Message from the Board PresidentOn behalf of the Board of Directors, welcome to the inaugural issue of Victoria Hospice’s newsletter, Transitions. For more than 30 years, Hospice has been providing quality end-of-life care for those facing death, grief and bereavement. Every day, more than 400 patients are registered in Hospice programs. Each year, Hospice helps more than 4,800 patients and their families by providing expert care, 24-hour crisis intervention, counselling, grief and bereavement support, medical consultation for palliative patients in other facilities, and research and education.

Hospice is only able to provide these services thanks to the work of our dedicated, professional, and caring employees who are supported by more than 300 outstanding volunteers and thousands of generous donors. When setting its strategic direction in 2012, Hospice decided to focus on three main goals to be achieved by 2015: exemplary care; financial sustainability; and preparing for the future. Thanks to you – staff, volunteers and donors – we will be successful. l

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Congratulations to Donor Rudi Hoenson – Generosity of Spirit Award RecipientVictoria Hospice is pleased to congratulate long-time donor, Rudi Hoenson. He was recently named the recipient of the Generosity of Spirit Award by the National Philanthropy Day Committee (Vancouver Island). Rudi has donated more than $3 million to various charities throughout British Columbia. His gifts to Victoria Hospice were used to support programs and purchase pain pumps. His wife, Sylvia, received end-of-life care from Hospice; he has been helping to ensure others receive that same care through his donations. Thank you, Rudi, and congratulations! l

In this Issue:

Meet Mischelle vanThiel – Victoria Hospice’s CEO 2

Above Price 3

First Annual Bucket List Festival 3

Steve and Betsyn Clark Matching Gift Challenge 4

Meet Aileen Fearman – Victoria Hospice Nurse 5

Pat’s Story 6

Events 6

Donor Rudi Hoenson

Victoria Hospice Society Board of

Directors President Eileen Harper

We just want to thank you so very much for caring for our much loved mom, grandma and special friend. Thank you for the hard job that you do and that you do so well.”

417average number of people registered with Victoria Hospice on any day

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Meet Mischelle vanThiel – Victoria Hospice’s CEOMischelle vanThiel is Hospice’s Chief Executive Officer, replacing Wayne Peterson following his retirement. Mischelle brings a wealth of knowledge of healthcare and management to Hospice. She was most recently employed by Alberta Health Services and the University of Calgary, where she served as the Regional Manager, Department of Medicine and the Regional Manager, Department of Psychiatry. The scope of her responsibilities included oversight of almost 600 doctors and managing a budget in excess of $100 million. Mischelle has a Master of Business Administration degree, Bachelor of Arts degree, Diploma in Human Resource Management, Certificate in Leadership, and is a Certified Financial Planner.

I see incredible acts of care and kindness by our staff and volunteers.”Mischelle has been with Hospice for one year. She notes:

“This past year at Hospice has been very rewarding. I am humbled every day as I meet the people Hospice touches. I see incredible acts of care and kindness by our staff and volunteers. I see patients and families facing the end of life. I meet donors whose generosity allows Hospice to continue providing care. I work with a Board of Directors who donate hundreds of hours of their time and talent to ensure Hospice patients, families and friends receive the support they need. I have known many non-profit organizations over the years, and I am so impressed by Hospice. I extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone for making Hospice a special place.” l

Victoria Hospice Society Board of Directors

Eileen Harper, PresidentBrian Bolton, Vice-PresidentRob Gareau, TreasurerRosemary ArmourEric CharmanSteve ClarkTerry DyerTony JoePeter MalcolmChris MillsZahra RayaniRichard WalkerMerrie-Ellen Wilcox

Victoria Hospice and Palliative Care Foundation Board of Directors

Peter Malcolm, PresidentChris Mills, TreasurerMark AppletonBrian BoltonRob GareauEileen HarperColin Weavers

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548number of admissions to the Palliative Care Unit in 2012/13884

number of end-of-life patients cared for by Hospice in 2012/13

Thank you for your kindness and support for my father during his last days. It was a comfort for me to know that my dad, as well as my mother and brother, were so well cared for.”

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60%percentage of all Greater Victoria patients who died of cancer and who were involved with Hospice

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Above Priceby Grant Menzies

In 2012/13, Hospice volunteers contributed more than 23,000 hours of service. Among other tasks, volunteers help support patients and families, make bereavement phone calls, complete life story interviews, and assist with events. They are the heart of virtually every service in every department and are crucial to operations in all areas.

