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Every day a person is given a palliative end-of-life diagnosis. This is scary and can leave them feeling alone and with nowhere to turn. By donating today, you can ensure they have a unique and dignified end-of-life care experience at no cost to the family. Will you give today? |
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By donating today, you can help someone like Stevie, who was facing the death of her husband, Shayne. Here is her story.
Stevie Zender’s life changed forever in October 2013. Shayne, only 38 at the time, had been diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue.
A natural athlete, Shayne was good at everything. He never passed up an opportunity to get outside and could often be found playing sports or just hanging out with his sons. He lived his life with a quiet strength and a fun-loving spirit. He embraced every moment, and his laid-back demeanour and calm presence were a source of comfort and joy for his family and friends. That Shayne was ill was difficult for everyone to comprehend.
Not wanting his final days to be in a hospital, Shayne and Stevie decided to spend their remaining time together at home. But as Shayne’s condition worsened, Stevie knew they needed help. “For the last couple of months before coming to Pilgrims, Shayne couldn’t leave his bed. It was then I knew this was too much for us to do alone.”
Recommendations from doctors, friends and home care led the family to Pilgrims Hospice Society, a decision that would transform their journey. “We felt instantly at home at Pilgrims,” remembers Stevie. “There wasn’t any beeping; Shayne wasn’t hooked up to an IV. He was getting the care he needed in a very non-intrusive way.” Because of donors like you, for the first time in months, the Zenders felt like a family again.
“The staff at Pilgrims took care of Shayne’s needs; they knew how to make him comfortable and how to manage his pain. I could just be there with him and be his wife.”
Shayne would joke and smile. He even started enjoying visits from family and friends, which he had been reluctant to do at home.
Shayne Zender died on December 2, 2023, but the impact of Pilgrims Hospice Society on the Zender family didn’t end with his death. “I joined the grief support walking group and found comfort in connecting with others. The boys attended grief support too; it’s been helpful for them to know that there are other kids who have lost a parent.”
Stevie is full of gratitude for donors like you.
“It’s amazing that donors make this place possible. Our friends have donated because they visited Shayne here and saw fi rsthand the care he received. We also requested donations at Shayne’s Celebration of Life so that others can have the same experience as we did.”
Shayne’s story is a testament to the profound diff erence that Pilgrims Hospice Society makes in the lives of families facing an end-of-life journey. You can make a difference so more families like the Zenders receive comfort and care when they need it most.
The Zender family experienced peace in the fi nal days of Shayne’s life. This was possible because of donors like you. More of our friends, neighbours, colleagues and community need your help. A family who is full of fear of the unknown and in desperate need of respite.
Your donation will be set to work immediately.
Giving today brings a family in need to Pilgrims Hospice Society. It provides end-of-life care that brings a sense of peace, respect, comfort and compassion. Your gift eases distress and suffering.
If you have already made a gift — THANK YOU! Your commitment to Pilgrims is deeply valued and inspires us every day.
Thank you for reading Shayne’s story. Our residents and their loved ones, our staff and volunteers, all appreciate your generosity.
Your help is needed by December 31, 2024, to provide cost-free care for people in our community. Now is the time to give! Will you help care for a person in the community who is dying?