Dorothy Ley Hospice was our lifeline through heartbreak: Anita Cordeiro
In just two years, Anita’s family faced the unimaginable – losing both their mother and father to cancer. Read Anita Cordeiro’s story about the crucial support her family received in their time of need.
Family has always been at the heart of everything we do.
Our parents, Otilia and Fernando, raised four children and took great joy in watching their four grandchildren grow up. We celebrated every holiday and birthday together, creating memories that continue to fill our hearts and home.
Mom was determined to spend her final months and weeks at home, in the place she had shared with my father for over 50 years. Thanks to the incredible support from Dorothy Ley Hospice and her palliative care team, led by Dr. Toupin, we were able to honour her wish.
For over six months, they provided not only medical care but also emotional support, giving us the strength to care for her at home.
Just months after my mother’s passing, my father was diagnosed with cancer.
We did everything we could to care for him at home, but eventually, we had to accept that he needed more care than we could provide. Dr. Wortzman, who had been with us through every stage of his illness, gently guided us through the decision to admit him to Dorothy Ley’s Hospice residence. It was one of the hardest decisions we’ve ever made, but it was absolutely the right one.
When my father was admitted to the Residence, he was met with the same kindness and dignity my mother had received. Though skeptical at first, he was quickly impressed by the personalized care.
Knowing he was at peace became a gift we will always cherish.
Why your support matters
Dorothy Ley Hospice relies on the generosity of individuals and businesses for nearly 50% of its annual operating costs. Donations are crucial to keeping these services available to families like mine.
In the past year, they provided care and support to over 2,800 people—just as they did for my family. More than 180 individuals received end-of-life care in their residential facility, and over 1,100 were supported in their homes.
These numbers reflect the profound impact of your donations, but what truly makes Dorothy Ley special is the personalized and holistic care they offer.
For my father, this meant not only receiving compassionate medical care but also services that addressed his emotional and spiritual needs. The Hospice offered wellness therapies like therapeutic touch and provided therapy dogs for comfort, creating an environment that brought him—and us—an unexpected level of peace during his final days. They even honoured his preferences, from favourite meals to the small things that made him feel at home.
Your support today helps ensure no one is turned away from the care they so desperately need.
Your contribution—no matter the amount—means that compassionate care and wrap- around support remains available to every individual and family when they need it most. Your gift keeps the hospice running smoothly, allowing families to focus on spending precious moments with their loved ones. Whether it’s $50 to help with meals or $500 to fund a day of care, every dollar makes a difference.
Thank you again for taking the time to read this letter. It’s not just about making compassionate care possible for families like mine – it’s about ensuring that care is there for you and anyone who may need it whenever the time comes.
Sincerely,
Anita
On behalf of my sisters Susan and Sandra, Fernando and Otilia’s Daughters
