A medical charity that provides free end-of-life care to people in east Auckland is appealing to the public for urgent financial support.
Tōtara Hospice is sending out fundraising letters in the name of its medical director and palliative medicine specialist Dr James Jap.
He says the cost of maintaining its services within its community is budgeted at $15 million.
“Government funding as part of revenues is only 53 per cent of that cost, leaving us a multimillion-dollar gap to bridge across all other activities like our shops, community giving, and support.
“This is why I’m taking the time to reach out to you, our community, for help.”
Jap’s letter uses the example of Hospice patient Shane to highlight the high level of compassionate service the charity provides.
Shane’s three final wishes as he approached the end of his journey were to feel grass under his feet, taste a green apple, and to eat an ice block.
The last request would be easy to fulfil but the Hospice kitchen had no green apples, Jap says.
He sourced some green apples and asked the kitchen staff if they could turn them into an “icy treat”.
“I presented our patient with the drink. As he sucked on the straw the look on his face was pure pleasure.
“Grass underfoot was going to be a bit more challenging. His mobility had worsened as he had become weaker.”
Shane was helped into a wheelchair and taken outside into the sun.
“A gentle breeze on his face, Shane was wheeled out. Slippers off, feet resting on lawny goodness. A man communing with nature.
“He lay back in a reclined position, his head propped up by a soft pillow, a satisfied smile on his face. Contented bliss, a momentary relaxing dose of normality. A simple pleasure.”
Jap says death is the one guarantee in life and people only get one chance to get it right.
“Hospice is not only about dying. It’s about helping patients live life to the fullest with the time they have left. Living well and dying with dignity.”
Donating to Hospice will help patients such as Shane “receive the care, comfort, and support they so desperately need right now”, Jap says.
“Your gift will ensure we start this new financial year knowing our community has our back.
“It’s my priority that everyone dies with dignity and respect, and never alone. But I cannot do it without your help.”
To donate to Tōtara Hospice, go online to www.hospice.co.nz/donate.
