The PCSBV Bulletin February 2022
EMBRACING LIFE'S TREASURES
Considered an incurable cancer, the scheduled surgery, chemo, and radiation were cancelled, replaced with a palliative approach. A couple of daily pills and a monthly self-administered injection are offset with monthly bloodwork and quarterly bone scans. This routine began 14 months ago, and the journey has surprised us. The biggest surprise – her health has not deteriorated. In fact, each scan reveals that her bone lesion has shrunk, and no new lesions have grown. As far as we know, all the tumors have shrunk without evidence of additional tumors popping up. Is she “cured?” Probably not. Maybe. We don’t know. Much of the first half year felt like life was on hold in that strange space of, “how many months, days, moments do we have?” It is less so now. We’re simply not willing to let fear steal the beauty of life from us. Our journey is not like many others with a similar diagnosis – no crushing side affects from the meds, no unbearable fatigue or pain. Instead, we’ve been gifted with an awareness of how precious each moment is. We hike, make plans, laugh with friends, drink good wine, grieve our losses, and embrace gratitude for the unbelievable treasure of the last 14 months. We realize that her prognosis could quite suddenly and rapidly take a turn for the worse. That, though, is no different from anyone; life is uncertain.
By Bill Harder , Grief Practitioner , Palliative Care Society Bow Valley
"Together we laugh, live, love, be. No matter what."
Anna and I have known each other for thirty years, weaving our lives together with threads of friendship, courtship, 27 years of marriage and a blended family of four. These three decades have gone by incredibly fast. Time came to a focused standstill, though, in October 2020 with the words, “metastatic carcinoma” and “stage-4 breast cancer.” I might have thought that my work in palliative care as a grief practitioner would have better prepared me to receive this news with Anna. I was, however, completely mistaken in that presumption. Instead, as the severity of the diagnosis unfolded over the next few weeks, I found myself submerged in conflicting and often overwhelming waves of emotion. Anna for her part faced it all with a practical and honest perspective – what needs to be done, who needs to know, how does this change life?
Bottom line for us – together we laugh, live, love, be. No matter what.
Palliative Care Society of the Bow Valley Highlights
Hike 4 Hospice Volunteers Needed
SPEAKERS SERIES 2022 RETURNS!
SAVE THE DATE
Speaker Series event Feb 23, 2022 | 12:00 pm
Communication & organizational skills Likes to execute event details Enjoys leading a small, enthusiastic committee of volunteers Relishes the opportunity to meet new people Motivated to create an opportunity to help your community Your hard work will bring awareness and much-needed funds to support the Palliative Care Society of the Bow Valley. Skills you will find helpful for this Lead position include: Do you enjoy organizing and leading charity events to raise awareness & funds? Hike for Hospice is coming up on May 1, 2022 and we are looking for Event Volunteers! This exciting and rewarding volunteer position takes place in Canmore as part of a National Hospice initiative. On Sunday, May 1st you will wake up knowing you have planned a great day for your community to walk an accessible designated route in Canmore with all ages of participants and possibly some pets.
“Imagine if you were given a diagnosis that limits the time left in your life, how do you find joy in doing the things you love, with those you love?” REGISTER TODAY
GRIEF SUPPORT INDOOR WALKING GROUP
Every Wednesday 1 : 30 - 2 : 30 pm Canmore Recreation Centre 1900 - 8 Ave , Canmore , AB
No - cost , drop - in grief conversation group . Open to all 18 + who are grieving .
We will meet at reception desk in the recreation centre . We will walk and chat for about 30 minutes and then stop for a guided conversation on the themes of loss and grief . ( Waiver form required . Available at the reception desk )
Email bill . harder @ pcsbv . ca
For more information or to submit a resume please contact Bill Harder: volunteers@pcsbv.ca
Banff Grief Walk will kick off soon stay tuned for dates / locations !
Palliative Care Society of the Bow Valley SPecial Message
UPDATE ON LAND STATUS FOR THE PALLIATIVE CARE BOW VALLEY HOSPICE
We have exciting news about key steps towards our vision of building the Bow Valley Hospice.
