Hike for Hospice one week away… have you donated?

Young Paris woman shares her personal reason for participating each year

By Carolina Saenz

Hike for Hospice is fast approaching on May 7, 2023

This fundraising event invites people of all ages to participate and support Stedman Community Hospice (SCH)

Last year the Paris independent shared a story about Paris resident, Daneka Miller, and her first-hand experience that SCH offers to the community. Motivated by her experience and in loving memory of her mother, Miller is gearing up for her 7th hike this year.

“To me, hospice means hope. A safe, caring environment where you become a family again instead of a caretaker. The hospice supports their patients so well as if they were their own family. Their main goal isn’t to fix the dying, it’s to make them comfortable before they go. They give families back their sense of family,” writes Miller, who was just 13 years old when her mother Cindy Miller was diagnosed with brain cancer in November 2016 In January 2017, after brain swelling and seizures had paralyzed her left side, Miller’s mom was admitted to hospice care. She passed away on March 10th, 2017, just a month before her daughter’s 14th birthday.

The care, sympathy, and support provided by SCH is life-changing. A part of the St. Joseph’s Health System, it offers both long-term care and hospice services. It is also the largest Long Term Care Home in Brantford and Brant County, and only one of two not-for profit homes in the area

SCH not only cares for patients and supports families, but staff do what they can to help fulfill final wishes.

“My mom, being a teacher, wanted so badly to see me graduate grade 8. When she was admitted to the hospice in January of 2017 they made it all come together in less than 3 days

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When entering hospice care, tomorrow isn’t always a promise. They rocked every little detail and made my mom so happy to see that,” Miller explains. And just one and a half months after her mom’s passing, Miller participated in her first Hike for Hospice. Since then, she has been participating at the annual event and even completed a co-op opportunity at the hospice during grade 11. “The hospice motto of you are loved every step of the way is so true, I have felt so loved over the last 6 years. They never stop supporting you,” shares Miller.

That’s why it’s easy for Miller to support SCH because donations and events such as Hike for Hospice are extremely important, as the hospice relies heavily on donations and volunteers to operate

“They receive little government funding and receive most funding from the community, and I think that’s what makes it so special A community that comes together to support each other and provide in times of need. People should support the hospice because you never know if one day it will impact your family. It truly is a beautiful place that impacts so many different people, and you can see how grateful patients, volunteers and staff are for the support and donations of the community,” assures Miller In addition to the Hike for Hospice, there are other ways to contribute to SCH. Volunteer positions are available to support families, help in the kitchen, or in the gardens. There is also a Handbags for Hospice event in October and donations are welcome and appreciated anytime of the year.

Over the past six years, Miller has fundraised an estimated total of $45,000- $50,000. In 2022, she raised $7,550 individually and $10,170 with her team Miller acknowledges the importance of community support and thanks her family, as well as Punt Installations, Bell City Carpet One, The Fit Effect, and Hoggs Installations

“Every person and their families at end of life deserve to have cost-free care, as well as the chance to be a family at the most critical times in life. I believe that people deserve to pass comfortably with their families away from the business of a hospital. What keeps me going is my mom, I know that she would see my chances to inspire others- not just adults but kids as well. Children impacted by death and the amazing work of hospice care are the future of it It keeps me going knowing that others are going to be inspired by my story and will help others have a story like mine, of hope,” Miller adds. She plans to continue participating for many years to come, fundraising and also speaking about hospice care. “Tomorrow isn’t always promised, and remember you are loved every step of the way,” Miller concludes.

Help Daneka Reach her $4,500

Click here to donate to her Hike for Hospice Team to help meet its fundraising goal!

Daneka’s mother, Cindy Miller, was diagnosed with brain cancer in November 2016. In January 2017, after brain swelling and seizures had paralyzed her left side, Miller’s mom was admitted to hospice care. She passed away on March 10th, 2017. Daneka’s mission each year is to raise as much money as possible for Stedman Hospice in memory of her mom.