Vigil Health Solutions Staffer Set to ‘Walk His Talk
Losing his father this year was daunting for Ian Bos, who, since 2007, has handled Purchasing and Logistics for Vigil Health Solutions, a Senior Housing Forum Partner. As his father battled cancer, Ian’s family was able to care for him at home with the help of the staff and volunteers at Aberdeen Palliative Care Society in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia.
Palliative care programs provided by hospice are designed to allow patients to gain more control over their lives, manage pain and symptoms more effectively, and provide support to family caregivers.
Ian, like most of us would be, was extraordinarily grateful for the care and compassion Aberdeen Palliative Care provided he and his family. He said, “With their assistance, we were able to keep Dad at home with his family where he wanted to be. We had the confidence that if we needed anything, they would be there. And they were with us every step of the way.”
Incredible Gratitude
But unlike most of us, Ian was not satisfied to merely express his gratitude; he decided to walk the talk. So, on May 21st, he will embark on a 5,000 plus-mile walk across Canada in memory of his father and to raise awareness and support of end-of-life palliative care.
His goal, he states, “is to raise $25,000 for the Aberdeen Palliative Care Society and to raise funds for the Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association (CHPCA), provincial palliative care associations, and palliative care societies across Canada.
Vigil Health Solutions is his primary sponsor. On May 3rd, Vigil staff, their families and some of their pets joined over 300 participants and 30 canines for the 4th Annual Victoria Hike for Hospice. The event raised $100,000. Jacquie Brennan, Vigil Vice President of Operations said, “We were just happy to play a small part in the outstanding day and support Ian.”
Public Awareness
Hike for Hospice organizers noted that each death in Canada affects the well being of an average of 5 other people or more than 1.25 million Canadians each year.
They also pointed out that only 16% to 30% of Canadians who die currently have access to or receive hospice services, depending on where they live. In the United States, 1.4 million people utilized hospice in 2007 with more than one-third of dying Americans utilizing the service – or approximately 39%.
Ian is determined to raise public awareness of hospice care, which he believes is a vital and needed service. He has also made maximum use of technology to allow his supporters to assist him and to share in his journey.
Supporters can read Ian’s story and blog, follow his progress on a map showing his route, view photos en route, organize their own teams, and make donations at this website.
Other ways to stay up to date:
Facebook: Ian;s Walk Facebook Page or Vigil Health Solutions
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ianswalk2015
Website: http://chpca.convio.net/Ianswalkforendoflifecare
Does your company, community or staff have a favorite charity they support?
Pam
