Hospice Happenings - March 2018
So Much More Than Our Gala MC!
“As death is something we all face, it behooves us all to learn about it and contribute to hospice care while we’re able,” says retired radio host Sharon Mallon.

After taking early retirement at the age of 53, it didn’t take long for Sharon to be “done with the retirement thing” and to become actively involved in helping the Edmonton community she’s lived in her entire adult life.

Volunteering with in-patients at the Cross Cancer Institute, Sharon took palliative care training and saw first-hand what it was like, and what it means, for people to die with dignity. When she heard about Pilgrims Hospice, it was a natural step for her to join the Board of Directors.

Sharon speaks humbly of her contributions to Pilgrims so far. Perhaps the best is yet to come…. On Friday, April 6 th, Sharon Mallon will MC the 23 rd Annual Gala in support of Pilgrims Hospice.
J oin Honorary Chair, Harold A. Roozen , for an inspiring and memorable evening of fine dining and meaningful stories, in support of Pilgrims Hospice.
Enjoy performances by Beauty and the Beat, jazz musicians , and end the night on the dance floor with one of western Canada’s #1 DJs, Harman B.

 Chateau Lacombe Hotel on Friday, April 6
Cocktails 6pm & Dinner 7pm
Finding Your Way Through Grief - Anita Clark
The death of someone we love changes our lives forever.
 
From the day my son died when he was 21, nine years ago, I have a “before” timeline and an “after” timeline. The two will never merge.
 
I think of him every day and still wonder what may have been or how his life would be now.
 
I am still grieving & mourning. This is a partner in life I didn’t choose but I am forced to deal with.
 
It’s taken me a very long time to find meaning in going on with life, and it continues to be a very slow process.  
 
I have found hope as the years have passed by. I also found that time doesn’t heal, but time allows us to process what has happened in our lives & how we can move forward....

A Taste of Baroque
According to Herb Taylor, of Baroque ‘n’ Hearts (pictured at Pilgrims Hospice, centre), baroque music was traditionally played as entertainment and background music for folks who were dining.
 
Playing for our day program clients over lunch, on authentic instruments including harpsichord and baroque cello, was an appropriate setting for their engaging performance.
 
Of the many therapeutic recreational activities offered through our Adult Respite Day Program , live music is often the most popular. Baroque ‘n’ Hearts enchanted us all with the courtly music of Greensleeves and sounds evocative of forests and gypsy camps.
 
Baroque ‘n’ Hearts are an amateur group who give their gift of music freely for others to enjoy. Thanks for coming to Pilgrims and giving us a taste of Baroque!
Engaged Support in the Community
The work of Pilgrims Hospice is only possible through the generosity of engaged support in the community, such as gifts from the Royal Alexandra Hospital Employees' Charitable Donations Fund.

At a re cent Gift of Giving Celebration (pictured), Pilgrims Hospice received generous fun ding to help us offer compassionate care at the end of life, or grief support following the death of a loved one, at no cost to our clients.

The benefits for our clients are priceless - removing any financial barriers to accessing needed programs and services, at a time of life that is already full of painful decisions and difficulties.

To all the staff at the Royal Alex who contributed to this gift – thank you for your inspiring care for the sick and vulnerable in our community.
Hike/Run for Hospice - Change of Date!
Looking forward to this year’s Hike for Hospice ?

In addition to our usual 5km Hike, we’re teaming up with the Running Room to add the excitement of a 5km run!

We're planning this event to be bigger and better than ever!

To do so, we need a little more time... and you have longer to get in shape! (You'll thank us!)


New Date to be Announced Soon!
Our Funding
Pilgrims Hospice is grateful for the support of the Alberta Government, who provided 9.5% of our funding in 2017. 

Because of your generosity...  individuals and families receive the compassionate end-of-life & bereavement support they need. Thank you for your care.
Contact Us
For more information about any of our services, for a loved one or for yourself, fill out our Service Request Form or call 780-413-9801.
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