The warmth of compassion

Missing out on his grandfather’s final days, Alex Wu finds meaning in his role as a volunteer on the Palliative Care Unit at Parkwood Institute.

Alex Wu wasn’t able to be with his grandfather when he died, missing a final goodbye that stays with him today.

The fourth-year medical sciences student at Western University lost his grandfather during the COVID-19 pandemic at a time when it wasn’t safe to visit. Now, during his free time, he volunteers on the Palliative Care Unit at St. Joseph’s Health Care London (St. Joseph’s), spending time with end-of-life patients so they aren’t alone.

“Not being able to be there for my own grandfather, this is a way for me to accompany those who, for any reason, can’t be accompanied by their loved ones,” says Alex.

Alex signed up to volunteer at St. Joseph’s in February 2020, just before the pandemic hit. When volunteers were welcomed back to the organization in early 2022, Alex jumped at the opportunity.

While his role differs depending on the day and needs of the patients, Alex says volunteering in palliative care is really about sharing compassion by doing the small things, whether it’s bringing the patient a snack or drink, or simply sitting with them while they watch TV.

“You get a warmth in your heart doing this kind of work,” says Alex.

The Palliative Care Unit at St. Joseph’s Parkwood Institute focuses on the physical, psychological, social and spiritual needs of patients experiencing life-threatening, progressive or terminal illness. The term palliative care can carry a negative connotation and Alex admits that when he first signed up to volunteer on the unit, his friends had concerns about the mental and emotional toll of end-of-life care. But for Alex, end-of-life is “part of life” and the rewards are powerful.

“We are doing what we can to make it the best it can be for the patients.”

Volunteering, he adds, has been a time of learning, bonding, self-discovery and reflection.

“It’s an honour and a privilege to be able to be there for them. It’s a very important part of their life, so treat it as a very important part of yours as well.”