November2014

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If you no longer wish to receive this newsletter, please let us know: Tel: 09 361 5966. Fax: 09 361 5977 email: admin@mercyhospice.org.nz PO Box 47693 Ponsonby, 1144, Auckland

IT wAS THE CHRISTMAS pRESENT NO pARENT EvER wANTS TO RECEIvE, TO bE TOlD THE DEvASTATING

NEwS THAT YOUR SON HAS AN AGGRESSIvE FORM OF INCURAblE CANCER.

Jason Cassidy was twenty-six when he was diagnosed with bowel cancer. Three months later he was gone.

For many years the Cassidy family found the sentiment ‘’Tis the Season to be Jolly” in celebration of the Christmas season difficult, as they slowly came to terms with the sudden loss of their beloved son, brother and friend.

The progression of Jason’s cancer was swift and unrelenting and it was Mercy Hospice who provided the Cassidy family the strength to support Jason through his end of life journey.

Jason spent time at the Inpatient Unit at Mercy Hospice and received community care at home. Whilst for Jason’s father Don and his family those first few months were some of their darkest days, it was the genuine compassion and kindness from everyone at Mercy Hospice that they found overwhelming.

“Jason became quite ill very quickly and the team at Mercy Hospice has simply been amazing. Their support during Jason’s illness and following his death, which extended to our entire family, has been invaluable. Ironically it is Mercy Hospice

that provides us with some of our happiest memories,” reflects Don.

Fifteen years on and not a day goes by without Don thinking about his youngest son Jason. However it is largely through Mercy Hospice’s continued care and support that Don and his family instead of shedding tears at Christmas, have now found meaningful ways to honour Jason’s memory.

Even today it is at Mercy Hospice where Don and his wife Cheryl find the peaceful solitude they have come to cherish the most. They are regular visitors to the courtyard where they have a ceramic tile in Jason’s honour.

“I visit Jason each week at the cemetery, however my wife Cheryl finds it difficult to go there. You will often see us in the courtyard at Mercy Hospice enjoying a glass of wine. It’s a way for us to keep Jason’s memory alive and it’s a beautiful peaceful spot,” says Don.

It is Don and Cheryl’s sincere gratitude that provides the motivation to donate annually on the anniversary of Jason’s birthday and each Christmas to Mercy Hospice.

“Jason is in our thoughts constantly, however we still find Christmas and each birthday milestone a difficult time for our family. We will be eternally grateful for the support we received and continue to receive from Mercy Hospice. Providing an annual donation is our way of giving back.”

Love In Your Heart Don and Cheryl Cassidy

ceo’s message

THE TEAM AT pONSONbY’S blUE bREEzE INN kNEw THE ADDITION OF THEIR TIkI MUGS TO COMplIMENT THEIR

pACIFICA RESTAURANT DESIGN wERE pOpUlAR, bUT wERE A lITTlE STUNNED TO FIND THEIR GlASS FRONT DOOR SMASHED IN RECENTlY bY AN INEbRIATED pATRON TRYING TO STEAl ONE

OF THEM.

“Everyone loves big Tiki,” laughs restaurant owner Mark Wallbank. “He’s our jolly,

pot-bellied guardian, and we made the tiki mugs so people could take that cheeky smile of

his home with them. We never thought they’d create such a stir!” As the ugly temporary replacement boards went up, Mark and co-owners Che Barrington and Nigel Shanks

were inspired to make sure something good came from this unfortunate incident.

“We were determined not to let crime leave an ugly mark when we could do something

beautiful instead. We approached Component, a well known local Grey Lynn artist who

happily donated his time to create an art piece that doubled as our front door, whilst the

new glass was being made,” says Mark. With Mark and Nigel both having Mercy Hospice care for close family members, it was an easy decision to auction off the artwork and donate the proceeds to Mercy Hospice. The Trade Me auction attracted significant community support with $407 being raised.

At Mercy Hospice we care for the whole person, partnering with the patients and their family and friends to help find the physical emotional, psychological and spiritual strength needed to progress through to the end of life’s journey. For the family this support extends beyond the time of loss.

