05/31/2026
A TESTIMONIAL OF GREAT HUMANITY
Laurie Doane generously shares her experience at La Maison des Collines.
“When I first received news that I had terminal cancer and through the days that followed I was oddly at peace. I had no real pain yet, just discomfort and pressure from a rather large mass that protruded in a 7-month pregnant kind of way. The fact that it was inoperable made sharing my decision to choose quality of life and pain management over further medical intervention easier. Having been through two surgeries prior - one during the Covid pandemic which required chemotherapy while I waited for the tumour to shrink, I had already come to a place where I saw myself through the lens of the medical system. I did not feel I was a patient who had a voice in her care but rather a biological being on a conveyor belt of care that required protocol that could not be swayed from due to stats and policy all of which seeded fear.
Fast forward to approximately a month before end of life and I find myself in a space in my very own community which I did not know existed. A place where the cadence is unhurried and doctors and nurses sit with you and converse with presence, humanity and genuine care. Tall spacious rooms with timber framed ceilings surrounded by tree-lined forests where birds are the only thing to be heard outside the windows.
Synchronicity led us here after a very long day of waiting in Emergency rooms for tests and blood work, where by the off chance the doctor on duty asked if we had considered Palliative Care and that we might just pop over and visit since we were here already here. “Oh goodness I said to my sister, do we have to?” I was so tired and just wanted to go home. We were greeted with warmth and invited in. We were both awe-struck by a beauty and sense of peace that’s difficult to articulate. I knew I wanted this place to be my last stop on the train. My prayers were answered due to an incredible team that made the process seamless, including the Emergency doctor who saw to writing a letter on our behalf to make it possible. We started with in home-palliative care a week later and then when the time came, we were able to transfer to Les Maison des Collines with ease.
Oh, what a different world it would be if we treated our endings with as much love and joy as our beginnings. Perhaps we would be less fearful of this door we all must go through one day. I imagine if there was a word that could capture what I feel here it is, unconditional love; the kind you naturally assume with family and friends but are surprised by from strangers.
My request to family and friends is please, please do not send me flowers - send donations or volunteer, so that this space can continue to flourish for all those blessed to pass through and onward from the doors it opens.
Big kudos and gratitude to those who made this possible.
Laurie Doane, May 2026”
At her request, instead of sending flowers, Laurie invites people to make a donation or volunteer so that La Maison des Collines can continue to welcome individuals and their loved ones with such humanity.
Donate: https://www.lamaisondescollines.org/donner
Volunteer: https://www.lamaisondescollines.org/b%C3%A9n%C3%A9volat
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UN TÉMOIGNAGE D’UNE GRANDE HUMANITÉ
Laurie Doane partage, avec une immense générosité, son expérience à La Maison des Collines.
À sa demande, plutôt que d’envoyer des fleurs, Laurie invite les gens à faire un don ou à offrir du temps comme bénévole afin que La Maison des Collines puisse continuer d’accueillir les personnes et leurs proches avec autant d’humanité.
Donner : https://www.lamaisondescollines.org/donner
Devenir bénévole : https://www.lamaisondescollines.org/b%C3%A9n%C3%A9volat
Passez à l’action et soyez parmi les personnes qui agissent et font la différence. Soutenez La Maison des Collines et offrez une fin de vie paisible et digne.
