Gratitude. Compassion. Dignity. Celebrating the 15 Year Anniversary of Carefor Hospice Cornwall
Story by Carol Sauve
Gratitude. Compassion. Dignity. These are three words that were frequently mentioned during the recent 15 Year Anniversary Celebration for Carefor Hospice Cornwall held September 11th. Over the past 15 years they have supported 1,250 people and families with end of life care since their opening in 2009 to residents of the City of Cornwall, Stormont, Dundas, Glengarry, Prescott and Russell Counties.
Angela Labelle, Hospice Manager, is thankful to the community for their support for the past 15 years wich has allowed them to deliver the services they provide. Fundraising efforts are continuous and their annual Teleton, to be held in November, will help with the purchase of new beds.
Jason Samson, Director of Client Care, mentions that “a generation is often defined by 20 years and Carefor Hospice Cornwall is not that far off. Some families have had two or three family members pass away at Hospice.” He mentions the traditional gift of the 15 year anniversary is crystal. Samson noted that “crystal is a symbol of durability and it definitely compares to the facility as its durability it is evident from the hard word and dedication put in over the past fifteen years.” He says Hospice “helps to demistify death and dying by providing expert end of life care”. He emphasized that its success is largely based on the strong group of volunteers which was echoed by many of the speakers at the event.
Steve Perry, Carefor President & Chief Executive Officer of Hospice, acknowledged the history in the room as attendees included people involved in the creation of Hospice and the reason it began in Cornwall, people who were there when it opened and the team that are continuing to build on it. “Many people do not realize what Hospice is about until it’s needed. A seed was planted by Dr. Mary Jane Randlett, also in attendance, and Jean Courville over 15 years ago. That seed has continued to grow and has now evolved into homes with grievance services and palliative care”. Dr. Randlett was the first Medical Director at Carefor Cornwall Hospice and continues as a volunteer and Board member. She says “I am very proud since Day 1 with Jean” and she knows the importance of the facility and continues to look forward to its future. “It was intended for not only Cornwall but all of the 5 Eastern Counties and continues to serve them today”.
MPP Nolan Quinn and MP Eric Duncan were also in attendance and also commended the community support and commitment shown by volunteers, donors and sponsors to SD&G and Akwesasne. Mr. Duncan congratulated Dr. Randlett for continuing to advocate and commented on the difference that Hospice has made in the lives of so many people. He states “Often we forget to humanize but that perspective is most impactful when you experience it personally” which he has had while visiting Hospice personally for friends. Mr. Quinn added that he travels frequenly throughout not only Ontario but many other areas and added “I recognize and appreciate SD&G and the sense of community we have here. We are blessed with volunteers”.
Current Medical Director Dr. Diane Poilly mentions, “the goal of Hospice is to maximize comfort and dignity in someone’s final days to allow them the chance to spend precious time together”. This was confirmed by Mrs. Peggy Haramis who offered her thanks for the support given to her family when she lost her mother. She commented that she is thankful and said “Hospice allowed me and my family to feel welcomed and at peace and allowed us to say farewell with the dignity that my mother so deserved”. With 40 staff and volunteers which includes nurses, PSWs, a chef, maintenance staff and many others, Dr. Poilly says, “people come to Hospice with a lifetime of experiences, each one unique. Volunteers and staff bring their time and compassion and enter in a difficult time in their lives to bring comfort and light”. She commented that staff are often involved or connected in the lives of those families even after their family members have passed on which is not necessary but that “this speaks to the beauty of human nature”.
