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Carlo, Maria and Marina Di Battista
Dedicating themselves to patients at the end of life
E
nd-of-life is a difficult and
tremendously emotional time for
patients and their families,” says
Dr. Gary Rodin, Head of Supportive Care for
The Princess Margaret. “For each of us in the
Harold and Shirley Lederman Palliative Care
Centre
, we see the responsibility of caring for
patients in their final days and their families
as very important, and recognize in ourselves
the qualities, instincts and skills needed for
this special kind of work.”
The family of Subash Chander found great
comfort knowing that he was supported by
an excellent medical team in his challenge
with prostate cancer. “Despite our best efforts
to care for our father at home, he had to be
taken to the Palliative Care Unit,” explained
Mr. Chander’s son, Puneet Malhotra.
In gratitude, the Malhotra family raised $15,000
to support the initiatives of the Palliative Care
Unit and to refurbish the quiet room that is
available to patients’ families who spend long
periods of time at the cancer centre.
Honouring and celebrating a life helps with the healing
A
lot of healing is needed when a
young person is lost to cancer. And 34
is too young.
John Di Battista touched many lives as a son,
brother, uncle, husband and co-worker, and
his big heart, smile, and friendly laugh will
be remembered by them all. John’s family
has dedicated five flowers in The Princess
Margaret’s new Healing Garden to John. His
sister Marina explained, “The Healing Garden
was an obvious choice for our family. Flowers
are a symbol of love and care. They are the
universal sign of appreciation and emotion.”
The Max Tanenbaum Healing Garden, located
on the 14
th
floor of Princess Margaret Cancer
Centre, features a stunning display of beautiful,
hand-blown glass flowers, each a symbol of
hope and healing for patients and their families.
Jatinder Malhotra, Subash Chander,
Pooja Malhotra and Puneet Malhotra