Press Release

The book features contributions from past and current members of Voices4Care, AIIHPC’s voluntary group of people who have had personal experience of palliative care, either through their own illness or that of a family member.

This heartfelt collection of personal stories, poems, and notes explores the courage, love, and understanding experienced in navigating this challenging process.

Paula Pinto, Programme Manager, AIIHPC and Book Project Lead hopes that the book will help those who read it,

“As so many who read this book will know, experiencing a loved one going through palliative care is very emotional and stressful, but it can also remind us about what truly matters in life, and making the most of every moment. I hope that people will identify with some of the stories in this book, and that it will be a source of comfort and joy, with a few tears also. I most definitely experienced all of them, when I read it.”

“It has been an honour to lead this project and work closely with the authors who bared their souls with the aim of demystifying palliative care, bringing hope and comfort by sharing their most precious thoughts and memories.” she said.

Karen Charnley, Director, AIIHPC added,

“This is a very special project for us. It is so important to record these stories that people have shared with us, so that others can benefit, but it also leaves a lasting legacy of all the loved ones remembered so fondly in this book. I am very grateful to all the authors for their beautiful words.”

Positively Palliative offers valuable insights and practical advice to help cope with the challenges of palliative care while also cherishing life’s precious gifts of family, love, happiness, and health.

If you wish to get a copy of the book, email Paula Pinto at ppinto@aiihpc.org. There is limited stock so get in touch early to avoid disappointment.

Book launches will take place at the following venues:

Launches will take place from Tuesday, 5 December at the following venues:

Tuesday, 5 December, 2.30-4.30pm, Cork City Library

Thursday, 7 December, 2-4pm, Belfast Central Library

Friday, 8 December, 2-4pm, Pearse Library, Dublin

Monday, 11 December, 2.30-4.30pm, Glengormley Library, Newtownabbey, Antrim

Wednesday, 13 December, 5-7pm, Castlebar Library, Mayo

Thursday, 14 December, 10-12pm, Ballina Library, Mayo

Paula Pinto and a number of the book contributors are available for interview. For more information or to arrange, please contact:

Yvonne McCahill- Email: ymccahill@aiihpc.org or Tel: 087-0947148

Notes to Editor:

Extracts

“Experiencing a loved one’s palliative care journey can be emotionally overwhelming, but it also presents a unique perspective on what truly matters in life. Find solace in the stories shared within these pages, and discover how to embrace and appreciate the values that make life meaningful. Let this book serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of empathy, not only for those facing palliative care, but for all of society.”

‘Note’, Laura McClintock

“Have you ever heard the expression If you don’t laugh, you’ll cry? Well, on the palliative journey you will cry—a lot. But you will also laugh. There will be light-hearted moments that will bring some relief and balance to the darker, heavier days. Don’t be afraid of humour. Don’t be afraid to share that joke with your loved one. Don’t be afraid to laugh when your loved one makes the joke. Don’t feel guilty. Enjoy the shared moment. It will become a treasured memory on your grief journey.”

‘Humour’, Fiona.

“I am now John Joyce as I am now, not the old John Joyce. This is the new me, and I have to accept the cards I have been dealt. Without palliative care assistance through my journey, I do not think I would have made it through. I would encourage anyone who hears the words palliative care to not be afraid, embrace it, and use all its resources and benefits, just as I did. From fearing the words palliative care, I have come to regard it as my saviour. I am still getting PEG feeds every night, and I go for treatment in Galway every two weeks. I hope this will give people courage. I try to get out every day and meet people; it helps me stay positive. Thanks to palliative care, I have a great life for however long it lasts— days, weeks, and hopefully years.”

‘Every Day is a Good Day’, John Joyce