TESTIMONIALS
Our family will always be thankful to Karuna for helping us achieve the ‘impossible’…
Philip and I were the happiest we had ever been in our lives. We had just finished building the farm we had dreamt of for years. But one day, not long after we moved in, Philip was diagnosed with cancer and that changed everything.
The first few years after the diagnosis we looked for answers and tried everything. However, despite Philip’s amazing determination to ‘beat’ his cancer, he started to get very sick and we realized he was not going to get better.
The hospital advised us that he should stay in their care but Philip had different ideas, he was coming home and I was determined to do everything I could to honour his wishes.
Although I was scared, Karuna helped me believe we could get through this. Karuna was with us at every turn, extending the care beyond just Philip by supporting the whole family. Karuna kept us going.
Philip’s passing, as sad and difficult as it was, will always shine a light of warmth in my heart. We did it! We fulfilled the greatest and biggest wish he had, to die at home surrounded by the love of his family and his favourite music. At home we gave him what no hospital could have, a view that meant the world to him, a place that filled his heart, the people he cared about most and Harry, his dog, lying with him to the end.
On the morning of her mother’s funeral, Sonya McClure sat at her computer, opened her heart and wrote Karuna a poem. This was the culmination of a tumultuous period in Sonya’s life, one where Karuna was honoured to be able to play a role. This is her story, in her own words.
“On the day my mother was diagnosed with cancer our lives were turned upside down; it was hard for us to make sense of anything. Then I was given a number for Karuna and a great weight lifted from my shoulders. I told my parents about Karuna and I could see it brought them peace and confidence. My father was determined to give my mother the best care and be there for her right to the very end; I was frightened about bringing her home because I had no idea how to care for someone who was dying.
The day Dad drove Mum home from the hospital I met up with them on the road. Mum leaned over and pulled a face, giving me a hang loose wave; she was so happy. Soon after one of your heaven-sent nurses arrived; I’m sure she could see the fear in my eyes as she gave us all the rundown of what to expect.
During the last six weeks of my mother’s life we relied heavily upon the Karuna Crew. I rang whenever I was scared and they were quick to ease my stress and calm my troubled heart. The situation also caused stress between my Dad and I and we often argued about the best way to care for Mum. There were times when we got angry with each other as we faced our own individual pain and grief; once again Karuna stepped in and made the difference. Without their dedicated help and support there is no possible way we could have brought Mum home. Because of you she was able to die surrounded by loved ones knowing she was safe.
Because of you our family was able to bond together for one of the biggest challenges we have ever faced. I will never forget the sweet soft voice of Camille on the end of the phone as I told her that my mother had passed away.
Thank you Karuna for your ongoing support and care. With your help my Dad and I have been able to process our grief in the comfort of our home. I truly hope that people in the community will know how great your organisation is and will support you.”
Kindest regards
Sonya McClure
Thank you Karuna by Sonia McClure
You are amazing women sent from high above
Who have hearts of gold that are filled with love
You cared for my mother with such beautiful grace
And I could tell that you loved her by the look on your face
There is a fact to be told for it is so true
There is no way we could have done it if it were not for you
I am forever grateful and in your debt
And I hate to think what would have happened if we’d never met
It’s with this little ditty that I share my heart
Eternally thankful for everyone’s share and everyone’s part
Allowing my mother from this world to depart
Together with loved ones and peace in her heart
Thank you xox
When diagnosed with a life-threatening tumour at 17, Charlie Adison’s first question was whether he would be able to finish his innings at cricket. He fought to complete a good innings in life, undergoing neurosurgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. With Karuna’s compassionate assistance, he celebrated his 19th birthday at home, surrounded by family and friends. Karuna helped him to live well and die well.”
Charlie’s parents
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My name is Jenna and I have recently become aware that Karuna cared for my grandmother Betty and a few years later my grandfather, William (Bill) Howell. Bill was Betty’s carer and after she died my grandfather became a volunteer at Karuna. It really helped him through his grief.
I was only nine when my ‘parpy’ died. Recently I was reading through his “Memories Poems” and I read this. It really touched me.
I can still feel the pain
And her tears fell like rain, when they told her the cancer had spread.
We will never forget Karuna, wonderful nurses, each was a gem,
They enabled us to keep Betty at home, in our hearts we will remember them.
Even after Betty left us, Karuna were beyond belief,
They helped us to arrange the funeral and helped me to come to terms with my grief.
Karuna conducted the service, if Betty looked down from above,
She would see not just grief and sadness but a service of beauty and love.
As I write, it is eighteen months later. Time heals all hurt, so they say.
Then it must be the depth of my love for her, for I think of her more every day.
Even now I am involved with Karuna, kindness and smiles on their faces
But without Betty, life’s a desert for me, Karuna my only oasis.
