When someone you love is nearing the end of their life, peace and dignity matter more than ever.
That’s what the compassionate care of Margaret Bahen Hospice and Doane House Hospice makes possible for families in our community – families like Michelle’s.
As the youngest of four children, Michelle was particularly close with her brother Dennis. “I idolized him,” she recalls. “Dennis was like a superhero to me.” She fondly recalls a childhood full of outdoor adventures and weekends spent at cottages with friends and family.
The two remained close into adulthood, with each raising three kids of their own. “Nothing mattered more to him than his children and his family,” Michelle says.
When Dennis was diagnosed with stage four cancer, he did his best to remain positive despite the pain and challenges of chemotherapy. As he neared the end of his life, his daughter phoned Michelle to tell her he was being transferred to Margaret Bahen Hospice.
“From the minute I walked in through the door, everything I’d thought about hospice was out the window,” Michelle explains. “It was bright and beautiful. I immediately felt a sense of peace.”
While residential and community hospice care offers important support for those affected by or caring for an individual with a life-threatening illness, it is not fully government-funded as many people assume. We rely on your generosity to fund many of our operational costs and provide families with the personalized care that make all the difference.
As Michelle recalls her experience with Margaret Bahen Hospice, she says it’s is the best place during the worst days.
She recalls little touches that stood out to her: the knitted afghan a staff member brought Dennis, his favourite music playing on the radio in his room, and a kitchen constantly stocked with food and drinks for visiting family members.
“It meant the world for Dennis to pass in such a loving, caring environment,” Michelle says. “This place is run by angels.”
Michelle remembers Dennis as a man with a heart of gold who would do anything for anyone. He worked for the same company from age 17 until his death at 55, and remained best friends with their brother Rob throughout his lifetime. While he loved fishing, his biggest passion and pride was being a father. Dennis’ passing left a massive hole in his family and friends’ lives.
Though she misses her brother every day, Michelle is grateful his final days were spent at Margaret Bahen Hospice. “The day before he passed, I told him I’m so proud of you and I love you forever. We were heartbroken, but it was a beautiful experience. It felt like hospice staff went above and beyond for my family.”
Wanting to give back, Michelle and her family have participated in the Hike for Hospice for the last three years in support of Margaret Bahen Hospice and Doane House Hospice. “We will walk every year for him, and for hospice,” she says.
Donor support gives families access to programs they need at the time they are needed. By coming together to provide both community and residential palliative care, we are better able to support residents in York Region. With your help, we can bring peace and dignity to more people – and provide unparalleled comfort to those who love them.
Please, donate now to support more families like Michelle’s.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Adams
Vice President, Philanthropy
Better Living Charitable Foundation
P.S. The funding gap for hospice care is pretty steep: it’s donors who fund $850,000 of our $1.85 million operating costs each year. That’s why we urgently need your support today! Please give as generously as you are able.