“Some people think a Hospice is a place where people just go to die. Actually, it is much more than that. A Hospice is a haven where patients are treated with compassion, understanding and dignity. Five years ago, our daughter Linda phoned us from Vancouver with the heart-breaking news that she had been diagnosed with stage four Pancreatic Cancer and had only three months to live – chemotherapy was not an option. At this stage she was most anxious to be accepted at a Hospice.”
The Wheelers live in Berwick, Nova Scotia. We’d like to express our sincere gratitude to the family for sharing Linda’s story and supporting the Valley Hospice Foundation.
Story from the heart…
2019/20 has been a special chapter in the story of the Valley Hospice Foundation. It has been with great joy that together with our community we have witnessed from the ground up, the building of our beloved Hospice.
Our community has waited patiently for the Hospice to open and we are thrilled with the potential it has for touching the lives of many with special care and compassion.
Photo credits: Jamie Robertson and Royal LePage
Virtual Tour of Valley Hospice
(Photo: Christinne Muschi, The Globe and Mail)
Dr. Balfour Mount, Father of Palliative Care in North America announced as honorary Valley Hospice Foundation patron
When you take the time to think about palliative care, you will be struck by its complexity. At its core, it’s about compassionate end-of-life care for the dying and the living; supporting the whole person through individualized and multi-layered medical, nursing, psychological, social, cultural and spiritual care. These are the founding principles established by our dear friend Dr. Mount, who has dedicated his life’s work to establishing palliative care in North America. That’s why we’re honoured to announce Dr. Mount, Father of Palliative Care in North America as an honorary patron of The Valley Hospice.
Dr. Balfour Mount, Honorary Patron
The Valley Hospice Foundation began in response to a community need to offer Valley residents – who for any reason are unable to die at home – and their loved ones a welcoming, quiet and comfortable alternative to hospital-based palliative care.
We believe that the spiritual, cultural and emotional aspects of care at the end-of-life are best served in a peaceful and home like place that has access to nature.
The new 10 bedroom Hospice residence is located in a wooded area on a site near Valley Regional Hospital. It sits on a knoll with the trees between it and Brooklyn Street in Kentville NS.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
Plan a Fundraiser
The Valley Hospice Foundation relies on the generosity and kindness of individuals and organizations to raise funds for the Valley Hospice. In addition to the money raised third party events can raise the profile of the hospice and create new friends for the work of the Hospice.
Join our Circle of Care
What is the Circle of Care?
It is comprised of donors to the Valley Hospice Foundation who have made a commitment to a monthly donation of any size.
Volunteer
If you are interested in volunteering to help with our fundraising events or assist us in other ways we would love to hear from you.