Hospice Peterborough holds such a special place in the hearts of our family. My hospice journey begins with my son, Patrick, who was diagnosed with Glioblastoma in August of 2016 at just 18 years old.

My son loved volunteering, travelling and being on the water. Patrick loved life.

Patrick came into this world the happiest little soul. He loved life. He had so many friends! He was his high school’s valedictorian, a camp counsellor at Beavermead Beach, a musician and concert goer, and an avid traveler, volunteering his time at an orphanage in Honduras, and an elephant sanctuary in Laos. And he absolutely loved canoeing, swimming, and being near the water.

A series of headaches during the summer after his first year of university led to his cancer diagnosis, and for two years, chemotherapy and radiation kept him well enough to continue studying and working. Patrick’s attitude was remarkable during this time; he certainly never lost his sense of humour!

In the spring of 2018, Patrick’s illness spread and became terminal. It was without a doubt the most difficult time in our lives. He was only 20. We experienced profound and overwhelming sadness.

That’s when we got connected to a supportive care counsellor at Hospice Peterborough. Only a day after I made the call for support, the counsellor was there. Right away, he helped us put things into perspective.

Working with the counsellor, we laughed, and we cried. He gave us tools, and he gave us insights. He even had coffees with our daughters as they processed the loss of their brother. He saw Patrick shortly before he died, too. I was blown away by his dedication to supporting our family.

Donate now to keep Hospice Peterborough supports available.

My dad, John, met his new great grandbaby Millie while in Hospice Peterborough.

Three years following Patrick’s death, my dad was admitted to Hospice Peterborough’s residence for his final moments. He had a good long life, filled with countless weekends at our log cabin and strong friendships. In many ways, he and Patrick were so alike, each with a zest for living fully, simply, and joyfully.

My dad had spent a lot of time at the bedside with so many of his friends and family through their illnesses. When he came to hospice, we were delighted by how easy it was for him to have so many visitors, too. It was like they could return the favour by being there for him. He was so comfortable there, surrounded by people he loved. If you could have a good death, dad had a really good death. We have hospice to thank for that.

After these experiences with hospice, I knew I’d love to give back. I completed the incredible 30-hour Hospice Volunteer training in the Fall of 2024. It ended up being an important part of my grief journey, too.

Every year since 2020 we have participated in Hike for Hospice. Our team, Paddy’s Paddlers, is an ode to Patrick’s love of water and canoeing. This year I joined the volunteer Hike for Hospice Planning Committee, the perfect opportunity for me to give back. This became an amazing experience, full of laughter and joy. I looked forward to the meetings. My husband Pat and I shared a lovely walk together, along with family members who joined virtually, on Hike Day.

Pat and I at this year’s Hike for Hospice.

For nearly 10 years, Hospice Peterborough has been there for me and my family, through multiple losses and grief. I was surprised that despite having all these incredible supports available at no cost, they rely on fundraising to meet client need. You may never meet those who receive your support, but I can tell you from my experience, it means everything.

You have been such a committed supporter of Hospice Peterborough. I hope we can once again depend on your donation so Hospice can continue to be there for families, like mine. A gift of any amount makes such a difference!

In our lives, we are all going to experience death. A place like hospice provides these incredible services – counselling, support groups, and a comfortable home for life’s final moments – at no cost to those who need it. We need your support to keep hospice as vibrant as it is. 

Together, we can give back what Hospice Peterborough gives to so many.

Thank you for reading, I wish you so much light and joy this holiday season.

P.S. – I’ll never forget the kindness that met me at Hospice Peterborough every time. Your support makes that care possible – thank you from the bottom of my heart.