The Annual Christmas Memory Tree: Celebrating Love and Life

Pictou County Palliative Care is thrilled to announce the arrival of our much-awaited event: the Annual Christmas Memory Tree. As an organization dedicated to providing compassionate care and support to individuals and families facing life-limiting illnesses, this special occasion holds immense significance for us. This year, as we enter the winter holidays, we are filled with a renewed sense of hope and warmth.
Date: November 19 to December 23, 2024
Location: deCoste Entertainment Centre, Water Street, Pictou

Honoring the Past, Celebrating the Present - A Tree of Connection

Spanning its branches are ornaments placed with love and adorned with the names of those we hold dear in our hearts. Be it family members, close friends, or cherished pets, this tree serves as a collective representation of the love and joy they brought into our lives.
We thank the deCoste Entertainment Centre for use of their beautiful space.

PALS Video Premiere: Compassionate Support for Palliative Patients Takes Centre Stage

New Glasgow, Nova Scotia, Thursday, October 3, 2024, …. The Pictou County Palliative Support Group (PALS), a unique peer support group for those facing a palliative diagnosis, announces the upcoming premiere of a new video showcasing the impact of the program. The video will be aired live on October 10th at 8 PM during a special Facebook Watch Party to celebrate the incredible work being done by PALS and to raise awareness about the importance of palliative care support.

PALS, supported by the Pictou County Palliative Care Society (PCPCares), provides a safe and compassionate space for individuals navigating a palliative diagnosis. Led by dedicated volunteers, the group offers emotional support and a sense of community, along with a wide range of educational speakers and musical guests.

The group began five years ago, modelled after a program that PALS volunteer Marj MacNeil helped facilitate in Calgary during her years as a hospice nurse. “When we heard about what Marj did out west, we said, ‘We’ve got to do that here’,” explains Dr. Anne Kwasnik-Krawczyk, medical director of Aberdeen Hospital’s palliative care unit. That enthusiasm was echoed throughout the PCPCares team and the program came together, entirely volunteer-led. Today, PALS is still the only program of its kind in Nova Scotia and fills a critical gap in care for patients with illnesses such as cancer, ALS, MS, and end-stage lung disease. They gather weekly in meeting space generously donated by Trinity United Church.

“We all think of dying as being grief and sadness, but I think this group brings out something else,” explains PALS co-facilitator, former oncology nurse and cancer navigator Joanne Cumminger. “It’s a place where people feel safe,” adds Dr. Kwasnik-Krawczyk. “Everybody is there with a compassionate ear.”

The video, made possible by funding from the Aberdeen Health Foundation, showcases the profound impact of PALS by sharing personal stories from members about how the group has supported them in navigating life after a palliative diagnosis. It highlights the comfort, hope, and strength they’ve found through meaningful connections with others.

PALS is open to anyone who has been given a palliative diagnosis, at any stage in their journey. For those seeking more information or wanting to refer themselves or a loved one to the PALS program, please visit the Pictou County Palliative Care Society’s website at pcpcares.org/resources or contact PALS directly by phone: (902) 752-7600 ext 5535 or email: admin@pcpcares.org

To take part in the live video premiere watch party October 10th at 8pm, please RSVP to the Facebook Event “PALS Palliative Support Group Video Premiere” or follow along on the PCPCares Facebook Page, www.facebook.com/pcpcares

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

Debbie MacLeod

(902) 752-7600 ext 5535

admin@pcpcares.org

Palliative Support Group Video Premiere

Join us Sunday, October 20 -4PM, First Presbyterian Church, New Glasgow for “A Touch of Gospel” concert; tickets $20 — etransfer to: donate@pcpcares.org - in message box type: TICKETSALES

Shown L-R, Shaun MacLean organizer of “A Touch of Gospel” concert, presents $5000 to PCPCares Chairperson Ann DeCoste and Dir of FundRaising Debbie Ratcliffe.

Our video, made possible by funding from the Aberdeen Health Foundation, showcases

the profound impact of PALS by sharing personal stories from members about how the group has supported them in navigating life after a palliative diagnosis. It highlights the comfort, hope, and strength they’ve found through meaningful connections with others.

PALS is open to anyone who has been given a palliative diagnosis, at any stage in their journey. For those seeking more information or wanting to refer themselves or a loved one to the PALS program, please contact PALS directly (902) 752-7600 ext 5535 or email: admin@pcpcares.org

DEATH CAFE

Let's talk about it -

Our objective in offering this type of cafe is to help ease death based conversations. Like most coffee gatherings there is no agenda, just a facilitated conversation at each table on things pertaining to death.

“People don’t live like they are dying - they don’t think about the mess that they are leaving behind for those that are grieving” - a quote from a newly bereaved son.

Please register: admin@PCPCares.org

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Special Acknowledgements

During our March 2023 Annual General Meeting, we presented our first annual Lifetime Patron award to two individuals who were instrumental in the establishment of providing and navigating palliative care within Pictou County. Dr Winston Makhan and Dennis MacDonld are shown above receiving the award. Grateful of their service, vision, their contribution and to the long term impact both of these gentleman have made on so many! What a lagecy! Congratulations we appreciate and value you both.