One of these areas is Spiritual Care. Hospice Spiritual Care Coordinator Tammy Lindahl was quoted in the February 2014 Focus Magazine. “Spiritual care can be about religious or faith practice for those for whom that is important,” she says, “but it is about helping the individual understand deeper spiritual meanings in their lives.”

Spiritual Care volunteers are available not just for patients and loved ones but for Hospice staff, too. Patient Ingrid Buschmann was my friend almost from the start of her three month stay at Hospice. A woman of talent, imagination, compassion and humour, Ingrid left no heart untouched. One morning, I went to her room to say hello but found the door closed. When I checked again later, it was still shut. I had just got off the elevator and was heading for my desk when Lynn, a spiritual care volunteer, met me in the hall, and told me that Ingrid had died.

At my request, she told me about the morning’s events. Then, seeing my tears, Lynn held out her arms and asked, “How about a hug?”

Lynn had spent her morning comforting Ingrid, then consoling Ingrid’s mother. Yet she still had plenty of warmth left for me. She is just one of the many volunteers who make Victoria Hospice a place not just of letting go, but of letting love do its work – the kind of work that is above any possible price. l

First Annual Bucket List FestivalVictoria Hospice’s first annual Bucket List Festival, was held Saturday February 1 at the Inn at Laurel Point and was a great success.

“I thought it was really helpful because it clarified and simplified the steps you might want to take around people that you’re wanting to help. It was great,” attendee Lorna Stirling notes.

Stirling is facing a number of health issues. She found that sitting in a room with about 90 people, many of them facing similar challenges, was invigorating.

Participants were treated to presentations on topics such as advice on travelling with health and mobility issues, advance care planning, navigating the health system, using technology to stay in touch with loved ones, creating a memoir and strategies for helping caregivers cope.

One of the most popular topics was a presentation on how to plan a living wake. For many, holding a party to celebrate a life well lived while they are still around to appreciate it is an attractive idea.

“As one of the presenters said, having the living wake enabled their friends to be more comfortable with her husband’s diagnosis,” said Nola Adams. “I certainly found this a great opportunity to become more comfortable with the topic and it will help me be able to support my mother.”

Visit victoriahospice.org/bucket-list for more information. l

A sold-out crowd turned out for the first annual Victoria Hospice Bucket List Festival at the

Inn at Laurel Point.

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Ingrid Buschmann

Although the time my mother spent under your care was brief, the difference you have made is tremendous. Thank you for the care you provided her, but also for the honest guidance you provided my family.”

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Steve and Betsyn Clark Matching Gift Challenge In the Fall of 2013, Steve and Betsyn Clark sent a letter to their close friends. It read:

“Dear Friend – This time of year, when leaves are turning and falling, and we’re looking to spend the coming holidays with family and friends, it’s important to remember that for some, the passing of time means something very different. For people living with life-limiting illness and for the people who love them, each moment becomes a season to be savoured as much as possible, as long as possible. This is one of the many reasons why Betsyn and I support Victoria Hospice, and why we are asking that you help support it, too. Whatever you may think Victoria Hospice is, trust me, it is so much more than you could ever have imagined.”

The letter issued a friendly challenge: The Clarks, along with two anonymous donors and the Marymax fund, would match donations up to $100,000. When the Clarks’ friends opened their envelopes, they also opened their wallets. In total, more than $200,000 was raised to support Hospice’s end-of-life and bereavement programs.

People are surprised to learn that approximately one half of Hospice’s annual operating costs are funded by donations.”When asked why they chose to support Hospice, Steve replied:

“Betsyn and I had a tour of Hospice and we were so impressed by the people that go to work there every day. They don’t treat their work as another day at the office. These people are defining their lives by the care and compassion they give to patients and their loved ones as life draws to a close.”

People want to know that their money will be used carefully and that it will go to the cause. That is the case with Hospice.”The Clarks’ friends – many of whom are business people – knew that the Clarks would only ask for support for a charity they had researched and one where they had reviewed the financial statements. Stephen confirms, “People want to know that their money will be used carefully and that it will go to the cause. That is the case with Hospice.”

Tom Arnold, Senior Development Officer at Hospice, agrees:

“People are surprised to learn that approximately one half of Hospice’s annual operating costs are funded by donations. It is thanks to the generosity of people like Steve and Betsyn – and all Hospice donors – that Hospice can provide palliative and end-of-life care for people in Victoria who need it.”

