Charline Leith was a tremendous woman: loyal, genuine and generous, she embraced life and was an inspiration to her family and friends. In 2012, Charline tragically passed away from ovarian cancer.

While she was ill, the Vancouver Home Hospice Palliative Care Service provided care and support to Charline. Her husband Murray was so grateful for the treatment she received, he donated $25,000 to benefit the Palliative Care Program.

“The palliative care team was unbelievably helpful,” explains Murray. “They are so kind and have a true appreciation for the pain that ovarian cancer causes. They understand the urgency of making sure people have the pain medication they need and the care they deserve.”

The Vancouver Home Hospice Palliative Care Service relies on financial support from donors.

Even before his wife’s illness, Murray had personal experience with home hospice services: both his parents received palliative care at the end of their lives. “I’d already gotten to know Bev [Dr. Beverly Spring, Medical Director of the Vancouver Home Hospice Palliative Care Service] and the palliative care team when my mother died in 1999, and my dad ten years ago,” says Murray. “My father had made a provision in his will to make a donation to the Palliative Care Unit when he passed away. It’s something he felt strongly about. The fact is the program relies on financial support from donors.”

Murray has expressed his enormous gratitude and appreciation for the VGH Palliative Care Program, and we are equally grateful to him. Despite his terrible loss, he has nevertheless reached out to help others.

SIDE BAR STORY: QUALITY OF LIFE AT THE END OF LIFE
Every person has the right to die pain-free with dignity, and with family and friends nearby. For some, that means in a hospital, for others a hospice, and for a growing number of people, at home.

Vancouver Home Hospice Palliative Care Service supports people in their homes who are living with a life-limiting illness. Besides being beneficial for the patient, in-home care frees up hospital beds for the most acute needs.

The demand for palliative care services is climbing steadily. Sadly, 40% of the Hospice’s clients don’t have the financial means to afford basic needs such as food, medication or transportation.

Donations to palliative care assist patients in their homes with bathing, laundry, meals and cleaning. Through donor funding, Palliative Care makes this extremely difficult time a bit easier for patients.

Support Vancouver Home Hospice Palliative Care.