Hospice

In 2022, I was thrilled to receive the Sunshine Coast Hospice “Heart of “Hospice Award” for my 11 years of service. What a great honor to be recognized as a volunteer who exemplifies “Dedication, philanthropic spirit and compassionate care.”

HOSPICE ROLES

I am dedicated to the work of supporting people with life-limiting illness and their caregivers. My roles include:

Sitting bedside vigils
Providing complementary listening and gentle touch sessions for those who are grieving a recent loss or have received a life-threatening-illness diagnosis
Teaching the gentle touch practice to new volunteers
Serving on the Education and Outreach Committee to offer public workshop and events
Teaching meditation with participants in the Circle Palliative Day Program
Strategizing new bereavement programs using creative and artistic activities

LIVING WITH DYING DOCUMENTARY FILM

From Heart of the Hospice Award presentation ceremony:

“My personal favorite has been our two-year-long collaboration to produce our recent documentary film, Living with Dying. Without Marlena’s enthusiasm, vision and insight, this film would never have happened, would not have had the content that it does, and certainly would not have included the very important and moving participation of elder Monata Bev Dixon.”

From Award presentation:

“Marlena brings new meaning to the term whole hearted. She approaches everything she does with her whole heart. And we and our clients are the beneficiaries. … Marlena has long been Hospice’s great ambassador. Many of you are familiar with her infectious energy and unbridled enthusiasm.

“A few years ago we were both part of a team providing information on palliative care services to an Elder College class. Marlena told one story about a client she supported and shared what it is like in those sacred moments as we companion a dying person. Her storytelling is so compelling that the participants were spellbound and that story was what they referred to in all the discussion after that.

“And in addition to all those qualities, Marlena is fun! She spreads joy wherever she goes. Laughter is healing and those of us who are lucky enough to spend time with Marlena know that there is always laughter when she is around.

“Marlena has often told me how close Hospice work is to her heart and soul. I cannot think of someone who is more deserving of being recognized for her many years of dedication to Hospice work and the heartfelt approach she bring to everything she does.”

Body Revelations

Body Revelations

Body Revelations

Hospice Work

HOSPICE ROLES

LIVING WITH DYING DOCUMENTARY FILM

Body Revelations

From Award presentation:

“Marlena brings new meaning to the term whole hearted. She approaches everything she does with her whole heart. And we and our clients are the beneficiaries. … Marlena has long been Hospice’s great ambassador. Many of you are familiar with her infectious energy and unbridled enthusiasm.

“And in addition to all those qualities, Marlena is fun! She spreads joy wherever she goes. Laughter is healing and those of us who are lucky enough to spend time with Marlena know that there is always laughter when she is around.

“Marlena has often told me how close Hospice work is to her heart and soul. I cannot think of someone who is more deserving of being recognized for her many years of dedication to Hospice work and the heartfelt approach she bring to everything she does.”