A Nova Scotia man made a stop near Okotoks on his long walk to promote quality health care for people’s end of life journey.
Ian Bos, 39, visited the Foothills Country Hospice Sept. 28 as part of his cross-country trek, Ian’s Walk for End of Life Care.
“My focus is on awareness,” Bos said. “When the conversation of death comes up people run away. But (palliative care) provides the candle in the darkest hour, for not only the patients, but their families.
“That was my experience when my dad (Ted) passed. I just wanted to do something to highlight what they do.”
Bos’ father died at 68 in January from complications from lung cancer.
“We were able to keep my dad at home until the end,” he said. “Between my mother and I, we cared for dad and had the support of VON (Victoria Order of Nurses) and the palliative care nurse and doctor.”
He said palliative care not only helped his father, but provided social and spiritual support for the entire family.
“It was huge for us,” he said. “They kind of prepare you for the journey. For far too long we avoided the conversation about death. Fortunately, my dad was quite open about it.”
Bos took a leave from his job in Victoria, B.C. to care for his dad. He didn’t hop on a plane to head home, instead he laced up his sneakers, loaded a 55-pound backpack and starting walking from New Glasgow to Victoria just over four months ago. His goal is to raise $25,000. He was at $20,000 when he stopped in Okotoks.
Bos started his walk west from his New Glasgow, N.S. home just over four months ago.
“Today I did about 25 km — from the inside of Calgary to Valley Ridge Drive,” Bos said. “I’ve gone through four pair of shoes. I’m on five and six now.”
He’s been overwhelmed by the diversity of the Canadian landscape and the stories he has heard.
“It’s the people I have most enjoyed,” he said. “People come up to me and tell me their stories. Whether they are (palliative care) workers, volunteers, families who have been affected by it… Palliative care is about the end and to hear stories of positivity inspires me.”
He needed that inspiration.
It took him 56 days to get through Ontario. Ten days alone to get through Lake Superior National Park, where he a slept in a tent.
“The weirdest experience was Lake Superior Park when some guy handed me a knife,” he said.
He’s been eating military rations for the most part. However, the past couple of months he’s often had a roof over his head as Good Samaritans have taken him in. He hopes to be in Victoria, B.C. by Oct. 26.
Bos was more than welcomed at the Foothills Country Hospice with refreshments and gratitude.
Dawn Elliott, executive director of the hospice, said she is overwhelmed by Bos’ journey.
“It’s mind-blowing to think someone would take that initiative for palliative care,” she said. “It’s a long journey.”
The Foothills Country Hospice has a budget of just over $2.4 million. Approximately 61 per cent comes from Alberta Health Services. The hospice society raises the rest, about $1 million.
As for the guy doing the walking, he was blown away by the Foothills hospice, which has eight palliative beds, kitchen, rooms and stunning scenery.
“This is what all Canadians deserve,” Bos said. “Far too few of us have access to facilities like this… Nobody’s perfect, and no matter what they do, people deserve to live with dignity at the end.”
He gave credit to the volunteers and workers at not only the Foothills hospice, but at palliative care facilities across Canada.
“It’s a calling not a job,” he said. “People are led to this by what is truly in their hearts.”
To donate $10 to Bos’ stroll text “hospice” to 20222. To make further donations Google Ian’s Walk for End of Life Care and follow the links.
The Foothills Country Hospice Gala is Oct. 24 and this year’s theme is a Hawaiian luau. For ticket information phone 403-995-4673, go to www.countryhospice.org or email [email protected]
