A hug that keeps on giving
Jason Fahey’s family wants to help hospice society carry on their important work
TRURO, N.S. – Jason Fahey received a quilted hug from his grandmother and now his family wants it to extend it in his memory, to help others.
The quilt, given to the young man on his last Christmas, has been donated to the Colchester East Hants Hospice Society to raise funds.
“We wanted to help because of what they gave us,” said Jason’s mother, Doris. “They helped us at such a critical moment. It was a time that could have torn our family apart, and they provided consistency and support.”
Jason was an active young man who played rugby and football and lifted weights. He loved music and computer games and was very social.
He was a student at Saint Mary’s University and was home for a visit when he told his mother he wasn’t feeling right. He was misdiagnosed when he first went for medical help. After he collapsed, he was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). He was 18 years old.
“He was angry at times,” said Doris. “It’s hard for a young person to know his life won’t last much longer.”
She said Serena Lewis, a hospice social worker at the time, Dr. Henderson and his palliative care team, and
VON provided the care and support the entire family needed.
Jason went through treatment and was in and out of remission until his death in 2015, 18 days after his 23rd birthday.
One of the most meaningful gifts he received during his last year was the quilt made by his grandmother, Renate Bampton.
“I started quilting in 2012 and I wanted to make a quilt for him that was more masculine looking,” she said. “The pattern is called Josephine’s knot. It’s a big quilt, more of a queen-size coverlet.”
Renate’s mother worked for a fashion design salon in Berlin before the war and had taught her to sew. For many years though, her main hobby was woodworking. She made things like beds, bookcases, outdoor furniture and fireplace mantles. After moving to a house where she didn’t have space for woodworking, she tried quilting.
“I’m creative and I like to do things with my hands,” she said. “I joined a group, too, and made wonderful friends.”
Doris calls the quilt a piece of her mother’s heart and said her son was very touched by the gift. After Jason’s death, the quilt was packed up when the family moved from their home in Valley.
“When I was unpacking I came across the quilt,” said Doris. “I thought it would be a great addition to the fundraising efforts for Jason’s legacy fund, so I asked mum if it would be alright to donate it. I know someone else can enjoy it.”
The family is happy to see the quilt go on to help more people.
“We’re a strong family of faith and I know Jason’s somewhere else now and he’s whole, healthy and happy,” said Doris. “I hope the love sewn into his quilt will be a blessing for someone else.”
People can buy tickets, $2 each or three for $5, by calling Colchester East Hants Hospice Society at 902-8933265 or by emailing info@ cehhospice.org. The draw date is May 8.