At Burnaby Hospice Society, we witness firsthand the profound impact that compassionate palliative care has on patients and their families. Each story is a testament to the strength, love, and connection that hospice care fosters during life’s most delicate moments.
The Lam family recently shared a heartfelt message of gratitude for the volunteers at St. Michael’s Hospice, where their father, Lam Pak Chee—fondly known as Archie—spent his final days. Their words beautifully capture the comfort and support that palliative care provides, not only to patients but to their loved ones as well.
Dear St. Michael's hospice volunteers,
"We are deeply grateful to each of you for the love, care, and compassion you showed our father. Your support not only comforted him but also provided invaluable emotional strength to our entire family. Your presence made all the difference and helped us navigate this incredibly challenging time.
In preparing for our father’s celebration of life, we learned all three Chinese characters in his name, Lam Pak Chee, symbolize the mighty cypress tree. With his incredible will to live, he defied the odds and survived longer than expected, living up to the strength his name represents.
We feel blessed to have spent Christmas Day together at the hospice, surrounded by love, peace, and the comforting presence of our father. We will forever cherish this memory. Although our father is no longer with us, we find comfort and peace knowing that he is no longer suffering and is now resting in peace. The memories of his life continue to be a source of strength and warmth, reminding us of the immense love and joy he brought into our lives.
Thank you for being a part of our father’s journey and for the comfort you provided during this time."
With love,
Family of Archie Lam
During Archie’s time at St. Michael’s Hospice, his family participated in the Lighting of the Living Garden event in December, joining Burnaby Hospice Society volunteers, staff, and other residents' families. The evening was filled with warmth as attendees sang Christmas carols and shared cookies and hot chocolate.
One of Archie’s children recalled a touching moment:
"We had never seen our father sing before. That night, watching him join in the carols was something we will treasure forever."
These moments—big and small—become lasting memories that bring comfort long after a loved one has passed.
Stories like the Lam family’s remind us why palliative care is so important. It is not just about medical support; it is about ensuring that every person experiences comfort, dignity, and love in their final days. It is about creating meaningful moments—whether through a quiet presence at the bedside, a shared holiday celebration, or simply holding space for families to be together.
We extend our deepest gratitude to the Lam family for sharing their story and allowing us to be part of Archie’s journey. Their words remind us that hospice care is not just about the end of life—it is about cherishing the life that remains.
Burnaby Hospice Society is committed to providing compassionate care to individuals and families facing life-limiting illness. If you would like to support our mission, consider volunteering, donating, or learning more about our programs. Every act of kindness helps bring comfort to those who need it most.
