As the year draws to a close, we find ourselves reflecting on the profound and often humbling experiences of those we’ve been privileged to support at Waipuna Hospice. One such experience is that of Howard Strahan, who, along with his wife Lois, faced a journey that none of us can truly prepare for.
Howard and Lois shared a life built on hard work, love, and commitment. Together they raised a family, farmed in the rolling hills of the Manawatu, nurtured kiwifruit orchards in the Bay of Plenty, and created memories that would last a lifetime. But their story took an unexpected turn when Lois was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. The doctors said they could treat it, but they couldn’t cure it.
After receiving this heartbreaking news, Howard and Lois knew their journey ahead would be difficult. Sadly, this is a reality many families in our community face. But with the support of our community, Waipuna Hospice can continue to be there for people like Lois and Howard, offering the care and compassion they need when it matters most.
Despite the shocking news, Lois was determined not to let her illness define her. She wanted to spend the time she had left making memories with her family, so they booked a trip to Fiji. “It wasn’t negotiable for Lois,” remembers Howard. “She wasn’t going to let her cancer hold her back. She was adamant she wanted to go, and nothing was going to change her mind.”
That trip was more than just a holiday—it was a testament to Lois’s strength and determination to embrace life fully, no matter the circumstances.
When Lois returned from Fiji, the reality of her condition became more apparent. Her cancer had advanced, and she soon began receiving more involved care from Waipuna Hospice. “Waipuna Hospice was very caring. They just couldn’t do enough for us,” Howard says. “There were several nurses who came to visit us, all of whom were excellent, but one, Lauren, really made a connection with Lois and she looked forward to her visits.”
“Lois’s strength and determination were inspiring,” Lauren remembers. “She faced a few setbacks, but she didn’t let them keep her down. When I think of her, I often remember the small hand-made felt hearts we give to patients for comfort. One day when Lois was having a particularly tough time, I brought her a heart I had made, and I remember her complimenting my terrible stitching.”
“The next visit, I was greeted by two new things: Lois had pinned the heart to her top, and she handed me a bag of perfectly stitched hearts, all made by her quilting friends. She had rallied them together to make hearts for hospice so no one would go without comfort on hard days. That’s just who she was, a real salt of the earth type of lady. We got to know each other well, and I was honoured to have that time with her.
The team at Waipuna Hospice provided much more than just medical care for Lois. They supported her through her physical struggles, helping her with everything from wound care to mobility aids, even supplying blocks to put under the legs of their couch to make Lois more comfortable. “It was those little things that made a huge difference,” Howard says. “They were always thinking ahead, always making sure Lois had what she needed to stay comfortable.”
As Lauren explains, hospice care is about more than just addressing physical needs. “It’s about making sure patients feel empowered, heard, and surrounded by love. We worked closely with Howard, the family, and the team to ensure Lois could live as comfortably as possible, surrounded by those she loved. This is the essence of hospice care—personalised, compassionate, and comprehensive.”
After some setbacks in her health, Lois was in a lot of pain. “She was writhing in bed and crying out in distress,” Howard remembers. “But when Lauren from Waipuna Hospice arrived, she sorted out the medication, and just like that, Lois was a different woman. It was amazing.”
“Hospice care is a team effort,” says Lauren. “Whether it’s a nurse like me, a therapist, volunteer, GP, another medical professional in the community, or our donors, everyone plays a crucial role in supporting people like Lois and Howard. Every part of the process is about offering support to our patients to the best of our abilities.”
For almost a whole year, Waipuna Hospice was by their side, guiding them through the complexities of end-of-life care.
In the end, Lois passed away at a local care facility, where Howard sat by her side, supported by the ongoing care of Waipuna Hospice. “I never realised how much went on behind the scenes,” Howard reflects. “Waipuna Hospice is a quality organisation that does wonderful work. The volunteers, the nurses, the staff—all of them were incredible. You don’t know what it’s like until you experience it, and I’m so grateful for everything they did for us.”
Lois and Howard’s story is one of love and strength, but also of the vital role Waipuna Hospice plays in ensuring that people can live their final days with dignity and comfort.
Howard, in his wisdom, says, “Death is a fact of life. It’s something we can’t avoid, but with the right care and support, we were able to make Lois as comfortable as possible, and that made all the difference for us.”
As Lauren explains, “Supporting people like Lois and Howard during their time of need is a privilege, but we can’t do it alone. We need to support of our community.”
Will you help us make a difference by donating this Christmas?
Your generosity will make a real difference in the lives of those facing end of life and bereavement. Please consider donating and help us be there for those who need us.
We want to say a huge thank you to Howard for sharing his story with us.
If you would like to support people like Howard and Lois, you can donate to Waipuna Hospice, which will help us continue providing this service.