“You Are Not Alone”: Charlene Hanchar’s Journey of Caregiving, Grief, and Hope Through Hospice and Wellness Support

Charlene Hanchar’s story is one of profound love, loss, and resilience. As the only child of Mervyn and Lorna Hanchar, high school sweethearts married for 51 years, Charlene grew up in a warm, joyful home filled with shared passions. Whether it was cheering on their favorite sports teams, going for nature walks, or caring for beloved family pets, the Hanchar household was a place of comfort, laughter, and lasting memories.

But life took a difficult turn when both her parents began struggling with chronic illnesses. Charlene stepped into the role of caregiver early in her adult life, balancing work and school while managing appointments, medications, and emotional support for her parents. Her father, Merv, battled Scheuermann’s disease for much of his life, and then worsening diabetes, neuropathy, and congestive heart failure before being diagnosed with terminal throat cancer late into his 69^th year. He passed away in March 2022 at the age of 70. Not long after, her mother, Lorna, whose health had been steadily declining due to scoliosis and peripheral vascular disease, passed away in August 2024 at the age of 72.

“Being their daughter was the greatest gift,” Charlene says, “but being their caregiver gave me purpose. When they were gone, I had to grieve not just their passing, but the identity I had carried for most of my life.”

Charlene’s journey through caregiving, grief, and healing was made lighter through the support of Community Care City of Kawartha Lakes, especially its Hospice Services and Wellness Programs. These services, many of them provided at low or no cost thanks to generous community donors, helped her family maintain comfort and dignity through illness and supported Charlene’s transition into a new chapter of her life.

Following the loss of both her parents, Charlene struggled with loneliness and a lack of purpose. That’s when CCCKL’s Walk in the Halls and Nordic Pole Walking programs helped her reconnect not just with others, but also with herself.

“Walking was always an activity that I enjoyed with my mum,” she says. “At first I found walking with Community Care’s programs very emotional, as it made me miss her even more. But now, I think of her being so proud of how far I have come. She’s definitely beside me as I walk.”

Participation in these programs not only helped her mental health but reignited her passion for physical activity. She even encouraged a friend to join, and now they walk together to reach new step goals. “It’s healing, and it’s healthy. And it’s something I look forward to.”

To show her gratitude for the support hospice provided her and her family, Charlene recently raised over $1,000 for Hike for Hospice, walking proudly with a sign featuring her parents’ photos.

“People think Community Care is only for seniors, but it’s not,” she says. “They were there for my parents and they’ve been there for me. No matter your age or your situation, they offer support when you need it most.”

Charlene emphasizes that these services are only possible because of donations and volunteers.

“Thank you to every person who gives, whether it’s time, money, or resources. Without your generosity, I wouldn’t have had access to grief counselling or wellness programs when I truly needed them.”

Charlene’s advice to others facing loss is simple, but powerful:

“Reach out. You don’t have to go through it alone. Community Care will listen, support, and walk beside you, sometimes literally.”

Her story is a reminder that love and loss are universal experiences, and that compassion, community, and care can light even the darkest paths.