This post was written by: Tiara Sisson MSEd, MSHRD, CPHR SHRM-CP, CP
October 25, 2024
As the newest member of the Life and Death Matters (LDM) team, I had the privilege of attending the MIPCC 2024 Conference alongside Kath and Ted. Coming from a background in operations and administration, this was a wonderful opportunity for me to delve deeper into the palliative care community. I met many of LDM’s friends and colleagues and discovered the numerous perspectives and facets of palliative care.
One of the most memorable speakers was Dr. Kimberly D. Acquaviva. She shared a deeply personal story about her wife, Kathy Brandt, who was diagnosed and died with ovarian cancer. They chose to share their journey on social media to help others understand what it’s like to live while dying. She taught about the importance not only of treating people well, but of creating policies to ensure people of the LGBTQ2+ community are fully welcomed.
Another speaker who touched me was Dr. Naheed Dosani. He began his talk by stating that many Black, Brown, and unhoused people can’t afford palliative care when they are very sick. He shared the story of Terry, a homeless man suffering from a serious illness who died alone on the streets. Terry profoundly impacted Dr. Dosani, leading him to dedicate his career to palliative medicine for the homeless.
Inspired by Dr. Dosani, I am exploring volunteering opportunities with a partner organization in Calgary.
Arika Moore Patneaude is a social worker fighting against racism and advocating for people from different cultures. She emphasized the importance of understanding and respecting individuals from all backgrounds. She introduced us to the concept of “cultural humility,” which involves being open to learning about others’ cultures without assuming we know everything. Her insights on combating racism in healthcare underscored again, the necessity of ensuring everyone receives the care they need.
Listening to Arika made me reflect on how I can become more understanding and respectful toward people from all walks of life. To provide the best care, we must learn about those we are helping and strive to treat everyone fairly.
Our very own Kath Murray shared the touching story of her Aunt Frankie, an extraordinary caregiver in her community. What moved me most was how Frankie openly discussed death in everyday conversations, and how she fostered a compassionate community. When she became ill, that same community she nurtured and built, rallied around her, and provided her and her family care and support. Frankie passed away at home, surrounded by love. Her story exemplifies what compassionate communities are all about.
Throughout the conference, there were profound discussions about care and kindness—locally, regionally, and globally. Speakers addressed the serious issue of fairness in palliative care, highlighting that some groups don’t receive the care they need and proposing solutions to rectify this. They emphasized the importance of culturally sensitive care, sharing examples from around the world and Canada. I learned that it’s crucial to support policies that ensure everyone gets fair care, no matter who they are.
Art and storytelling were also significant parts of the conference. Engaging exhibits demonstrated how music, art, and narratives can profoundly help patients, families, and caregivers. One particularly touching moment was when a caregiver shared how a simple song became a cherished part of her family’s end-of-life experience, bringing comfort and closeness.
An essential topic at the conference was the self-care for those who support people with life-limiting illnesses. Caring for others can be both rewarding and exhausting, making it important for caregivers to look after themselves as well. In the exhibit hall, chair massages were offered to help caregivers relax and rejuvenate. It was a gentle reminder that taking a moment to rest enables us to be stronger for those we assist.
During a quiet moment, I captured a photo of Kath focusing on her hands—hands that have cared for so many over the years. Observing her made me appreciate the importance of caregivers taking time for themselves to reflect and recharge.
As the conference drew to a close, discussions centered on creating new policies and plans for health and society, emphasizing that significant changes are needed. Reaching out to the community isn’t just beneficial; it’s essential for effective palliative care. We were encouraged to become helpers in our own areas, supporting initiatives that foster comprehensive and compassionate care.
Attending the MIPCC 2024 Conference reinforced the importance of educating and supporting those who care for others at the end of life. Working for Life and Death Matters—an organization dedicated to teaching personal support workers and nurses about palliative care—I feel both proud and grateful. Our work aligns perfectly with the ideas shared at the conference: caring for others with compassion, building supportive communities, and ensuring that everyone receives the care they need.
I am thankful for the connections I made during the conference. Meeting former students of Kath’s, who expressed how her training helped them find clarity in their purpose, was truly inspiring. Watching Ted become emotional with pride as he recounted stories of the impact that Kath has had on the professional lives of Personal Support Workers and Nurses highlighted how meaningful our work is.
Being part of Life and Death Matters confirms that I am in the right place. The organization’s values mirror my own—caring deeply for others, educating those who provide care, and building communities of support, knowing that together, we can make a real difference in people’s lives during their most challenging times.
