Owning the End-of-life Experience

Gotha2

Owning the End-of-life Experience

HCA Hospice patient Gotha continues to inspire with her professional experience and vibrant personality in the face of a life-limiting condition.

Gotha has been empowering others as a regional training manager in a multinational corporation, but her life took an unexpected turn when she was diagnosed with peritoneal sarcoma, a rare and aggressive abdominal cancer. The complications that followed the emergency surgery for a ruptured tumour kept her dependent on a suctioning device for two months. Through it all, she maintained her cheerful demeanour, even humorously calling the device her “Prada” or “Gucci” bag.

When the cancer returned, Gotha began chemotherapy with a one-year prognosis. Rather than submitting to her circumstances, she chose to remain engaged and active, visiting Oasis@Outram, HCA Hospice’s day hospice, daily. Determined to make the most of her time, she focuses on doing what she does best: uplifting others. Her warmth and luminous personality are a welcoming beacon to everyone she meets at Oasis@Outram.

Gotha powers through her circumstances with an optimistic outlook

Breaking down walls

A social butterfly at heart, Gotha flutters from table to table at the centre, approaching patients, staff and volunteers alike with candour. By introducing herself and sharing her story, she fosters a supportive environment where fellow patients feel comfortable expressing themselves.

Drawing on her extensive professional experience, Gotha seeks to make a meaningful impact at the centre. “Here I can talk to people and get them to share their life stories, just like how I used to at work,” she explains.

Patient empowering patients

In a bid to get the patients of Oasis@Outram to open up to each other, Gotha conducted a Story Cubes workshop which received tremendous support from her care team. “I was deeply impressed when she suggested doing something for her peers,” Priya, a day hospice assistant, shared. “In fact, this was the first activity conducted by a patient here!”

Gotha planned every detail and led the workshop. Her confidence made it easy to forget she was a patient. Gotha encouraged vocal expression and interaction among the small group of six participants comprising patients, caregivers and staff. She used suggestions to guide them to explore and share their childhood memories and personal joys. Her goal was to create a space for purposeful reflection and deeper connections in celebration of their life’s journeys.

The power of stories

The impact of Gotha’s workshop was tremendous. Mr C, a fellow patient who participated in support, learnt about the unique stories of other patients. Now, he waves at his new friends across the room and interacts with more people. The friendships that resulted from the session proved invaluable to the patients, Priya shared.

Angie, a caregiver who regularly accompanies her mother to Oasis@Outram, shares these sentiments. Initially intrigued, Angie applied Gotha’s approach to caring for her mother. Encouraged by the emphasis on respecting individuality, she began encouraging her mother to express her own desires rather than simply conforming to others’ expectations. “My mother used to always go along with what others wanted, even with something as simple as food,” she shared. “Now, I let her decide for herself and listen to her choices.”

An innate gift for connection: Gotha (right) with Day Hospice Assistant Priya, whom she shares a close relationship with, amongst other staff, patients and volunteers.

Inspiring kindness

Gotha’s caring nature extends beyond the Story Cubes workshop. After learning of a fellow patient’s difficulty with going to the bank, she took the time to write down detailed instructions, including questions to ask the bank staff, ensuring her handwriting was legible. When asked about her motivation, Gotha simply answered, “I didn’t want him to forget what to do.” This simple act of kindness underscores her dedication to making a positive difference in the lives of those around her.

In the face of a life-limiting illness where some may retreat into despair, Gotha owns her journey with her resolute spirit and resilience, transforming her personal challenges into opportunities for connection and growth. Her story is a powerful reminder of how one can find meaning even at the end of life and continue to fill up the lives of others.

Words & Photos: HCA Hospice

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