Meeting People Where They Are: A Conversation with Sheri Ewasiuk

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Published: June 2, 2026

When Sheri Ewasiuk first encountered palliative care, it wasn’t through her work — it was during a visit to a friend.

At the time, she had already spent years as a nurse in hospital settings. But what she experienced that day felt entirely different.

“The lights were lower. There were no overhead announcements. It was calm and peaceful,” she recalls. “I was really taken by how different this type of care was.”

That moment stayed with her. Today, with more than three decades of nursing experience, including sixteen years in hospice and community palliative care, Sheri is part of the team at Dorothy Ley Hospice, supporting individuals and families through serious illness.

One of the biggest misconceptions she encounters is that palliative care is only for the final days of life.

“People are still surprised when I call,” she says. “There’s still that belief that palliative care is just end-of-life care.”

At Dorothy Ley Hospice, the focus is much broader. Care can begin much earlier, often soon after diagnosis, with an emphasis on quality of life.

“For some people it’s symptom management,” Sheri explains. “But it can also be emotional support, spiritual care, or helping someone focus on what matters most, whether that’s planning something meaningful or just feeling more comfortable day to day.”

Sheri’s role spans both the community clinic and triage. At the clinic, she supports patients who are still able to travel, helping assess their needs and connecting them with physicians and the care team. Many clients build relationships over time, relationships that can continue into home visits if their health changes.

A significant part of her work also involves reviewing referrals and reaching out to clients and families early.

“Sometimes it’s just about making that first connection,” she says. “Letting them know we’re here and that they’re not alone.”

That reassurance can be powerful. Families often tell her that simply knowing support is available eases some of the uncertainty they’re carrying.

Listening is at the heart of the work. Every situation is different, and priorities can shift quickly. At Dorothy Ley Hospice, care always begins with a simple question: what matters most right now?

“We can’t change the outcome,” Sheri says. “But if we can affect the journey, if we can ease some of the stress – then we’ve helped.”

For many, arriving at hospice brings an immediate sense of relief.

“The shoulders just drop,” she says. “There’s this sense that they can finally breathe.”

What families often discover is a space that feels both home-like and supportive, where expert care exists alongside moments of connection and even joy.

“There’s still laughter,” Sheri says. “Yes, there are hard moments, but there are also celebrations, special visits and even weddings.”

Common concerns come up again and again: pain, discomfort, and the fear of being a burden.

“People want to know they’ll be comfortable,” she says. “And they don’t want to feel like a burden to their family.”

Through coordinated care, whether at home, in clinic, or in residence, Dorothy Ley Hospice helps address those fears, surrounding individuals with the support they need.

Over the years, Sheri has seen the impact firsthand.

“I’ve had families say they didn’t even know hospice existed before,” she says. “But they couldn’t have managed without the support.”

For Sheri, the work is both challenging and deeply meaningful. It’s also a constant reminder of what matters most.

“It brings you back to what’s important – family, connection, taking care of yourself.”

If there’s one message she hopes more people understand, it’s this:

“Palliative care isn’t about giving up,” she says. “It’s about quality of life and making sure no one has to go through this alone.”