Pete's Brave Shave
A little background…
In 2020 my Dad passed away from heart disease. He was in and out of ICU for 5 weeks and eventually on a hospital palliative care ward for just a couple of days. Unfortunately, they are 5/6 weeks I wished I had spent a little differently. Dad always said he had a good life, but I do wonder, did he have a good death?
Since Dad’s passing, I have felt a need to build a greater awareness of what palliative care is and encourage others to begin thinking about end-of-life issues.
Not really knowing how unwell Dad was or how abruptly the end would come for him, I have wondered, are we are doing enough for loved ones on their final journey of what we call life.
As challenging as they maybe, I feel doctors, nurses, and family need to have conversations about death and dying. They have a defining effect on the care provided, treatment options and the wishes of loved ones.
I know one of Dad’s wishes was met when he savoured his last “coke on the rocks”. It epitomises what palliative care is about – making the most of the time we have left, in a way we want, surrounded by our loved ones.
Although limited our family was blessed to be able to spend time with Dad, however not all have had that opportunity in the world of covid. I can not imagine what it has been like for loved ones who have had to say goodbye or care for those during this most difficult time.
In a few months’ time (date to be confirmed) I will be shaving my head to raise funds for Palliative Care Queensland, their mission: Quality care at the end of life for all.
I will also be donating my hair to Hair with Heart. It will be made into a wig for someone who has lost their hair due to a medical condition.
Thank you in advance for your contribution, it means so much.
Cheers to you Dad
In 2020 my Dad passed away from heart disease. He was in and out of ICU for 5 weeks and eventually on a hospital palliative care ward for just a couple of days. Unfortunately, they are 5/6 weeks I wished I had spent a little differently. Dad always said he had a good life, but I do wonder, did he have a good death?
Since Dad’s passing, I have felt a need to build a greater awareness of what palliative care is and encourage others to begin thinking about end-of-life issues.
Not really knowing how unwell Dad was or how abruptly the end would come for him, I have wondered, are we are doing enough for loved ones on their final journey of what we call life.
As challenging as they maybe, I feel doctors, nurses, and family need to have conversations about death and dying. They have a defining effect on the care provided, treatment options and the wishes of loved ones.
I know one of Dad’s wishes was met when he savoured his last “coke on the rocks”. It epitomises what palliative care is about – making the most of the time we have left, in a way we want, surrounded by our loved ones.
Although limited our family was blessed to be able to spend time with Dad, however not all have had that opportunity in the world of covid. I can not imagine what it has been like for loved ones who have had to say goodbye or care for those during this most difficult time.
In a few months’ time (date to be confirmed) I will be shaving my head to raise funds for Palliative Care Queensland, their mission: Quality care at the end of life for all.
I will also be donating my hair to Hair with Heart. It will be made into a wig for someone who has lost their hair due to a medical condition.
Thank you in advance for your contribution, it means so much.
Cheers to you Dad
Organizer
Peta Edge
Organizer
Austinville, QLD
Palliative Care Queensland Incorporated
Beneficiary