We acknowledge that Christmas can be a challenging time for those coping with the recent death of a loved one. We also recognise that feelings of sadness, loss and sometimes loneliness can be felt for many years.

One of the most enriching

experiences of Christmas is the spirit of giving. I am so proud of our wonderful team of staff and volunteers who are committed to giving their time, energy and enthusiasm to foster hope and give support and comfort to those who need it. Whether it be reminiscing with customers or those donating goods at a Hospice Shop, those assisting with patient activities at Opening Doors or listening to stories of loved ones being told at the Trees of Remembrance.

Our Christmas wish is a simple one, to be included in your giving this year. Thank you to our generous donors for your

THE END OF THE YEAR IS AlMOST UpON US AND FOR SOME IT bRINGS A TIME OF CElEbRATION, jOY AND TOGETHERNESS AND IS THE MOST

wONDERFUl TIME OF THE YEAR. FOR OTHERS, IT CAN bE A TIME OF MIxED EMOTIONS. OvER THE pAST 12 MONTHS wE HAvE CElEbRATED, lAUGHED, SHED A FEw TEARS AND SAID GOODbYE TO SOME vERY SpECIAl pEOplE.

Lynda Smith

Painted front door at the Blue Breeze Inn

Rebecca Williams, fundraiser for Mercy

Hospice says “We are extremely grateful

to the team at Blue Breeze Inn for even

thinking to support Hospice in a time of

trouble, and to everyone in our community

who inspires us constantly with the clever

ways they raise funds for Hospice”.

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continued support. What we provide to our community is a direct result of your efforts.

I hope as the year draws to a close that you can all enjoy in your own way the spirit and energy that is Christmas.

Neil Towse and Lynda Smith (far right) with a group of Onehunga Shop volunteers

Patient Carol Curtis with Dr Sheriza

Dr Sheriza visits

Onehunga Community Welcomes new Mercy Hospice Shop

Two months on and Shop Manager Neil Towse is delighted with how well the local community has embraced the new Hospice Shop. “Our opening day proved to be one of our best sales days ever, which really shows the welcome anticipation and overwhelming support we have received from the Onehunga community. Customers constantly tell us they enjoy the friendly, well laid out shop with a huge array of eclectic and interesting finds that change every time they visit.”

The Mercy Hospice Shops provide a vital source of income in an age of ongoing financial constraints. The decision to open in Onehunga where Victoriana meets Pacifica under the

watchful vigil of the iconic One Tree Hill, is proving to be a good one. “Our shop locations

are chosen where there is a strong sense of community and where people have a strong

affinity to Mercy Hospice. We are simply thrilled that the Onehunga community has already

exceeded our expectations,” says Lynda Smith, Mercy Hospice CEO. Neil and the shop volunteers are enjoying connecting with the local Onehunga

community. “Getting to know our customers and hearing their stories are without doubt the

best part of my day. I love that the Hospice Shops are much more than just retail shops. They

provide a sense of support, connectedness and a place of remembrance. I’m interested to hear

why and what shoppers are buying - whether it is a gift, a memento of a childhood memory or

simply a necessity. The donations we receive in particular often hold significant memories and

we take the time to respect and honour these gifts,” says Neil.Among the interesting gifts that are donated daily, Neil is delighted to now be

receiving Christmas decorations and recommends you visit the Onehunga shop or any of the Hospice Shops to do a spot of Christmas shopping. “Time flies when you are having

fun and it will be Christmas before we know it,” laughs Neil.

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A chance meeting between Dr Bruce Foggo, Mercy Hospice Auckland Medical Team Leader and Dr Sheriza at a conference in Bangkok in October last year has resulted in Dr Sheriza coming to the Hospice for a six month clinical attachment as a visiting Palliative Care Fellow.

Dr Sheriza is a Malaysian-trained physician who is completing her advanced training in palliative care under the auspices of the University of Malaysia. Training requires her to complete 12 months in an overseas setting and she elected to complete her final six months at Mercy Hospice Auckland.

