BC Cancer Foundation - Winter 2015 - (Page 14)

LEGACY GIVING Beyond Words Celebrated Vancouver poet leaves a lasting legacy to brighten the lives of cancer patients C ancer can be devastating emotionally as well as physically. The BC Cancer Agency's Patient and Family Counselling Department exists to help people through this experience. Retired Agency counsellor Liz Dohan says her goal was always to help people bring out the best in themselves to cope with a difficult situation. For Elise Partridge, a celebrated Vancouver poet, life took a turn when she was diagnosed with breast cancer in her early 40s. It was through her cancer journey and a support group for young women with breast cancer that Elise developed a deep and lasting bond with her counsellor, Liz. Elise's husband, Steve, says the support group, led by Liz, meant a lot to Elise and opened her eyes to the unique experiences each patient faced-whether a new immigrant living far away from family, or someone who didn't have a partner supporting them through their illness. SEEKING SUPPORT AND TREATMENT "We were aware of how much the diagnosis and treatment process upended our lives and yet, in many ways, were fortunate in being settled here and my being able to continue to work and having access to resources and benefits," says Steve. 14 PARTNERS IN DISCOVERY For more than 10 years Elise was healthy; she wrote her second and third books of poetry in that time and cancer drifted away from her day-to-day consciousness. Sadly, in early 2014 she was diagnosed with a new, unrelated cancer. Through the final year of Elise's life, she was back in the throes of illness, cancer treatment and reconnected with the counselling team. As she reflected on the comfort she had received through Patient and Family Counselling, Elise asked Liz how a gift might help support patients in the future. THE HOPE FOR A LASTING LEGACY Elise wanted to add value for those struggling through their cancer. Elise and Liz devised a plan to establish an endowment fund to help offset stresses in the lives of cancer patients. Elise's vision of this legacy gift was that a small practical gesture might relieve a little of the stress many patients experience. "I think it reflects a generosity that she always exercised," says Steve. "She hoped the gift would help people carry on with life as best they could." Liz affirms the value this gift will bring to patients. "To receive even a small gesture at a time when life may be in chaos provides comfort and support." Steve and Elise Partridge A poem from Elise's book Chameleon Hours FOR JENNY 1973-2002 Not just the roses- but sugar-water glazing the gouged rink; swallow's nest-dun, nubbly mud; clothesline dishcloth shimmying in a breeze; soapbubbles pearling a breakfast sink. Copyright © 2008, Elise Partridge Reprinted by permission of House of Anansi Press LEGACY GIFTS MAKE A DIFFERENCE FOR PATIENTS TOMORROW To learn more about the BC Cancer Foundation and legacy giving, email legacy@bccancer.bc.ca.

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of BC Cancer Foundation - Winter 2015

BC Cancer Foundation - Winter 2015
Opening Thoughts
Healthy Insights
Why I Give
Researcher Profile
A Monumental Leap in Cancer Treatment
Solving the Mystery of Treatment Failure
A Picture with Life- Saving Properties
Legacy Giving

BC Cancer Foundation - Winter 2015