Why We Exist
When Mark was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer, everything changed. He fought to stay at home for as long as he could but when he needed more help than his family could provide, he found himself at Rosedale Hospice.
Mark spent 3 weeks at Rosedale Hospice, with his family by his side. During his final days, he was surrounded by warmth and love. On July 21, 2019 Mark passed away peacefully.
Following Mark’s death, his 17-year-old son, Sean, struggled. He was angry and he didn’t know what to do with his anger. The entire family was grieving and Sean wanted to help them, but couldn’t. He began to miss school and turn to alcohol to cope.
When Sean’s mother noticed these self-destructive behaviours, she turned to the Children’s Grief Centre for help. Sean began to attend the Common Ground teen group and found great relief in meeting other teens who understood what he was going through.
“Finding out that there are other kids that are going through the same thing as you are, it really makes you realize you are not alone. I am going to be OK. I can get through this.”
Hospice Calgary supports over nearly 5000 individuals each year. Each one of our client’s stories highlights their amazing resiliency and the crucial need for compassionate care during times of illness and grief.