The Heart Behind the Hike: Lynne’s Story

May 26, 2026

For Lynne, Hospice has never simply been a place or a program. Long before she became a volunteer, she felt drawn toward supporting people through some of life’s hardest moments. “I’ve always had an interest in Hospice and listening to or working with people at end-of-life,” Lynne shared. “I don’t know why, but it’s always been there.”

After retiring from her career supporting children with special needs in Durham Region, Lynne found another meaningful way to care for others through therapy dog volunteering with St. John Ambulance. Alongside her beloved dogs, she visited hospitals, long-term care homes, and community spaces, offering comfort through simple moments of connection. That experience eventually led her to Hospice Services at Community Care City of Kawartha Lakes, where she completed Hospice Volunteer training nearly a decade ago. “I absolutely loved it,” she said. “Working with people in hospitals and long-term care sort of segued into taking the Hospice course.”

Over the years, Lynne has become a familiar and compassionate presence within the Hospice community, volunteering her time while also participating in many of the programs and events Hospice offers. From Volunteer Connection meetings and memorial events to Elephant in the Room talks and Hike for Hospice, Lynne has stayed connected to the organization and the people within it.

However, Lynne’s connection to Hospice became deeply personal when her youngest daughter, Bryanne, passed away from cancer four years ago at the age of 36.

“It’s been a great and terrible grief journey,” Lynne shared. Through that experience, Hospice grief support programs became an important part of her healing. Lynne participated in both caregiver and grief support groups, finding comfort not only in sharing her own story, but also in listening to others.

“For the most part, most people in those groups had lost a spouse,” she explained. “There were very few of us who had lost a child. At first, I thought I wished there was a group specifically for parents who had lost children.” Over time, Lynne realized something powerful. “Grief is grief,” she said. “Just because I lost a child and someone else lost a spouse or sibling, it doesn’t make our grief that different.”

That understanding helped shape how she views grief today. “To anyone going through loss, I would say just try the groups,” Lynne shared. “And don’t worry about what other people think. It’s your journey.” Even now, years later, Lynne says grief can still arrive unexpectedly. “I still get the whooshes,” she said. “And that’s okay. It hurts to hold it all in.”

Through every stage of her journey, Lynne says one of the things that has stood out most about Hospice is the compassion of the team. “You feel so looked after and cared for,” she said. “No matter what’s going on, everyone is so welcoming and understanding.”

“If I could say one thing to the team, it would probably just be thank you,” she shared. Lynne says the kindness and understanding she has experienced from Hospice staff has stayed with her throughout both her volunteer work and grief journey.

“Right now, because of what I do for Hospice, my main contact is Catherine Millington,” she said. “I never have a bad or tense conversation. She is so lovely, and no matter what I’m telling her, whether I’m going away or stressed, she always says, ‘You take what you need.’”

Before she leaves, there is one hope she carries for the future of Hospice care in Kawartha Lakes, a dedicated residential hospice. “I would love to see money go toward having a Hospice here in Lindsay,” she said. “There are so many people who would benefit from that kind of space and support.” Through her experiences as a volunteer, caregiver, mother, and supporter, Lynne continues to embody the compassion, resilience, and sense of community that Hospice care is built upon.

Hike for Hospice 2026

For 22 years, our Hike for Hospice has brought together families, friends, neighbours, and supporters to celebrate life, honour loved ones, and make a meaningful difference in our community. This inspiring annual event is more than just a walk. It is a chance to come together in support of compassionate hospice and palliative care, while enjoying a day filled with connection, remembrance, and hope. Whether you walk in memory of someone special, in support of a loved one, or simply to give back, every step helps make care possible. Funds raised through Hike for Hospice directly support programs and services that provide comfort, dignity, and compassion to individuals and families facing end-of-life journeys. By joining us, you are helping ensure that no one has to face this time alone. Mark your calendar for Sunday, June 7, 2026, and be part of a cherished community tradition where every step truly matters. If you are unable to join us in person, you can still make an impact by creating your own fundraising page and collecting donation to support hospice care.