Hospice Palliative Care Stories
Stories shared here reflect not only the meaningful support that hospice palliative care can bring, but also the challenges in accessing it. Through these honest experiences, we see both the heartache and the hope, the struggle and the strength. These voices remind us why improving access to quality hospice palliative care matters in every community, across every setting.
Stefanie’s Story
The Hospice at Home through Humber River Hospital gave my father and family the best gift we could have asked for – time. My father was diagnosed with Stage IV lung cancer in January 2025. As he was admitted to hospital, Hospice at Home was set up immediately. I credit them for helping my father manage his pain and his ability to conquer 12 rounds of chemotherapy.
Unfortunately, my father passed in October 2025, however as a family, we were able to be with him every single hour of the day in the comfort of our home, his sanctuary. We did not need to return to the hospital post January 2025 admission. We had access to nurses who came in every other day as well as the Physician through Dorothy Ley Hospice. He helped us navigate my father’s new normal and was able to provide him pain management and hope. Access to this type of program takes the burden off of families and our loved ones who are suffering and makes room in hospitals for cases that need to be there. I can confidentially say my father was happy to pass peacefully at home, with my mother by his side.
This is the way he could leave with his dignity still intact, no machines or heavy drugs. He was lucid until the very last day and that will always remain a happy memory for my family and I. We are so thankful that a program exists like this and we were lucky to experience it through Humber River Hospital. Our only wish moving forward is this is accessible across all hospitals, for all families.
