As you may recall, for the past 12+ years, I have been both an adult and pediatric hospice nurse. Hospice is one of the great passions of my life because I truly believe that there is no greater or more sacred honor than being with a person at the end of his or her life.
Today is World Hospice and Palliative Care Day, a unified day of action to celebrate and support hospice and palliative care around the world. Every year approximately 70 countries take part in the celebrations with activities including public awareness raising campaigns, advocacy with policy makers, fundraising events and public launches.
The goals of World Hospice and Palliative Care Day are:
- To share our vision to increase the availability of hospice and palliative care throughout the world by creating opportunities to speak out about the issues
- To raise awareness and understanding of the needs – medical, social, practical, spiritual – of people living with a life limiting illness and their families
- To raise funds to support and develop hospice and palliative care services around the world
I hope that on this day, you will take the time to celebrate your life and living…the ultimate Silver Linings!
I once spoke at a palliative care conference about the patient expereince. The women there were so supportive and warm-hearted. I can only imagine what it takes to work in these support fields, and to continuously give with so much compassion – I might have been the speaker, but that group of care-givers were the ones who made the deepest impression. ~Catherine
Thank you so much for sharing, Catherine. I really appreciate it and can imagine that you made a difference to the people with whom you spoke. I always had the same feeling about caring for my patients…that I received so much more than I gave. Thanks, again!