The Town of Canmore recently announced a land use application for a piece of property in south Canmore at the end of 3rd Avenue just beyond the existing cul de sac. In 2018, the PCSBV was approached by the landowners of this property. They indicated that they would like to gift 2 acres of their property to the PCSBV to be used for the site of the proposed hospice. This wonderful offer is the best fit for our vision. Since our organization was founded in 2014 finding the right site for the hospice has been a major milestone for our plans. Over the past few years, we have explored over 30 potential site options. If approved, this is a catalyst for us to design the facility, kick off our capital fundraising efforts, and to finalize our program and operational planning for the facility. We know that the time will pass quickly as the work ramps up and we are equipping ourselves for the work ahead. Launched on their website – 800canmore.com – the landowners have outlined the opportunity surrounding the land donated to the PCSBV. We are pleased that the land donors have filed their application and are moving forward with their plans. This is the first step in the process of getting the Town of Canmore approval for development of the land and transferred to the PCSBV. The landowners have generously funded the environmental and engineering studies as well all other costs associated with the project so far. It is their intention to fund the utility installation and road access up to the edge of the proposed hospice property; another huge gift to the PCSBV which avoids the need for us to fund raise to cover these costs. Over the past four years I have come to know this wonderful couple who own the property. They are firm believers in the end-of-life care provided by a hospice due to their own personal experiences. They are very enthusiastic about the work of the PCSBV and want to ensure Bow Valley residents have access to hospice care close to home. The location of this property is ideally situated for the purpose of a rural residential hospice as it will provide exceptional opportunities for patients, and their families to receive the support they need in a peaceful, beautiful environment with ease of access within proximity to medical amenities and other community supports. There will be four virtual open houses on the project over a two-day period: February 2 at 6-7 pm, February 2 at 8-9pm, and February 3 at 12-1 pm, February 3 at 5-6 pm. Please register for one of these open houses on this site - 800canmore.com.
Your support for the hospice in this location will make a huge difference to the outcome of the council decision. Please feel free to share this information with your friends and neighbours.
Julie Hamilton, Chair PCSBV Board of Directors
Support Palliative Care in the Bow Valley!
NavCare Training – Spring 2022 Advanced Care Planning Day – April 16 National Hospice Palliative Care Week – May 1 to 8 Hike for Hospice - May 1 Annual General Meeting - June Golf for Hospice - August 25 National Bereavement Day –November 15 SAVE THE DATES
Click on the link >> Donate today! Online at www.pcsbv.ca and click on the “Donate” button. Send a cheque to: Palliative Care Society of the Bow Valley, PO Box 40113, Canmore, AB T1W 3H9 Donations of $25 or more will receive a charitable receipt. Here are the ways you can make a donation: General Donations are used for programs currently with the greatest need of your financial support. Tributes honour a family member, friend, or loved one. Building donations support creating a residential hospice home accessible to the Bow Valley community. Monthly donations will ensure constant support throughout the years. For more information contact Kristin Fry, Fund Development at fd@pcsbv.ca or (403) 707-7633 Palliative Care Society of the Bow Valley, PO Box 40113, Canmore, AB T1W 3H9 We’re so grateful for the community that has funded, volunteered, celebrated, and advocated for Palliative Care Society of the Bow Valley. In the uncertain times presented by the pandemic, we find comfort and encouragement knowing that you care about our cause. Together with supporters like you we can achieve our goals for better palliative care services and programs to the community in Bow Valley. Please consider making a donation today!
Books Recommendations With the End in Mind: A palliative care doctor shares breathtaking stories from 30 years spent caring for the dying.
Author: Dr. Kathryn Mannix, M.D.
Available at Banff Public Library
Canmore Public Library
Video Recommendations
Ted Talk:
What really matters at the end of life | BJ Miller
BJ Miller is a palliative care physician. He talks about how we think about death and what really matters.
@ Social Media Channels
Facebook: @PalliativeCareBowValley Twitter: @PCSBowValley
Recreation Therapy Month
February is Therapeutic Recreation Month to recognize the positive impact therapists have on patients.
Recreational therapy is an officially recognized form of health care in Canada that aims to allow people to achieve their highest quality of life at all phases. This form of therapy is largely centered around three ideas – leisure, recreation and play – which are integral components to maintaining or improving quality of life. This unique form of therapy involves using recreation and other activity-based interventions to address emotional, social, spiritual and physical needs. This recreation and activity-based therapy method can take many different forms, depending on an individual’s specific needs. For example, recreation therapy can include activities such as art, crafts, animal interaction, games, cooking classes, drama and music, yoga, dance and community outings. With such a diverse array of opportunities, recreational therapy is rarely dependent on a certain level of physical or mental functionality. Patients and their family members or friends who are interested in participating in recreational therapy can find an activity that suits their preferences and capabilities, as well as any other specific needs.
Recreation therapy is most valued for its ability to improve quality of life at all phases. Its holistic, activity-centered approach is known to promote independence, engagement, enjoyment and social connection. It also helps participants to develop a sense of purpose. Individuals who practice recreation therapy often participate in events and activities in their community, allowing them to interact and connect with others and share meaningful experiences with their family and friends. For individuals with a life-limiting diagnosis, recreation therapy offers many ways to reduce stress, anxiety and isolation related to illness. It does so through opportunities for connection with loved ones and meaningful activity. In this way, recreation therapy can also aid these individuals and their loved ones in navigating grief, and other barriers following a life-limiting diagnosis. It is recognized as an effective intervention in palliative care patients to help them with the search for meaning, confronting fears, emotions such as anger, depression, guilt and disorientation. Additionally it helps patients dealing with the loss of control, and issues of loss. It aids in addressing the dying patient’s negative feelings; threats to self esteem and help restore a sense of control. In providing tools for mental, physical and spiritual stimulation, recreation therapy contributes to offering a sense of comfort and dignity contributing to an improved quality of life.
