Clarice has cancer, but at Day Hospice the focus is on living
For all intents and purposes, Clarice Mooney’s life was held hostage by cancer. “When the cancer came, it was like cancer had taken over my life,” she says.
“The only purpose I had was to try and fight the cancer.
“All of a sudden I had nothing else.” Clarice was a mother and a wife. A woman with purpose and drive, who managed a security team at Casino Niagara. And for more than 30 years, she sang in an all-female barbershop choir.
And then lung cancer. Just like that, the predictability of life ended and her world revolved around the unknowns of radiation and chemotherapy treatments, medical appointments, and bloodwork. She celebrated short remissions followed by the discovery of more cancer, and more treatments. Along with good health, she lost her identity.
Two years ago, on the suggestion of a friend, she started attending Hospice Niagara’s Day Hospice, a weekly program for people living at home with a terminal illness. Activities include card games, therapeutic art and music, Reiki, conversation and just being in the present moment.
It’s a day away to focus on belonging and friendship at a time in life when illness can fee overwhelming and isolating. Families also benefit by having a break from care giving.
At Day Hospice, Clarice discovered her passion for art and found renewed purpose and meaning in life.
“Hospice gave it back to me,” she says, “a feeling that I do bring something to this life.”
And then, the pandemic. While inperson programs have been paused, Clarice looks forward to the weekly one-on-one phone calls, emails and connecting with familiar faces online.
Now more than ever, Clarice needs the community and togetherness of Day Hospice to ward off the realities of isolation. Her immune system is compromised so she only leaves home for essentials like chemotherapy treatments.
“That’s pretty much my life,” she says. “It’s pretty bad when all you have to look forward to is getting out to get chemo. It’s lonely.”
Hospice Niagara’s programs and services are free of cost and help people to live well from the time of diagnosis. Every year, some 3,000 people and families are supported at home, in the community and at The Stabler Centre, a 10-bed hospice residence.
“It’s family,” says Clarice. “It’s community. It’s something special.”
For more information on Hospice Niagara’s programs and services, call 905984-8766 or visit www.hospiceniagara.ca