Hospice donor helps ‘Light the Way’ in honour of daughter

John Lambert with Nancy Parks, executive director, Hospice Prince Edward. – Wayne Carruthers photo

By Wayne Carruthers

Bloomfield resident John Lambert is well-acquainted with the idea of helping others. His family’s own experience inspires he and his wife Emebe to help with “Lighting the Way” for the County’s residential hospice in Picton.

Daughter Darragh, received end-of-life care at a hospice in Vermont. She was a psychotherapist and a mother and in her younger years a junior champion equestrian rider. She was diagnosed with a form of brain cancer that became terminal.

“When we finally came to the acceptance that Darragh was not going to get better, she chose to go to hospice,” said John, recalling the overall atmosphere of the hospice home as a place of comfort and peace.

“The staff was gentle and wonderful, and the level of care given to Darragh, made it easier for us as a family to cope,” he said. “I remember in particular one volunteer who came to the home every morning. He was a retired army general. This man came in every day to wash dishes, which was his way of helping out.  When I read about our hospice I knew immediately that there was something I could do to help.”

John and Emebet made a $2,500 donation in memory of Darragh, noting it felt like a meaningful way to remember her and also to support a community he and Emebet feel strongly about.

He invites others in the community to support the “Lighting the Way” Campaign appealing to at least 19 community residents to come forward to make a gift of $2,500 each in memory of a family member, friend or loved one. This collaborative challenge could raise upward of $50,000 which would result in the dedication of one of three client rooms at the new community hospice.

When Darragh died in 2011 she had her mother and John by her side.

“I was able to hold her hand and that’s what really matters most,” said John. “If others have to go through an end-of-life journey with someone they love, I want to help make that journey easier with the support of a hospice.”

The “Lighting The Way” campaign aims to raise $875,000 to complete renovations and develop residential hospice programming at the new 40 Downes Ave., Picton location. The funds raised to date, and the funds yet required, will be used to cover the cost of the home itself and renovations planned to provide sufficient parking, landscaping and furnishings for comfort for patients, staff, volunteers and family members.

Hospice Prince Edward offers compassionate, end-of-life support to clients of all ages and their caregivers, free of charge, in their own homes, hospital and long-term care facilities.  The three-bed residential hospice will provide end-of-life care for clients (and their families) who can no longer, or do not wish to die at home, and do not need acute care available in hospital.

For more information on how you can help the “Lighting the Way Campaign”, call the hospice Prince Edward office at 613 476 2181 x 2453 or visit www.hospiceprinceedward.ca