After the initial orientation and induction period, Dr Sheriza has quickly settled in to the work routines of the inpatient unit and has become a valuable team member.

While Dr Sheriza is here to progress her training, this is a two way process and Hospice is learning about delivery of palliative care in Malaysia, her home country and from her recent experiences working in India. When Dr Sheriza returns home she will be qualified to work as a consultant in palliative care. She will also continue her role teaching medical students at the University of Malaysia.

MERCY HOSpICE SHOp lOCATIONS: EllERSlIE & FURNITURE SHOp 188 ladies Mile, Ellerslie Town Centre. ph 579 1208 ROYAl OAk 728 Manukau Rd (opp pak’N Save carpark). ph 625 9300 • MT EDEN 453 Mt Eden Rd, Mt Eden village. ph 630 7110 • pONSONbY 300 ponsonby Rd (Three lamps end). ph 376 5301 blOCkHOUSE bAY 560 blockhouse bay Rd (at the roundabout) ph 627 0128pT CHEv ARCADE. ph 849 2258 • ONEHUNGA 183 Onehunga Mall (corner of Onehunga Mall & Church Street) , Onehunga. ph 09 634 3170

Mercy Hospice celebrated the opening of its eighth store in Onehunga on Monday 1 September with a traditional karanga, shop blessing and waiata.

“ It is a great privilege to be able to experience palliative

care in the Western world. It is certainly broadening

my horizons”

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Celebrating 20 Years

Remembrance Trees Online

www.mercyhospice.org.nz

THE TREES OF REMEMbRANCE ARE A MUCH lOvED TRADITION FOR HOSpICE AND FOR THE COMMUNITY. THIS YEAR MERCY HOSpICE IS ExCITED TO bE

CElEbRATING 20 YEARS OF THE TREES OF REMEMbRANCE.

Lesley Dawson, the founder of this campaign

and Mercy Hospice pioneer fundraiser recalls

how this idea came about. “One evening 26 years

ago I was watching Days of Our Lives, and saw Alice

Horton, one of the characters, hang a Christmas

bauble on the tree in honour of her son Bill who

had died. A light bulb suddenly went off in my head

and I knew this would be fantastic to offer people a

way of remembering their loved ones and to to raise

funds for Hospice.” Lesley says. “With support from

Judy Macready, CEO at that time I put together the

very first Trees of Remembrance Campaign in New

Zealand, where people could write a message on a

bauble for a loved one who would not be with them

at Christmas and hang it on a very special tree.”

Now over 26 years later hospices throughout the

country run Trees of Remembrance campaigns

raising funds for their local Hospice.

pARNEll vIllAGE IS HOlDING A CHRISTMAS FESTIvAl ON SATURDAY 6 DECEMbER FROM 10AM TO 1pM wHERE YOU TOO CAN ExpERIENCE A

TASTE OF pARNEll THROUGH MUSIC, lAUGHTER, FOOD, ENTERTAINMENT

AND FASHION . It’s a great opportunity to take advantage of the ‘Parnell Village Christmas Sale’ and get

your Christmas shopping done early.The Festival will also be fundraising for Hospice with charity collection points

offering ‘$2 tapas’ and a charity auction. All funds raised will go to Mercy Hospice and Hospice North Shore. “My very dear friend is currently under the care of Hospice and it is the most wonderful place. The incredible work they do is beyond words and I can’t thank them enough for the dedicated care and genuine support they offer. Raising awareness and funds through our Christmas Festival is my way of saying thanks,” says Kevin Harvey, City Construction. Parnell Village was the brainchild of one man, Les Harvey. In the 1970’s Parnell was unloved and consequently became run down and dilapidated, however Les saw something in Parnell nobody else could. Les bought and restored a large area of old houses and shops that he converted into restaurants, cafes, craft shops and boutiques during the 1970s.

“His dream involved Parnell re-inventing itself as ‘Parnell Village’, the result being a community of old world shops, sunny courtyards and most importantly with a heart which still beats today,” says his son Kevin.

