LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) – Roughly 1.8 million Americans enter hospice care every year. The specialized care focuses on compassion, but it can also be a financial hurdle for families who have a loved one seeking those services.

A fundraiser by one group is designed to help another nonprofit take those burdens off a family’s shoulders.

Felica Rodriguez is the director of operations for Faithful Journey Home Care. Brianna Ahmische is the director of operations for the nonprofit Dave’s Wish.

Faithful Journey Home Care provides caregivers for seniors either in the comfort of their own home or during a hospital stay. Rodriguez said it can be difficult early on for family members to find the adequate care for their loved ones.

“It’s stuff that they’re usually unfamiliar with. It’s their first time in all of this. It’s confusing, it’s overwhelming and it’s really hard to navigate. We just try to help however we can,” Rodriguez said.

Dave’s Wish got its beginnings in 2011, when David Wayne Schuchard, who was battling pancreatic cancer, wanted to make life a little easier for those navigating its most challenging moments. In the 15 years since, Ahmische said the nonprofit has been able to do just that.

“We have helped loved ones come from out of state to visit their dying loved ones. We have paid for all kinds of respite care, care giving support by utilizing care giving companies to come in and help relieve the burden of care for families,” Ahmische said.

A colorful collaboration brings the two organizations together.

“It’s been really fun. It’s a giant community game of tag,” Rodriguez said.

If you see flamingos, that means you’ve been flocked. Flyers are provided that let you know this is a fundraiser and if you donate any amount, you get to pick the next business who will have these long-legged animals stop by and visit.

All proceeds will go to Dave’s Wish to help families who have patients in hospice care with expenses such as groceries, rent and other necessities.

“We are able to mark something off of their list, which makes them feel accomplished, which gives them hope to continue to do this another day,” Ahmische said.

“It is all about dignity, quality of life, and making sure people can stay at home or stay comfortable as long as possible,” Ahmische said.