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When the DF/BWCC Oncology service offered its first remembrance service in May, more than a hundred family members of cancer patients who passed away turned out—so many that the service had to be moved from Carrie Hall to the Bornstein Amphitheater.
“It was amazing,” said nurse educator Katie Fillipon, MSN, RN, who first thought of having the service after hearing about a similar event from an ICU nurse during the End of Life Nursing Education Consortium at BWH in October. “We know that there is a real need for the support that this service offers, and we will try to hold it twice a year going forward.”
Families were invited ahead of time to send a photograph of their loved, and Chaplaincy staff includes those photos in a slideshow with music. Family members could get up and speak when their loved one’s picture appeared on the screen. They shared memories and also thanked the DF/BWCC team for their care and compassion during difficult times.
“One patient’s sister came and told us, ‘He went through hell, but you were his angels,’” Fillipon said. “Many people talked about how difficult dealing with cancer was, but urged the care team to keep doing the things we do. It is nice for staff to hear how much these families appreciate the care they received even after they leave.”
Nancy Kleiman played her harp during the ceremony, and a physician, nurse, patient care assistant and care coordinator all did readings. “There wasn’t a dry eye in the place,” Fillipon said. “It was emotional for everyone.”
A reception gave families the chance to reconnect with staff and also to meet other families who had been through a similar experience.