When Peter’s beloved mother, Lillian (Lil) was diagnosed with advanced stage bowel cancer, it was a difficult time for the family.
Lil required end-of-life care and her preference was to stay at home. During this time, Lil and her family experienced first-hand Mercy Health’s care first approach.
A photo of Peter’s mum, Lil, which hangs in the kitchen of his home.
“The care mum received from the Mercy Palliative Care nurses was phenomenal – these nurses went above and beyond what we ever expected. I remember one time when mum needed assistance during the middle of the night for pain management. The nurses came straight away and stayed with mum throughout the night, making her feel as comfortable as possible. They really were amazing,” Peter says.
When Lil passed away, Peter and his father, Robert, found it difficult to cope with the loss.
The Mercy Health Palliative Care team offered grief counselling to Peter and Robert, who took up the service.
“The Mercy grief counsellors were wonderful. They helped dad and I open up about our feelings of grief and loss. Their compassion, care and understanding really enabled us to get on with life. I will never forget it,” Peter says.
After the extraordinary care Lil received, Peter was motivated to give back to the Mercy Health services that meant so much to him and his father.
Peter included a gift to Mercy Health Foundation in his Will to support others experiencing Mercy Health’s compassionate end-of-life care.
Peter, outside his family home, in his beloved Collingwood jersey.
“Leaving a gift in my Will to Mercy Health Foundation is my way of saying thank you to the Mercy Palliative Care staff who went above and beyond in the care they showed mum, and later dad, during the most challenging time in their lives,” Peter says.
Peter’s special acknowledgement will help many others facing a similar situation. It will allow Mercy Palliative Care to continue their care and service, ensuring each person can experience the best quality of life possible for them — physically, emotionally, socially and spiritually.
Learn more about leaving a Gift in your Will.
Last reviewed December 5, 2023.