Thank you to Stephen and Betsyn for putting together this special challenge appeal, to Marymax fund and the anonymous donors for creating the match, and to everyone who took the time to respond and make a contribution. l

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33.6%percentage of patients who were able to die at home in 2012/13 thanks to Victoria Hospice and our partner, Island Health’s Home & Community Care program

4,854number of people helped by Victoria Hospice including patients and their families in 2012/13

2,800number of people who received bereavement services following a death in the family in 2012/13

Steve and Betsyn Clark

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Meet Aileen Fearman – Victoria Hospice Nurse Compassion definitely brought nurse Aileen Fearman to Victoria Hospice, but some unique childhood experiences were also a factor. “I wanted to be a nurse ever since I was about fifteen,” Aileen says. “We had eight family members die in one year,” she recalls. “So as an eight year old, I attended lots of funerals, wakes, services. Even as a kid, to me death seemed just another part of life.”

By grade 10, Aileen was doing shadow shifts with a nurse friend. “I remember that pretty vividly,” she says. One patient she helped was an elderly woman at end of life who was having shortness of breath. Through these experiences, Aileen says, “I was definitely drawn to end of life care.”

To me, working here is a gift.”Aileen began thinking about Victoria Hospice, and in March 2013 she got a part time job here. “To me,” she says, “working here is a gift. The people are amazing. They can be going through a very tough struggle, yet they’re still thankful.”

What is a typical day for a Victoria Hospice nurse? “Nothing here is ever typical!” Aileen laughs. “There is a bit of routine. We come in at 7:30 a.m. and spend time with patient records, learning about each person – where their pain is located and how we’re managing it, who is their family, what the patient needs. We attend to symptoms and medication. We do washes and walks, like going up to the garden. We make sure people are comfortable for the night – if they want to call home, or have a visit, or just have extra medication for sleep.” The main thing, Aileen says, is keeping people’s goals in mind, “figuring out what works best for them.” Regardless of what happens on a given day at Hospice, Aileen says, “You always go home feeling like you’ve made a difference.” l

Victoria Hospice Receives Largest Donation Ever from Living DonorThis past November, Victoria Hospice was the beneficiary of an incredible act of generosity. An anonymous donor made a gift of $220,000 – the largest gift ever made to Victoria Hospice by a living donor – to help support palliative care and grief counseling for people in our community.

“Approximately half of Victoria Hospice’s program costs – including care provided by doctors, nurses, counsellors, volunteers, and other staff – are funded by donations from kind-hearted individuals,” says CEO Mischelle vanThiel. “This wonderful gift provides a massive boost to our organization, and ensures continuing access to care for people who are dying, grieving or bereaved. We are very grateful for the trust these donors have shown in Victoria Hospice by making such a significant gift.”

The gift was made through the donation of publicly-listed securities. When you donate appreciated securities, there is no tax on the capital gain plus you receive a tax receipt for the value of the shares on the day they are received into Hospice’s brokerage account.

On behalf of everyone at Victoria Hospice, a huge THANK YOU to our anonymous angels (you know who you are!)

For more information on how to make a gift of publicly-listed securities, please contact Tom Arnold, Senior Development Officer, Major Gifts, at 250-519-1749 or by email to tom.arnold@victoriahospice.org l

$220,000the largest gift ever made to Victoria Hospice by a living donor

When my husband was no longer able to stay at home he was fortunate to spend his last days in Hospice. The warm, caring, thoughtful atmosphere made a sad time a more positive experience for all our family. Many, many thanks to all those who make Victoria Hospice such a treasure.”

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Pat’s StoryPat Smart had had a productive life before she began working the Jazzercise desk and dance floor with former daughter-in-law Brenda Richardson, a Jazzercise instructor. “In her younger years, she was a very good figure skater,” says Brenda. She even served as a National Figure Skating Judge. “Pat was always a beautiful strong woman who had a big heart,” Brenda says. “I asked Pat to help out at a Jazzercise fundraiser for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation,” remembers Brenda. “She decided after that event that she wanted to do Jazzercise.” Based on jazz dance, resistance training, yoga and other disciplines, Jazzercise was Pat’s key to losing 50 pounds. It also gave her the chance to help other people while helping herself. Pat found an extended family in the Jazzercise group. “Everyone at Jazzercise grew to love her and her ‘competitive’ spirit,” says Brenda.

Diagnosed with breast cancer, Pat faced the disease with that same willpower. Nine days after surgery, she was back in Brenda’s class. Pat fought successive bouts of cancer; in 2012, she danced at a friend’s wedding.

