Our Amazing Experience with the Victoria Hospice Society

This is the Richmond Pavilion building at the Royal Jubilee Hospital. This is where @victoriahospicesociety lives and where my Mom began her career as a unit clerk.

She loved working here - some days were hard but every day she felt fulfilled. My Mom loved to help people and would often volunteer to translate for chinese patients. I’ve had countless people tell me about how my Mom helped them or their loved ones through their hospital stay. I know the idea of hospice can seem daunting, but this has never been a scary building to me. When my Dad was teaching me how to drive, we would practice on the weekends in the parking lot while waiting for my Mom to get off work. Even after Mom transferred out of working in hospice and into the cardiovascular unit, we would take the odd stroll through the peaceful rooftop Hospice Memorial Garden.

When my Mom’s cancer stopped responding to chemotherapy, we spent months in and out of the hospital. It was a blur of ever-changing medications, appointments, medical jargon and dizzying worry. By the time she was transferred to @victoriahospicesociety , Mom was so relieved she could finally rest without being poked or prodded.

It was in the rooms of this building that I began my art business - two days after my Mom was transferred into hospice I drove to London Drugs with my brother and didn’ t even shop around before buying an Ipad. You can tell how puffy my eyes are in the photo from crying but I was determined to draw all of our favourite places for Mom. The first place I drew was our restaurant, Tombo Japanese Restaurant. I barely knew how to draw digitally but Mom loved it nonetheless.

Looking back, it is such a blessing that we had six weeks together before Mom left us. It took the hard work of an entire army of doctors, nurses, technicians, counsellors and more. It was by no means easy but I would do it all again in a heartbeat. It felt like we had been climbing the largest mountain for five years and could finally sit together at the top and enjoy the view. 

The hospice society gave us that time together, and helped us keep Mom comfortable enough to enjoy it. I’ve been taking advantage of their grief counselling services too and could not imagine where I’d be without them. There wasn’t a single day in their care that we weren’t grateful for their never ending support. That’s why in honour of my Mom’s birthday this November, I’ll be donating 15% of all online sales to the @victoriahospicesociety. Please join me in supporting a wonderful charity that helps people every single day!

UPDATE: Thank you to everyone who supported me in November of 2021! I am so proud to announce we were able to fundraise $600!

2022: I’m excited to repeat this fundraiser for November 2022! 15% of all online sales will be donated :)

Sharon Lam