Princess Luz's final wish: How hospice brought joy and peace to a brave teen

Fredericksburg, Texas — In a place where neighbors greet each other by name and kindness runs deep, Methodist Hospital Hospice and Family Care is more than healthcare, it’s a lifeline of comfort, dignity, and love during life’s hardest moments. Every day, this team works to ensure that patients and families experience peace, compassion, and meaningful memories, even when time feels short.

For Randa Kirchner, Director of Hospice Services, this mission is deeply personal.
“Hospice isn’t about giving up,” Kirchner explains. “It’s about making every day count and helping families find peace and meaning when life’s journey nears its end.”

Recently, that mission came to life in a way that touched everyone involved. Luzmaria Salazar, known to those who loved her as Princess Luz, was just 17 years old, but her courage and faith were far beyond her years. After bravely battling a rare genetic disease that affected her nervous and immune systems she passed away in June of 2025. One of her last wishes was simple yet seemed impossible: she wanted to swim with dolphins.

Her mom, Jessica Gurrola, tried to make that dream happen with a trip to SeaWorld, but the experience fell short. That’s when the hospice team stepped in.

With the help of a hospice volunteer and Virtual Reality technology, Luz’s dream came true in a way no one expected. When the headset was placed on her, something extraordinary happened. Her entire body calmed. The involuntary movements that had plagued her stopped. Her breathing eased, and her oxygen saturation climbed to 95%. She smiled, reached out her hands as if to touch the dolphins, and whispered, “I feel like I’m with them.” Her mother stood at her side, smiling through tears as Luz giggled with excitement.

For several minutes, this critically ill child was truly connected to the outside world, participating in life instead of watching it pass by. Even as her physical abilities diminished, she controlled her experience by simply turning her head. Her pain and anxiety seemed forgotten as she laughed and smiled. “The dolphin was looking right at me!” she exclaimed at one point, her joy filling the room.

Hospice Chaplain Lori Balensiefen reflected on the moment:
“In the days leading up to this, Luz had been anxious and withdrawn. Swimming with dolphins seemed to calm her and yet energize her. Instead of being withdrawn, she laughed, smiled, and interacted with everyone in the room. This experience allowed her to simply be a child again. It’s a moment I will hold in my heart forever.”

“My daughter was fearless and strong,” Gurrola said. “She never cried, even when she knew her time was short. Her faith in Jesus never wavered, and she had a gift for seeing beauty in everything while finding joy in every moment.”

Gurrola also credits the hospice team for their support throughout this journey. 
“Our experience with the hospice team was amazing,” she said, praising R.N. Desiree Avilez for always making sure they felt comfortable and at ease.

The dream of introducing Virtual Reality to patients was inspired by Rick Hipsky, a devoted volunteer who has served Methodist Hill Country Hospice for over a decade. His vision sparked a transformation, and since that first experience, Hospice has upgraded its VR technology to deliver even richer, more immersive journeys. Today, investments in innovative technologies such as these virtual adventures are a cherished part of care, bringing comfort and wonder to patients when they need it most.

At Methodist Hospital Hospice and Family Care, hospice is a team effort built on compassion and expertise. Families gain an entire circle of support—physicians and nurse practitioners manage pain and symptoms and provide guidance through the disease process. Social workers help navigate emotional challenges, nurse aides assist with personal care, and chaplains offer spiritual care that honors every faith and belief. Volunteers bring companionship and warmth, often brightening days with simple acts of kindness.

Luz’s story reminds us that hospice care is about so much more than medical treatment. It is about helping people make the most of the time they have left. Whether it means easing pain, offering emotional and spiritual support, or creating unforgettable moments of joy.

“Our goal is simple,” says Kirchner. “To make sure every person can live fully in the time they have left, and to help families feel supported every step of the way.”

For more information about Methodist Hospital Hospice and Family Care in Fredericksburg, call (830) 997-1336 or visit Methodist Healthcare.