Kevin together with his brother Tom and sister Nancy, work tirelessly to continue their father’s legacy and are proud that Parnell Village today is still a beautiful place to visit offering a unique and boutique shopping and dining experience.

Saturday 6 December 10am - 1pm

Find our Trees of Remembrance from 8 - 24 December at the following locations:

Farmers St lukes Farmers NewmarketRoyal Oak Shopping Mall Eastridge Shopping Centrewestfield 277Mercy Hospice Shopsor go onlinewww.mercyhospice.org.nz

Lesley Dawson with a Remembrance tree

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Christmas shopping made even easier. Purchase and view all products online. Visit our website and look for the Online Shop button on the homepage: www.mercyhospice.org.nzor phone Stephne on 361 5966 or purchase at Mercy Hospice at 61 College Hill, ponsonby.

Online Shop

Have Yourself a Merry ChristmasAS THE FESTIvE SEASON FAST AppROACHES, MERCY HOSpICE INvITES

YOU TO CApTURE THE SpIRIT OF CHRISTMAS wITH AN INTIMATE,

HEARTwARMING AND ENTERTAINING CHRISTMAS CONCERT.

With a voice that has been described as ‘effortless’ and ‘dazzling’, Tim Beveridge will be joined by Dame Malvina Major, one of New Zealand’s most cherished musical icons, and Simon O’Neill, arguably one of the finest helden-tenors currently on the international stage.

The event promises to provide a magical evening of music, fun and laughter with proceeds raised going to Mercy Hospice Auckland and dove house Eastern Bays Hospice, to help provide care and support for patients long after the festive season is over. “Hospice is a very special organisation and I’m thrilled to be supporting the wonderful work they do in the community. I’ve recently had a family member looked after by hospice and I have nothing

but praise for their wonderful service and care,” says Tim. Dame Malvina Major also has the most heartfelt respect for Mercy Hospice in particular for the incredible care given to her music teacher and friend, Dame Sister Mary Leo. “Christmas for some can be a lonely time. As I grow older I’ve realised how important music is to people - it brings emotions alive, provides hope and a reason to live. Music makes people happy and I’m thrilled to join Tim and Simon to provide a magical evening of entertaining fun.”

An evening of Christmas entertainment is the perfect way to sprinkle some festive cheer and get you into the spirit for the start of the festive season.

Time for you to consider Using ritual is a beautiful way to acknowledge those family members and friends who have died, i.e. light a candle, say a prayer or visit their favourite place.

Decide how you wish to spend Christmas day and the days around Christmas ahead of time and give yourself permission to change them if you don’t feel up to it.

If you find yourself enjoying the festivities and the company you are with, don’t feel guilty. Enjoying yourself is ok.

Remembering to honour your needs is important so if you find yourself not wanting to join in or wanting to do something different, saying no is an option.

Taking care of yourself is also important.

Collectable Angel This beautiful angel will

make a gorgeous addition

to your Christmas tree.

$10

Tim Beveridge “Christmas Is” CD A magical selection of

music for Christmas.

$15

Christmas cakes & puddingsDelicious cakes and puddings handcrafted by the

Great New Zealand Christmas Cake Company

using port-soaked fruits and

real New Zealand butter

and eggs. They make the

perfect gift or treat.

from $24 + postage.

Christmas cardsAssortment of six flora cards featuring four New

Zealand natives - pohutakawa, kowhai, harakeke

and koru beautifully illustrated by Angie Dennis.

Blank inside with envelopes.

$15

DATE: Tuesday 16 December VENUE: Holy Trinity Cathedral, ParnellTIME: 7.30pm (beverages available for purchase in foyer from 6.30pm)

COST: $49.50 (service fees apply)

Don’t miss out! Purchase your tickets at iticket.co.nz

SELF CARE AT CHRISTMAS

Dame Malvina Major

Simon O’Neill

Tim Beveridge

Cakes 500g, 1kg and 2kg.

