Meagan’s Story

In 2014 my family was introduced to Sakura house as our mother, Kim Elder was admitted to room three. She had fought a short but hard battle with lung cancer that ended on May 8th 2014. 

My family will be forever changed and grateful to the staff and volunteers that made the last days much easier than some of the previous days my Mom had experienced. Most importantly, she could relax as her pain was finally under control, and so could we, knowing that she had around the clock care from some the most outstanding and compassionate PSWs and nurses that kept her comfortable.  

During such a vulnerable time, it felt like the world stopped but outside the windows of room three, it kept going. It was easy to form bonds with the staff as we knew they had been through this process before and understood the pain and fear we were experiencing. More than that, we could tell that they cared … on Moms last day, their tears were as real as ours.

It was a very beautiful end to her life, although it was way too soon. One she couldn’t have received at home or a hospital. With her family all around her, her favourite songs playing and flowers all around the room. 

For years after my Mothers passing I thought of Sakura house and staff and how to give back everything that they gave to me and my family, and it doesn’t feel possible to be able to return that much…Not only our family, as there were nine other rooms going through the same thing! 

We participate in Hike for Hospice and Lights of Love, Smile cookies, all the fundraisers every year to try to give back as much love as we received. I think about my Mom every day and how proud she would be that today I am a health care provider at Sakura House. I get to work amongst some of the team that helped her. I take so much pride in being able to care for all families that come to Sakura House. 

This has become my purpose in life and second home. Forever grateful. 

Meagan Garner 

We were but stones, your light made us stars.          

~ Pearl Jam