Karen Duby of Guelph saw first-hand the warm, welcoming atmosphere in end-of-life care offered by Hospice Wellington late last year, when her mother, Donna Duby, entered the Guelph facility.
“It was just so tranquil,” Duby said in an interview Sunday at the 11th annual Hike for Hospice fundraising event for the 10-bed palliative care home that provides compassionate care, emotional support and practical help for individuals and their families.
Donna succumbed last December to lung cancer after 25 days at Hospice Wellington, but Duby said she couldn’t image a better place for her mother to spend her last days.
She described it as virtually hallowed ground, where she could stay overnight with her mother and see, first-hand, all the support she received.
Hospice Wellington, through the kindness and care of staff and volunteers, made a difficult situation with cancer one the family could cope with. “It actually gave us some peace and dignity,” Duby said.
“Our journey at hospice is very special,” she told more than 300 people at the fundraising event, held at the Ignatius Jesuit Centre on Guelph’s northern fringe. She said she was honoured to speak for family and friends of Hospice Wellington at the event.
Pleased with the large number of participants, which were more than last year, outgoing Hospice Wellington executive director Rosslyn Bentley said she was struck by the love for her organization that was evident in the personal comments of families.
“It’s the stories that we hear that feed us and inspire us,” Bentley said. “We’re just delighted you’re able to be here today and walk and celebrate life.”
She noted Hospice Wellington turns 35 this year, with celebrations slated for September.
Sunday’s walk featured three and five kilometre walks, as well as historic walking tours of the sprawling Jesuit centre, with participants doing so to raise money through pledges.
Last year’s walk garnered $100,000.
“That is our goal again this year,” resource development co-ordinator Rachel Hopf said in an interview.
The money goes to the not-for-profit short-stay hospice residence on Scottsdale Drive and its programming, all offered free to those who require the services. In addition to fundraising, its budget is supported by government grants and other sources like United Way and service clubs.
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