You do fantastic work! Many thanks Jenny (14 years)
Our ‘Ba’ by Carol Ferris
My mother, Gienia, was diagnosed with Lymphoma when my youngest son was six months old. We called her Ba. She had been Ba for the last 17 years and got the name from my nephew who called her that because Grandma was such a big word when he was very little!
She coped well with the first round of chemotherapy but the second round was very strong and she spent most of the year in and out of hospital. She then had radiation and unbelievably the cancer was still growing. The doctors sent her home to live the rest of her life that’s when we first heard about Karuna.
We were asked, “What do you need?” We really did not know. The lovely Alice arrived the next day and was so capable and reassuring and instantly we knew we could do this. A bed arrived later in the day and my sister and I were relieved we had a 24 hour number for assistance. Alice or Lynda were there every day providing much needed advice and support, along with practical help with bathing, bed changing and pain management.
Our Ba lost her brace batter with cancer on the 3rd September at 3.30 am. She passed with one hand in my sister’s hand and the other in mine.
Ba’s calm and peaceful passing would not have been possible without the fantastic support from Karuna. I know that Ba really appreciated the assistance my sister and I received. She knew that without Karuna she would not have been able to stay at home listening to her grandsons play and giggle.
I believe in the work that Karuna does and I know that my whole family is grateful for the wonderful assistance your organisation has given our family during the final stages of our mothers death.
I remember distinctly the last night of my mothers life and the difficultly it was for me to deal with that evening. What was a terrible memory and a terrible moment of my life, I have reflected many times on the fact that it would have been much much worst if it wasn't for the wonderful people from Karuna who gave us empathy and support, but most of all gave us the plan and direction for how to best deal with our mother. If it wasn't for that plan and rational understanding of what and how to do things, I think that night could have not only terrible memory but escalated into a trauma.
I saw my mother accept death with dignity and I saw my family deal with the issues of death with honour and respect for the person we love so much. My mother believed in family and she believed in meal time, Mum passed away just after the whole family had finished our lunch together. I can see no better way for her to have left this world then for her be with the family she gave so much to and loved so much - to have one last meal with us all. My mother was beautiful lady with a great love for her family. Karuna will always be special to me, because I believe that without you guys giving us that support things would have much worst. You are the best and I will always support your work. When it is my time to go I know I will be grateful for Karuna.
Hope this helps in some way.
Regards,
Peter Dyer
When my husband Terry Gwynn-Jones was dying, the only light in those dark days was the comfort of family and friends and the never-failing presence of Karuna. Thankfully, family and friends are (almost) a given, in times of distress. Few surprises there. But Karuna! For me they were a source of wonder. Why did they care? Why were they so generous- we weren’t paying them? Their daily “Extreme Care” over three months was way outside my life experience. As a journalist, businesswoman and consultant I had been accustomed to expect fair dealing, quid pro quo, mutual exchange. With Karuna it was all one way – towards Terry, his three sons and me.
Three years later as I look back with the blessedness of passing time, I remember with joy, as much as grief. And I have seen that miracle happen over and over for those with a Karuna connection. At a time of despair and tragedy, Karuna brings us hope beyond death. Though full of human tragedy, memories of a loved one’s death are tinged with the positive Karuna experience of round the clock availability, the counsellors’ matter-of-fact wisdom and the grace of respite volunteers – all without charge.
Since then I have been a Karuna staffer, a volunteer fundraiser and a board member. My Karuna connection is stronger than ever. A friend once said without thinking, “I hope I never need Karuna.”
I say – “ I hope I do.”
Originally from Plymouth in England, Des and I had made Bribie Island our second home. Des, a merchant seaman since sixteen, could never stay away from the sea for long.
When given the news that Des’s cancer had moved to his bones and that he had only about six months to live, it came as no surprise to me that he wanted to spend this time by the sea.
But things did not go well. The hospital could not provide Des with a palliative care bed for at least four months.
I wasn’t able to cope with Des’s deteriorating health. Our situation seemed unbelievably desperate. I didn’t know where to turn. My doctor was worried. He tried to push for an earlier admission but this was not to be. Finally he suggested I call Karuna.
I had never heard of Karuna. Within two short days my desperate lonely situation changed completely. From the first phone call everything changed. A nurse came almost immediately and assessed my husband. A suitable bed and other equipment was brought in. There he was, in his own room, looking out to sea.
From the first meeting I felt the nurses and counsellors knew exactly what they were doing, that my husband was getting the best treatment available.
With Karuna’s help, Des lived two months longer than expected, saw in the year 2000 and celebrated his 75th birthday.
Karuna was with me from my first call and after Des died as well. I want everyone to know they never have to feel the loneliness and desperation I felt, as long as Karuna is there to help.
I know that it was because of others’ generosity that Karuna was able to help me. I spent many hours pricing beds, chairs and other bits and pieces that Des would surely need. Every little item added up. No one wants to think about their finances at these times.
