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At some time and in some way, we all must face the end of life. When this moment comes upon us most of us will share a common hope - that when death comes to us or a loved one that it may be peaceful and free from pain. We also hope to face death surrounded by those we love, pain and symptom free, and cared for and safe from harm.

Dying is much more than a medical event or the end result of a terminal illness; it is a process. It can be a time for living - some of our best days; it can be a time for making memories and reliving the important events in our lives. It can be a time for exchanging love, for reconciliation and transformation for all involved. It can be a chance for caregivers and family to become compassionate companions on a journey of continuous discovery. Each person’s death is as unique as their birth and with proper preparations, can be remembered as such.

‘Hospice’ volunteer support is focussed on the individual and centers around their family and loved ones. We seek to address not only the physical needs but also the social, emotional and spiritual needs as well. We recognize dying as a natural process in the cycle of life. We seek to bring care, compassion, comfort and hope for a peaceful and pain-free death to individuals and families living with a life-threatening illness. We also accept the responsibility to advocate and educate on behalf of those we care for and serve. We embrace the intrinsic worth of each and every person and serve all without discrimination. We focus on quality of life and the desire that each person be allowed to journey toward death with meaning, hope and dignity. Following death we offer bereavement support and ‘aftercare’ services to loved ones left behind.

Finally, we never cease to learn. The deeply personal experience gained at the bedside of the many Islanders we have served has taught us many things. We have learned that patients and their loved ones must be well-informed, active decision-making participants in their health care. They also must be prepared to advocate for the quality of life they need and deserve at their end of lives. If they cannot fulfill this role hospice volunteers are prepared to assist them to the extent of their wishes.