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CREATING A SUSTAINAblE FUTURE IS AT THE vERY HEART OF

MERCY HOSpICE’S vAlUES . Constantly looking for innovative ways to honour this Mercy ethos, the creative team at Opening Doors has come up with novel ways to recycle many everyday items. This includes the used tea bags and wrappers from the many ‘comfortable cups of tea’ that are enjoyed by patients, families, visitors, volunteers and staff at Mercy Hospice each day.

Since 1997, Dilmah has donated approximately 5 million tea bags to New Zealand Hospices.

“The comforting conversations that occur over a hot cup of tea are relaxing and therapeutic. The extension of this into artwork is truly magical and our special thanks to Dilmah for bringing such joy to our patients and their families in so many ways,” says Mercy Hospice CEO, Lynda Smith.

It is not only tea bag wrappers that have been recycled. The tea bags themselves have been used to form journal wraps that lovingly enclose a patient’s private thoughts and memories. A ‘dress’ has been created out of recycled Caffe Laffare coffee bags and old cups broken up are used to create colourful mosaic art pieces.

For the last 10 months around 20 patients like Whetu have enjoyed working on art projects to feature in the upcoming ‘Celebrating Creativity with a Comfortable Cup of Tea’ Art Exhibition.

Whetu has been the driving force behind the ‘Cloak of Mercy’ that is entirely created out of recycled Dilmah tea wrappers. Every Opening Doors session you will find Whetu at the art table where she simply blossoms, indulging in her passion for art.

“Art has been my life. I look forward to every Opening Doors where I allow my creativity to go wild! I have especially enjoyed working on the ‘Cloak of Mercy’ that is symbolic of the care and support that envelopes us all here at Mercy Hospice. I love the fact we are also doing something good for the environment using recycled materials,” says Whetu.

Creatively celebrating with tea

The Heroic Garden Festival planning is underway with 25 gardens already confirmed. It features Lynda Hallinan’s private garden in Hunua, rural properties in Ararimu and Karaka, food producing and designer gardens in the central city suburbs plus for the first time, a collection of North Shore’s best private gardens. And unique to the Festival is the opportunity for you to talk with the garden owners themselves. Husband and wife team Liz and Peter Young are looking forward to opening their gates for you to see the results of ten years of planting and garden design. Their French inspired home sits naturally in park-like grounds. With formal lawn and clipped hedges this garden juxtaposes the surrounding farmland beautifully. At this garden you will also enjoy an easy board walk through native bush, a Japanese inspired bridge, veggie plot and Lily the pet sheep. Generous support from local businesses is building which ensures

Auckland 14 & 15 February, 2015

visit www.heroicgardens.org.nzfor tickets and more information.

costs for this Festival are covered and therefore allowing more proceeds for hospice. Huge thanks goes to lahood window Furnishings, Douglas pharmaceuticals and Nz Gardener for their premier Sponsorship and to Soar print, Danske Mobler, Natural Tree products, Davis Funerals and places and Graces for their Major Sponsorship. Funds raised for 2015 will help support Mercy Hospice Auckland and Hospice North Shore. With tickets costing only $50 each (valid both days) they make a fabulous Christmas or birthday gift idea and a great weekend or day out for the lucky recipients.

Whetu

Liz and Peter Young

We truly appreciate the generous suppor t and relationships we have with the following Operating, Independent & Community Foundations

MAURICE pAYkEl CHARITAblE TRUST – for a contribution to the costs of managing our facility

blUE wATERS COMMUNITY TRUST – for a contribution towards medical costs for the care of patients

INFINITY FOUNDATION lTD – for their generous contribution towards the Clinical Charge Nurse’s salary for the Inpatient Unit

MT wEllINGTON FOUNDATION lTD – for a contribution towards two nurses’ salaries who work in the Mt Wellington region

jAMES RUSSEll lEwIS CHARITAblE TRUST – for covering battery costs for pain pumps

CHARlES RUpERT STEAD TRUST – for a contribution towards medical supplies for patients

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IT wAS THE DESIRE TO GIvE bACk THAT INSpIRED MT EDEN’S ROSES AND pONSONbY bASED FlORIST ENCHANTED ROSE

TO GIFT THE bEAUTIFUllY ARRANGED FlOwERS YOU SEE EvERYDAY AT MERCY HOSpICE, wHICH ARE COllECTED AND bROUGHT TO MERCY HOSpICE bY TwO wONDERFUl

vOlUNTEERS MAUREEN AND pAT.

