When Patrice received a text from her brother-in-law, she knew she needed to get to Vancouver. Her sister, Carol, had suffered a catastrophic brain aneurysm and was in an induced coma on life support. The family was preparing to say goodbye. Patrice booked a flight from Toronto, arranged care for her husband, whom she is the primary caregiver for, and expected to stay just one night.
But when Patrice arrived at the hospital, something unexpected happened. Carol began responding to simple commands, opening her eyes and squeezing a hand. Suddenly, there was a glimmer of hope, but no certainty about what would happen next. Patrice needed to stay close to her sister, yet the cost of accommodation was quickly becoming overwhelming. Her hotel room cost approximately $415 a night, with rates potentially rising to $650. As a senior on a fixed income, she worried about how she could afford an extended stay.
Then, someone at the hotel suggested Easter Seals House. Patrice had never heard of it, but when she called, a room became available. For the first time since arriving in Vancouver, she no longer had to worry about where she would sleep or how she would pay for it. She could focus on being with Carol, knowing she had a safe, peaceful and affordable place to return to. The garden became a favourite refuge, offering a quiet space to breathe and gather herself during an incredibly difficult time.
Patrice stayed at Easter Seals H
ouse for seven nights, including three after Carol passed away. In the midst of her grief, the House offered something she hadn’t known she would need: respite. “The Easter Seals House was a lifesaver for me,” she recalls. “It took away the hardship and the stress that would have come in addition to knowing I’m losing my sister.” The simple comfort of having somewhere to rest meant she could say goodbye to Carol without the added weight of financial worry.
Patrice hopes other families will know Easter Seals House is a resource available to them, too. After returning home, Patrice made a donation and plans to continue giving for the rest of her life.
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Her story reminds us that when families are facing a medical crisis, a place to stay can mean so much more than a room. It can offer comfort, breathing room and one less thing to worry about when life feels impossibly heavy.
