Stories

My name is John Briand. It is with great regret that I write this letter because it means that I am fulfilling a dying wish of my loving wife of 37 years. Jennifer’s last request was for me to help in my small way to improve palliative care services in our area. To all who knew…

By Cynthia Snyder Hello my name is Cynthia Snyder. I’m a 65-year old retired nurse of 32 years, a mother of two wonderful sons, ages 29 and 26. I am married to the love of my life for over thirty years. In February of 2008, twelve years ago, I was diagnosed with APL Leukemia. Initially,…

I love to sew and for the past few years I’ve been sewing for the South Shore Hospice and Palliative Care Society — items for their sales, anything from rustic ice skates to tote bags, cushions and lap blankets. It was lovely to be able to do my part for such a worthy cause, but…

The diagnosis of cancer came unexpectedly for Betty Flack’s husband, David. This seemingly healthy man had a cancer growing in him quietly and unnoticed until there was no turning back from the reality that he was terminally ill. That February diagnosis lead to a referral to palliative care in May. Nervous about their initial meeting…

I recently had the pleasure of spending time with Laura Smith, the singer, songwriter and award-winning musician. And while her career in music is indeed something to celebrate and to talk about, Laura and I have come together for a different purpose. If you read a recent article in the Chronicle Herald, you’d be aware…