Ernie Loch
Donors like Ernie Loch are helping make renovations possible for Sunnybrook's Palliative Care Unit
Penelope Loch was just 68 years old when she finally succumbed to cancer. What started as lung cancer had spread to other parts of her body by the time she was admitted to palliative care at Sunnybrook two and a half years ago.
"She was in the cancer care ward at Sunnybrook. We had talked about her going into palliative care, and she didn't want to go, so I made arrangements so she could die at home – caregivers, hospital bed, oxygen, all the details," recalls her husband, Ernie Loch.
"I was all ready for her to come home when I got a call from the cancer care clinic that she had been transferred to palliative care. I went over there and her first words were, 'What a marvellous place this is,'" says Ernie, who remembers the view she enjoyed – Penny had a room that looked out on to the courtyard – and how she thought the people were "so nice."
"Over the next six weeks or so, despite the fact she knew she was going to die, she was as happy as I had seen her in a long, long time," says Ernie, who explains that during this time, their estranged son was able to reconnect with her. "That six weeks was a real bonus that none of us were expecting; it gave us a chance to mend some of the broken fences and enjoy some time together."
On Christmas Eve as the family was visiting, Penny took a turn for the worse. "That's when I decided the least that I could do was donate what would have been the cost of having her at home to palliative care, because of what they had done for her, giving her those six weeks that were so enjoyable for all of us," says Ernie, a self-employed entrepreneur.
"One of the reasons she was as happy as she was, was the care the staff and the nurses gave to her; it was just outstanding. They were very supportive, very helpful."
After Penny died, Ernie donated $50,000 to palliative care at Sunnybrook. Today, a recognition plaque in Penny's memory hangs outside the room she stayed in.
Since Penny's death, the Palliative Care Unit has experienced a revival of sorts, making plans for physical improvements to the centre. "Our goal is to create a premier palliative care unit that will significantly change the end-of-life experience for our patients and their families," says Sandra De Costa, Patient Care Manager at Sunnybrook's Palliative Care Unit.
"The Palliative Care Unit at Sunnybrook opened in 1989 with eight beds; over time and to meet the growing need, we have gradually increased the number of beds to 56. The unit was originally designed for general complex continuing care, not specifically palliative care. We recognize our physical environment needs to be enhanced to best meet the needs of our patients and families," says De Costa.
Plans for the space include a room where loved ones can gather to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries and cultural rituals, as well as a redesigned kitchen and dining area to allow families to enjoy their meals together at a dining table. Single rooms and additional sleeping accommodation will be added for family members to stay overnight, and an office space will be available for those who need to work remotely.
The renovations are only possible because of donations from the community, De Costa explains, as this type of renovation is not traditionally covered by government. The project was launched with a gift of $1.2-million from McDermott House Canada. While funding for the first phase of the renovations is almost complete, fundraising continues for the next two phases.
Thanks to the support of donors like Ernie and McDermott House Canada, the centre will continue to offer those with a terminal illness a comforting, home-like environment where families can spend quality time with their loved ones.
This content was produced by The Globe and Mail's advertising department, in consultation with Sunnybrook. The Globe's editorial department was not involved in its creation.