By Guest Contributor Jeff Crume, Chaplain

On April 16, at 4 p.m., friends, family and caregivers gathered at Shugrue’s Restaurant & Bar in Lake Havasu City for a very special occasion – Toast to Life: Cheryl Hastie.

What began as a simple conversation between a chaplain and a patient blossomed into an unforgettable evening of love, laughter and tribute to one woman’s strength and spirit.

For nearly a year, I’ve had the honor of visiting Cheryl Hastie in her home at Serenity Assisted Living. During each visit, I’d ask her one simple question: “What’s your One Thing?”— a moment to reflect on what mattered most to her in that season.

Most days, Cheryl’s answer was “to get better.”

After suffering a stroke in early 2024, followed by emergency brain surgery due to a brain aneurysm, Cheryl faced an uphill battle in recovery. The stroke impaired her speech, but not her will or her humor.

Over time, I learned about Cheryl’s love for Bailey’s and bourbon. On many visits, I’d “sneak” in a small sip of her favorites, and we’d sit together, sharing stories, sipping spirits and connecting beyond words.

Then one day, her “One Thing” changed.

“I want to get out of here,” Cheryl said with quiet determination. “I want a field trip. I want to go see the lake, eat at a fancy restaurant, and toast to life.”

That was all I needed.

Cheryl Hastie enjoys dessert at Shugrue’s Restaurant and Bar./Photo courtesy of Jeff Crume, Chaplain

With Cheryl’s dream in mind, plans were quickly set into motion. Shugrue’s Restaurant & Bar generously donated a space and dessert. Cheryl’s care team, including Julie and Kenny Northern of Serenity Assisted Living, and Brittany Fontes, Director of Clinical Services at Compassus Hospice, came together to coordinate logistics, health needs and emotional support. Cheryl’s stylist for the evening, Angel from Serenity, made sure she looked and felt like the star she is.

Cheryl Hastie is made beautiful for her “toast of life” by her sytlist Angel from Serenity./Photo courtest of Jeff Crume, Chaplain

When Cheryl arrived at Shugrue’s that afternoon – makeup done, hair styled, and beaming – her entire family was there to greet her, including grandchildren.

Cheryl Hastie arrives at her “toast of life” at Shugrue’s Restaruant and Bar./Jeff Crume, Chaplain

Hospice leadership, Serenity staff, and many who’ve walked alongside Cheryl in her journey gathered around a table overlooking the lake to honor her life, her grit, and her grace. There were stories shared, memories made, and a toast that brought tears to many eyes—including mine.

Cheryl Hastie enjoys dessert with a group of friends at her “toast to life.”/Photo courtesy Jeff Crume, Chaplain

Cheryl Hastie greets some of the guests at her “toast for life.”/Photo courtesy of Jeff Crume, Chaplain

In that moment, Cheryl said simply, “Thank you.” And it meant everything.

Cheryl Hastie enjoys dessert with a group of friends at her “toast to life.”/Photo courtesy Jeff Crume, Chaplain

Photo courtestyJeff Crume, Chaplain

Cheryl Hastie is a woman of deep strength, independence and faith. A devoted Christian, she has always found beauty in creation and creativity – she’s an avid painter, a gardener, a canner and an exceptional cook known for her fish fries and homegrown meals. She once raised chickens and cared for horses, and she lived across several states before settling in Arizona with her husband, who has since passed.

On Feb. 29, 2024, Cheryl was spending time with family, planning a lunch date for the next day. That evening, during a phone call with her sister, Cheryl suddenly cried out in pain – “My head hurts!” – and the line went dead. Somehow, she managed to call her brother Bruce, who sensed the urgency and called 911. She was flown to Las Vegas where she underwent immediate brain surgery.

Since then, Cheryl’s recovery has been one of courage, resilience, and constant prayer.

Thanks to a recommendation from a family friend, Cheryl found her way to Serenity Assisted Living, where she has been cared for as she continues to recover. The team there, alongside Compassus Hospice, has been instrumental in helping her regain strength and dignity.

With the help of Serenity Assisted Living, Compassus Hospice and Shugrue’s Restaurant and Bar, Chaplain Jeff Crume – whose heart was moved by Cheryl’s “One Thing,” took the lead in organizing the event and rallying the community to make her vision a reality.