Motivated by the desire to add a little brightness and joy to people going through a difficult time, Sandra Sleeman and Michele Coomey from Roses have been gifting flowers to Mercy Hospice for ten years.

“Even after all of these years, we still get the warm fuzzies knowing our flowers are appreciated and admired. The fact our floral displays bring a little happiness to people, even if it’s just for a moment means the world to us.”

Josie and Leon from Enchanted Rose have been donating seasonal flowers for the last eight years to Mercy Hospice, encouraged by their own personal Hospice experience.

“We admire the loyal staff and volunteers at Mercy Hospice and have been incredibly inspired by the dedication, medical and spiritual support Hospice has given our family and friends. We think flowers give strength and hope to those facing the most difficult of situations. Gifting flowers is our way of giving back to the community.”

Thank you Enchanted Rose and Roses for your commitment to Mercy Hospice and to Maureen and Pat for your incredible wish to support the patients and families who we care for.

Spring is in the Air

Volunteer Pat at Enchanted Rose

Sandra Sleeman from Roses with volunteer Maureen

If you no longer wish to receive this newsletter, please let us know: Tel: 09 361 5966. Fax: 09 361 5977 email: admin@mercyhospice.org.nz PO Box 47693 Ponsonby, 1144, Auckland

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As the War raged around them, Halina and her three sisters enjoyed the safety and community spirit of the Vatican, as Pope Pius XII and the Catholic community embraced the Mercep family like their own for eight years.

When Halina Mercep broke her arm opening a jar three years ago, she knew something was not quite right. The diagnosis Lymphoma came with the prognosis it is a life-limiting disease.

Fast-forward three years and Halina has been dealt another cruel blow, the sudden loss of her beloved husband of 54 years, Ivan.

Halina and Ivan’s was a classic love story - Kiwi boy travelling on his OE meets Polish girl, they fall in love, return to New Zealand and start a family. Their

story tragically ends when last Christmas Ivan was also diagnosed with cancer, a disease that took his life in April this year.

Halina and her children were extremely proud of Ivan. Known for designing Te Papa, he’s one of New Zealand’s most well respected architects.

It was Ivan’s illness that first introduced Halina to Mercy Hospice. Ivan was admitted to the Inpatient Unit initially for respite care and also spent his last few days at Mercy Hospice.

“Mercy Hospice provided immense support for our family. They listened, cared for and above all ensured Ivan’s final days were the best they could be. I owe Mercy Hospice so much. I would never have managed without their love and support.”With her own illness progressing, Halina

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is currently receiving care from a range of medical service providers within the community. It is this extensive and varied support that Halina attributes to her positive outlook for the future.

“I feel incredibly spoilt with all the attention. My GP, District Nurse and Amanda my Hospice community care nurse all take good care of me. Gerard, my Arch Angel from Hospice also visits regularly. I really enjoy our wonderful conversations.”

Halina feels she has been “very lucky in life”. For someone who has experienced so much, this sentiment may seem hard to understand. Yet for the extremely courageous and independent Halina, it’s about focusing on the positive and enjoying every single moment of every single day.

Or visit www.mercyhospice.org.nz to donate online.

HAlINA MERCEp ExpERIENCED THE vAlUE OF COMMUNITY vERY EARlY ON. HAlINA wAS AGED ONE

wHEN wORlD wAR II bROkE OUT. lIvING IN ITAlY AT THE TIME HAlINA’S FATHER, CHANCEllOR OF

THE pOlISH EMbASSY, ARRANGED FOR HIS FAMIlY TO TAkE REFUGE AT THE vATICAN.

Halina Mercep with volunteer Gerard

CommunityCare at its best

OUR pATIENTS AND FAMIlIES.