This is the story/ Of a bird with no wings/ But certain that it can fly… the bravest most beautiful bird/ in the sky.”Pat came to Victoria Hospice in early 2013. “Hospice was amazing with her and those of us who were with her at the end,” Brenda recalls. Grateful for the care Pat had received, Brenda wanted to give back. On November 9 at Monterey Recreation Centre , she held a fundraiser in memory of Pat, raising over $3000 for Hospice. The day ended with a Jazzercise routine to the song “Hope” by Idina Menzel, the lyrics of which could have been written to describe Pat Smart: “This is the story/ Of a bird with no wings/ But certain that it can fly… the bravest most beautiful bird/ in the sky.” l

EventsMany thanks to the following families and friends who held events to raise funds for Victoria Hospice:

Jazzercise Fundraiser

Over $3,000 was raised by Jazzercise instructor Brenda Richardson in memory of Patricia Smart.

The Oak Bay High grads raised $5,000 at their annual Xmas Cup Hockey Tournament.

In November 2013 friends and family organized a benefit concert

for Victoria Hospice with James Gordon, one of Canada’s most

prolific songwriters. He performed a sold out show at the St. Michael Anglican Church Hall and raised

$1,700 for Victoria Hospice.

Al Paterson raised $5,975 at his annual Santa Shave-Off!

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8.5average number of days patients stayed in Hospice’s seven acute-care beds in the 17-bed inpatient unit

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Pat Smart

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Over 800 people stopped to leave a tribute card on a tree or receive bereavement information and

support at the 28th Annual Celebrate-a-Life Event at Hillside Centre.

Third Annual Hike for Hospice – May 4, Fisherman’s Wharf Park

Upcoming Events to Raise Funds for Victoria HospiceVictoria Hospice Shred-a-Thon – April 12, 9 am–2 pm, Bank of Montreal Cook & QuadraClear out your office of old paper, magazines and tax files. Confidential shredding by suggested minimum donation of $8/box. The Wannawafel cart will be onsite.

A Great Night of Country Music – April 26, 7 pm, Alix Goolden HallDodd’s Furniture presents North America’s best Jonny Cash tribute artist, David James & Big River, B.J. Roberts and introducing Yesterday’s Wine. Adults $30, Seniors $20, Students $15. Tickets available at the McPherson Box Office or online at rmts.bc.ca.

This year’s Card Swap for a Cause at Mayfair Shopping Centre was a huge hit! Hundreds of

people lined up on January 11 to exchange gift cards for Mayfair Shopping Centre cards. Cards

worth $15,286.89 were donated to Victoria Hospice!

Gather a team of friends and family, challenge your co-workers or join as an individual. Participants are invited to honour the memory of a loved one. Register today at VictoriaHospice.org.

4th Anneswer to Cancer and World Record Attempt – May 10, Finlayson Turf

Attempt to break the World Record for most consecutive soccer passes, then join our World Cup Soccer Academy players and compete in fun games and contests to raise funds and win prizes. Register at anneswertocancer.com.

18th Annual Teeing It Up for Victoria Hospice – May 25, Olympic View Golf

Join us for a 4-person texas scramble, buffet dinner and tons of great prizes. Register today at golf4hospice.ca.

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Your comments and ideas are welcome.

Editor: Pam Prewett

Contributors: Grant Menzies, Wendy Innes, Jennifer Jasechko

When you have finished reading this newsletter, please pass it on. If you would like to share your story or have other story ideas or you would like us to send a copy to someone else, please contact Pam Prewett, Senior Development Officer, at 250-519-1748 or by email to pam.prewett@victoriahospice.org. Thank you.

1952 Bay Street, Victoria, BC V8R 1J8 250-519-1744, info@victoriahospice.org

www.victoriahospice.org

Registered Charity # 87440 9964 RR0001Victoria Hospice respects your privacy and we do not sell, trade, lend

or rent any of your personal information. You can get information about our privacy policy, or opt out of receiving further newsletters,

by calling 250-519-1744. Thank you.

9th Annual Teeny Tiny Garden Tour – June 8, 9:30 am–5:30 pm

A rare glimpse into some of Victoria’s smallest backyard gems! Tickets are $25, on sale May 12 at Thrifty Foods, Dig This, Victoria Hospice Boutique and Mayfair Concierge Desk.

Cedar Hill Ladies Field Day Charity Event – June 14, 8:30 am, Cedar Hill Golf CourseThis much anticipated day includes a great day of golf, pop up boutique, lunch and some fabulous prizes. Register at ladiesgolfingforhospice.wordpress.com.

Cycle of Life Tour 2014 – July 26–27Riders cover nearly 200kms in two days, including an overnight stay on Salt Spring Island. Only 50 spots available! Register or support a rider today at cycleoflifetour.ca.

For more information and the latest on Victoria Hospice events visit VictoriaHospice.org/events. l