Your donation matters to Casandra

Casandra Haas’ mom Diane lived her life fully. She was driven at work and passionate about her hobbies, taking up scuba diving despite a fear of water. When she was diagnosed with an aggressive form of brain cancer Diane was determined to be “fine”. And for five years she was.

When Diane entered the Palliative Care Unit (PCU) at Parkwood Institute her daughter Casandra knew she was ready. She spent one peaceful week in the newly refurbished PCU – a bright and warm family space made possible by donors – before passing away.

With new features like private rooms, soft floor lighting and comfortable visitor lounges, the upgraded unit is a refuge for families. For Casandra, the space enabled her to enjoy quality, private time with her mom – even sharing experiences like watching the hawks soar above the hospital’s grounds outside their window.

Casandra thinks of her mom every day. She misses her mother’s passion for life, but she’s at peace knowing that her mom spent her final days in comfort and without pain. It provides Casandra with a sense of closure, one of the most important gifts for someone who has experienced such loss.

“In the hardest time in my life, watching my mother pass away, I was able to be somewhere that was pleasant to be.”

– Casandra, Donor