Day: September 27, 2023

Stepping into the unknown. It’s the hardest thing to do for most people. After all, humans are wired to seek familiarity; avoid the unknown. Anxiety is perhaps an out-of-date evolutionary mechanism that has kept us safe from threat. Although challenge is difficult, the grit required to push through fear and anxiety can drive unanticipated opportunity. […]

Growing up in the Maritimes, I grew up surrounded by a family and community brimming with extraordinary storytellers. I listened intently to tales of colossal fish, epic love, and grand adventures. Yet, above all others, it was the stories of people that left a lasting mark on me. These stories taught me invaluable lessons, including […]

In anticipation of the upcoming CHPCA Conference in Ottawa this October, we decided to reach out to our lineup of incredible plenary speakers and ask them a few questions about the Conference, Ottawa, and palliative care in Canada! The third and final article in the series features Dr. Kathryn Mannix – renowned palliative care activist, […]

Conversations about death, dying, grief and loss are overwhelming – but the Saint Elizabeth Foundation was pleased to offer a community-based grief support to hospices across the country in recognition and celebration of National Palliative Care Week this past May. The Reflection Room® project is an evidence-based, participatory art installation that supports people in talking […]

In anticipation of the upcoming CHPCA Conference in Ottawa this October, we decided to reach out to our lineup of incredible plenary speakers and ask them a few questions about the Conference, Ottawa, and palliative care in Canada!  This first article in the series features Dr. Hsien Seow and Dr. Sammy Winemaker – hosts of The Waiting Room […]

Fear is that I’m not doing enough for you and that in some way I am letting you down  Grief is that I watch you fade away right in front of me and I want to grab onto every moment while we can  Patience is listening to you repeat the same demands over and over […]

Chilliwack Hospice Society, in partnership with Freedom Reins Equine Connections, hosted their annual day of children’s grief activities on Saturday, June 24. Organized by Child and Youth Program manager Franceska Hills, children and their grownups participated in horseback riding, grooming, creative arts, and time for reflection as part of this special day for group grief […]

Excerpt from the 2023 Revised Edition of There’s No Place Like Home  There is a remarkable difference in the quality of care in a nursing home and a palliative care centre. Naturally, fewer residents and specialized end-of-life care by professionals are key factors.  My mother passed away at the May Court Hospice in Ottawa, where […]

In anticipation of the upcoming CHPCA Conference in Ottawa this October, we decided to reach out to our lineup of incredible plenary speakers and ask them a few questions about the Conference, Ottawa, and palliative care in Canada!  In the first article in the series, we’re featuring Dr. Harvey Max Chochinov – Distinguished Professor of […]