Florence’s Story: What Hospice Care Makes Possible
Most people think of Hospice as a place. But Tōtara Hospice is a service that meets people wherever they call home, providing care, comfort, and support to patients and the people who love them.
Florence knows just how important that care is.
She is 47 years old and lives in Manurewa with her husband, their two children, and her father-in-law. As her health needs have grown, her sister has travelled from the Solomon Islands to help care for her.
In 2018, after months of worrying symptoms, Florence was diagnosed with leiomyosarcoma, a rare and aggressive cancer. She remembers feeling a deep sadness when she received the news.
Since being referred to Tōtara Hospice, Florence has been supported through regular home visits, access to specialist equipment, physiotherapy, and emotional and family support.
But recently, her pain became overwhelming.
When her Hospice nurse visited, Florence rated her pain as nine out of ten. She was hunched over, unable to look up, barely able to speak, and unable to sleep. Her nurse immediately contacted her Hospice doctor and together they put an urgent plan in place. Florence was admitted to the Inpatient Unit so treatment could begin promptly, and her pain could be brought under control.
The change was remarkable.
The next day, Florence was sitting up, smiling, and talking.
“Much better,” she said — and the relief in her voice was unmistakable. Her pain had dropped from a nine to a six. It was the first comfort she’d felt in days.
For Florence, it was not just about physical care. It was also the sense of calm and reassurance around her.
“Coming into the Inpatient Unit felt calm and reassuring. My room was ready. The doctor came straight away. The nurses moved quickly and gently, and my pain eased fast. I even slept well for the first time in days. Hearing the quiet sounds of the nurses talking softly in the hallway was comforting – it reminded me there were caring people nearby, and that I wasn’t alone.”
She describes the impact of Hospice simply:
“Through Hospice, I’ve found love, peace, and a sense of lightness. My diagnosis is heavy — but Hospice helps me carry it. I just accept it and enjoy the time I have. It’s a gift.”
This is what Hospice care makes possible. It brings relief when pain feels unbearable, provides expert care with compassion, and supports not just the patient, but their whole whānau.
Tōtara Hospice provides this care at no direct cost to patients, but it is only possible because of community support. While government funding contributes to the service, it does not cover everything.
That is why support from people like you matters.
A gift today helps ensure that someone like Florence can receive care, access specialist support when they need it most, and feel safe, supported, and not alone. Every dollar stays local, and every gift helps care for families in your community.
*Since sharing her story, Florence has passed away. We are grateful to Florence for allowing us to share her experience of hospice care. Her story continues to help illustrate the vital difference hospice support makes for patients and families facing life-limiting illness.
