The Sunset Country Palliative Care teams presented their “Pushing Up Daisies” event on May 12. This year the event was held at the Emo Legion, a first to host the event outside of Fort Frances. This always informative event provides something for everyone from seniors to entire families about the care and compassion around end of life.
Laura (Sis) Wilson and Julie Cousineau are co-chairs of this event. Laura noted that the event continues to bring people out to learn more from local health care and other service providers
“The event was well attended,” Wilson said.
“We saw many new faces come out which is a great success. We had local doctors come and spend time together with our community members. Lots of attendees stayed for the duration of the event. Events like these-get people talking and helping people become more comfortable talking about death and dying. The committee is always observing what they can do better, that’s our goal, to make our connections stronger and community more powerful. At the end of the day, we are all just walking each other home. Our team is looking forward to seeing where else we can go to help support our community, we have Rainy River on our list to to host this event.”
Two presenters spoke to the crowds who assembled at the event. Dr. Kim Meyers presented an informative talk on DNR (do not resuscitate) orders and NorthWest Ontario Counselling & Consulting’s (NWOCC) Kiera Govier gave a heartfelt presentation on grief.
Presenting for the first time were Donna Heinz, Megan Jewell and Lori Ford. Donna shared information on their presentation PAIL (Pregnancy and Infant Loss).
“Pregnancy and infant loss is something know one talks about enough,” Heinz said.
“So many people go through a loss and have no information to help them cope. PAIL has counselling and support groups available for any type of loss. It could be a termination, a miscarriage, a stillborn. There are people to reach out to in your time of need. Pushing Up Daisies isn’t just about end of life for elder people, young people also need the support through traumatic experiences of death.”
Donna O’Sullivan and Isabelle Meeks also were on site at Pushing Up Daisies. Donna is a long time paramedic and Isabella is a first-year paramedic student who works as a logistics technician for the ambulance services. Isabella was also the Fort Frances High School co-op student last year. Donna shared that the event is a good opportunity for health care professionals to share some of their knowledge with the general public outside of emergencies.
“’Pushing Up Daisies’ is held annually to help bring information to family members regarding end of life decision making,” she said.
“Our booth was sharing information regarding what happens when you call 911 after someone dies. I explained about the need to have a valid DNR present if patient’s wishes were not to have heroic measures should they die and what a call to 911 looks like so family members have an idea as to what to expect should that happen.”
There was a wide variety of presenters at Pushing Up Daisies. The two speakers added to that day, both speaking on topics important to us all. Hats off to all the presenters, to the Sunset Country Palliative Care team and organizers for their hard works and, most importantly, for their passion regarding end of life decisions. Perhaps Laura (Sis) Wilson says it best.
“At the end of the day, we are all just walking each other home.”
