We in Chatham-Kent are very fortunate and grateful to have this 10 bed facility in our community. Since its opening in April 2016 it has served over 640 families. Many of us, unfortunately, have had a loved one, a family friend or someone we know, spend their last days in a Hospital Bed or even at home with family members becoming the caregivers. I do not, in any way, mean to imply that this is not alright. Many have had a good experience although others have not. Often family and friends have jobs and cannot be there as much as they would like. The palliative care ward at the Hospital is small and understaffed. If we look at a home scenario, we often hear family member say their role as partner, husband or wife or child gets lost in the bedside caregiver role. Hospice does not only gives the terminally ill a comfortable home like setting, it also provides for the family, giving professional help to them in their time of need. Foremost is the patients state of mind. Often, if they are in their own home they begin to feel like a burden and an obstacle for their family to live their lives. A hospice can provide so much to the patient and the family. I have not personally experienced the exceptional care at the hospice but have heard wonderful praise about the facility itself, the above and beyond caring of the staff and volunteers.Friday October 25 19 at the Bradley Convention Centre the Hospice is holding their 4th Annual "Changing Moments Changing Lives" Gala.The tickets are $125.00 with a $75.00 tax receipt and are available by calling 519-354-3113 Ext. 2300. The Gala is quite an affair with a multi-course gourmet meal and a live and silent auction. Guests also have a chance to win a 0.50 carat Round Brilliant Cut Canadian Diamond thanks to Milton Jewelers in Ridgetown.I know there are always plenty of charities to give to but this is a truly Chatham-Kent cause and one that I believe very worthy of our support. We never know when we may may experience the situation first hand. Give if you can and attend the fundraiser this year
