91-Year-Old Hospice Patient Gets Wish of Riding Harley

SEPT. 12, 2024

Wilmington, NC – Recently, 91-year-old hospice patient Joyce “Rosie” Johnson got the ride of her life. Perched on the back of a Harley Davidson, Johnson received her bucket list wish. While she is no stranger to adventure or riding on motorcycles, when asked what her bucket list wish might be Johnson told Rachel Hussey, her Lower Cape Fear LifeCare hospice social worker, she wanted to ride on a Harley as she had never ridden on one of those before.

Johnson, born in Walton-on-Thames, Surrey in England, now resides in Southport with her daughter, Robin. She has always had an adventurous spirit and her life has been filled with exciting experiences. She was once on stage with acclaimed actress Julie Andrews. She’s been around the TT course on the Isle of Man full speed on a racing bike, been parascending, and rowed for England and competed in the European Championship in France. So,  requesting a ride on a Harley seemed tame in comparison.

Hussey reached out to Frank Bellini who a friend told her had provided her with a fun-ride on his Harley. Frank and his friend, Ed Embly, both retired USMC Master Gunnery Sergeants and members of Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association Silver Coast Chapter NC 15-13 (CVMA 15-13) were thrilled for the opportunity to fulfill Johnson’s wish. Bellini is the group’s  Chapter Commander and Embly Road Captain.

On the day of the ride, Johnson’s daughter and hospice care team were there to see her off. As the trio road off, Johnson waved back at group excitedly. The two Harleys and their riders toured around Southport on a perfect late August day, all equally enjoying the ride and each other’s company.

Johnson was presented with a poker chip and patch from CVMA 15-13 to commemorate the ride and wish. Bellini and Embly thanked Hussey for blessing them with this opportunity to meet Johnson and fulfill her wish. They also said they would be happy to do it again whenever Johnson wanted.

Johnson told Hussey she was ready for more wishes and adventures including flying in a helicopter and seeing Southport area from the air, skydiving, and zip lining.

Lower Cape Fear LifeCare is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing access to the highest quality LifeCare, education, and supportive services to our patients, their families, and the communities we serve. For more information, visit lifecare.org.

Pictured from left are Ed Embly, CVMA 15-13 road captain; Vanessa Homan, RN; Rachel Hussey, social worker; Robin Johnson, daughter; Joyce “Rosie” Johnson; Denise Williams, CNA; and Frank Bellini, CVMA 15-13 chapter commander.