Art Therapy Promotes Wellness and Connection
By Kristin Slagorsky , Registered Social Worker and PCSBV Art Therapy Intern
When most people hear the phrase art therapy, they either draw a blank or think “That’s not for me, I’m not creative”. In actuality, the human urge to be creative has existed in every culture, in every country, across time. One of the main principles of art therapy is that we are all born creative, and that tapping into our creativity promotes wellness and connection. So, what is art therapy exactly? It’s the exploration and use of an experiential creative process (visual art, poetry, music, dance, story-telling) to help integrate mind, body, heart and spirit. It is a form of self-expression that communicates through the language of colour, shape, symbol, metaphor and instinct (versus making art to sell or to please an external audience). It is rooted in psychological theory and has a rich tradition dating back to the middle of the 20th century. Art therapy has many unique benefits. It helps us to become more comfortable with uncertainty and encourages curiosity. Art-making grounds us in the present moment, while the tactile materials help to soothe our nervous systems. Tuning into our senses helps us to be more connected to ourself as we learn to notice our instincts and intuition (right brain qualities). The art creations can become a container, holding difficult experiences and big emotions, allowing us to be more resilient, to feel empowered in traumatic situations and to make meaning. In the Fall of 2021, the Palliative Care Society Bow Valley started incorporating art therapy into its’ Volunteer Training Program, and in a monthly HeART Hive to support volunteers in expanding their self-care skills. Sessions are facilitated by Kristin Slagorsky, a Registered Social Worker and PCSBV Art Therapy Intern, with a private practice in the Bow Valley. To learn more about Kristin or art therapy visit explorecounselling.ca
The mountains weep Their glacial tears Smattered in greys Shades of decay Beside crocus troves The creeks drip and flow Nourishing all Melting deep fears
Art photo , poem submitted by Kristin Slagorsky
Photo of Kristin Slagorsky credit : Georgi Silckerodt .
RECIPE FOR HEALTH
Cooking for Palliative Care This is a recipe that anyone can make . These nutritious snacks can be made and stored in a freezer for future use .
Ingredients:
PEANUT BUTTER PROTEIN BITES
Prep Time: 15 minutes Servings: 6 servings
Cooking Method:
Chef’s Tip: • Keep them in the freezer for a great snack anytime !
Source : Caregivers Guide Cookbook
DID YOU KNOW?
Black History Month Historically, Black Canadians have been victims of discrimination, exclusion, injustice, and institutionalized racism. As a result, there is a preference for family- centered care in the home at end of life. Palliative care services tend to be underutilized, and many caregivers lack knowledge of the types of services that they can access. A project in Nova Scotia is working to change that by engaging Black communities to help develop culturally appropriate services. Check out the great work that is being done! - Canadian Institute of Health Research Heart Month It's been 70 years, that Heart & Stroke has campaigned to raise funds for research and programs to fight heart disease and stroke. Over the years, Heart & Stroke has contributed $1.55 B to research. In the last decade it has contributed $540 M to advocacy and promotion. The most recent milestone in research was in 2019 with the discovery of a molecule linked to 1 in 5 cases of heart failure. This finding creates potential for prevention. World Cancer Day February 4 is World Cancer Day. Did you know nearly 1 in 2 people will receive a diagnosis of some form of cancer in their lifetime? The Canadian Cancer Society continues to do research and has recently published 5 new findings that show positive changes in cancer statistics in Canada. Cancer survival has improved since the early 1990s from 55% to 63% Lung cancer rates have finally started to decrease in females Female breast cancer death rates have decreased by nearly half Pancreatic cancer is expected to be the 3rd leading cause of cancer death in Canada in 2019 84% of children with cancer are expected to live at least 5 years past their diagnosis
Recreation is important for our wellbeing. So this month, we are encouraging you to get active and engage your body, mind and spirit with some local opportunities we've included!
Regional Recreation Opportunities
Physical activity: Pickle ball drop-in at the Canmore recreation center Walking lane at the Canmore recreation center. You can also join us for our Grief Walk here on Wednesday afternoons. Badminton drop-in at the Canmore recreation center Spiritual activity: Yoga class (virtual or in-person) with The Yoga Lounge Meditation class (audio versions available) with the Canmore Theravada Buddhist Community (open to all) Family activity: Rent a board game from Armadillo Games Arts/Cultural activity: “Coexist” art exhibition at arts Place (RSVP necessary, only available until 22 February) Snowed In Comedy Tour, February 3 at artsPlace, (tickets necessary) Paul Kuster Friday Night Comedy, February 18 at artsPlace (tickets necessary) Adult art classes – various themes/disciplines, registration necessary (Examples: art journaling, embroidery, drawing fundamentals) Other arts/culture events at artsPlace, various dates throughout February
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