies provide discounts on entry to events or facilities.”
The first wish – a trip home
One of the stories that remained deep in the memory of the founders and volunteers is their first wish fulfilled. “It was cold and it was snowing heavily, I didn’t know where the horizon ended and the road began. We were driving the gentleman from the center in Vysočina back home. His family was waiting for him in his native house. There were about fifteen people in the cozy raspberry living room, and we carried him there on a stretcher so he could celebrate his birthday,” recalls Kytka.
This story has become a symbol of the essence of the “Wish Ambulance”, it shows how simple wishes seriously ill people and their families can have and what it means to them.
Emotions and empathy
“The ‘Wish Ambulance’ team consists of more than 30 people, four of whom ensure the running of the organization, the coordination of wishes, the quality of services provided, communication with donors and the management of social networks. The majority of the team is made up of drivers and paramedics, they also accompany clients on their journeys,” explains the founder of the organization.
It’s physically demanding and emotionally draining work, helping people going through serious illnesses requires a great deal of empathy. The organization provides its volunteers with access to crisis intervention services and psychological support, helps them manage the difficult situations they encounter.
Not everyone can do it
Igor Kytka emphasizes that when choosing, they are looking for people capable of handling not only organizational tasks, but also the emotional side of this work. They often rely on intuition because it is difficult to predict how a person will cope with difficult situations.
The team also faces many practical challenges. When transporting clients on stretchers, they must take into account narrow corridors, uneven terrain or the absence of elevators. Each wish requires thorough preparation and cooperation so that clients experience not only the fulfillment of their wish, but also a feeling of safety and comfort. He manages even the most complicated ones, often having to secure a suitable crew or call in helpers. Neighbors or firefighters often join.
About grief and life
“Wish Ambulance” has gone through a difficult path full of challenges, experiences and profound moments since its inception. The founders and team have learned a lot along the way, not only about people, but also about grief and life itself. If they could send one message to society as a whole, it would be a reminder to cherish relationships and nurture them while we have the time and opportunity to do so.
Every fulfilled wish is proof of courage and empathy. In the future, the ‘Wish Ambulance’ has the ambition to increase the number of fulfilled wishes and to constantly improve the quality of its services. Although they have not yet considered expanding their scope to Slovakia, the founders are open to the idea that their mission could one day find its place here as well.
If you have lost a loved one, there are several non-profit organizations that can help you grieve
Cycle of life: they accompany people when they lose a loved one. Contact: info@kolobehzivota.sk
Clematis: If you lose a child, you can contact Plamenok by filling out . You can also seek help from them for your child who is going through the loss of a loved one.
OZ Hands: when losing a baby or after losing a pregnancy. Contact: info@tanana.sktel. no. +421 944 985 074.
If you are not feeling well, you can also seek help from the helplines
Nezabudka hotline: 0800 800 566
Crisis helpline: 0800 500 333,
Good line – a specialized helpline for young people with disabilities,
Ipko – free and anonymous online counseling for young people, poradna@ipcko.sk
