As we approach the season of giving, and I reflect on the many gifts our generous community offers each of our residents and their families, I am so grateful. When we are given the privilege of caring

for someone with a terminal illness, we care for their loved

ones as well. It’s important everyone feels supported and we can only do this with your help.

Joan knew nothing about hospice or Lisaard & Innisfree when her husband came into our care. When we first met, she was tired and anxious about the future.

For years before his terminal diagnosis, Jack struggled with dementia. Joan dedicated her days to caring for her husband. On more than one occasion, he told Joan that she should leave because his wife would be home soon, and she would be upset to have such a lovely woman caring for him.

With dementia, Jack would have brief moments of lucidity. One afternoon, they were standing in the window of their apartment when Jack put his hand on Joan’s shoulder and said, “You know, when I’m resting at the funeral home, you will look at me and say, ‘Jack, did I do everything for you that I could?’ Please know that I’ll be answering you and saying, ‘You sure did.’”

On Christmas Eve, while many families were celebrating the season, Joan was watching the love of her life struggle with illness. She knew in her heart that Jack’s health was declining. Her counselor suggested it may be time to move Jack into a hospice and recommended Innisfree House. Joan trusted her counselor and agreed to the move.

Joan was overwhelmed and anxious as they pulled into Innisfree House on Christmas Day at 3:30pm. But when she walked through the door, she was greeted with a reassuring smile and an overwhelming sense of peace.

As they walked down the hall to Jack’s room, his care was completely taken over by the nurses and PSWs. Their calm demeanour and obvious expertise allowed Joan to relax. It had been a very long time since she could just enjoy their time together without worrying about his needs and his health. Once settled in their room, Joan sat with Jack, holding his hand and singing their favourite hymns.

Just six hours after they’d come through our doors, Jack’s

breathing slowed until he took his last breath.

“I will never forget those nurses, the staff, the volunteers,” Joan tells us, “They were all so compassionate. They are real angels of mercy. Innisfree gave me the greatest gift they could… they allowed me to be a wife to my husband just before he died.”

A few weeks after Jack passed, I called to see how Joan was coping. Because of COVID restrictions, I couldn’t visit with her, and I know she felt isolated. We spoke often on the phone until the Family Time group could return to meeting in person.

“At Family Time, I found a safe and comfortable space where I

knew I wouldn’t be judged. I was surrounded by people, beautiful people, who were suffering too. I felt their care and compassion and the great desire they had to ease my pain.”

This holiday season, you can give the gift of compassionate palliative care and support to families, like Joan’s, who come through our doors anxious and uncertain. You can help bring peace and healing.

Your gift of any amount, whether $50 or $5,000, helps reach

families with care beyond the medical essentials. We receive a government subsidy of $0.48 on every dollar of incurred expense,

yet all our services are offered completely free of charge. Everything from the hot soup, to Family Time, to music therapy, and more would not be possible without the generosity of people like you.

Thank you for being a valued member of our hospice family.

I know you understand the necessity of personalized care during

the final days of life, and I’m so grateful for your help in ensuring

this continues at Lisaard & Innisfree Hospice.

Sincerely,

Greg Cressman