May 1, 2019
Derek Westman, left, Barbara Snelgrove, Acute Care manager, Vermilion Health Centre, and Leslie Westman reflect on the family’s $10,300 gift to the centre in honour of their late family member Murray Westman.
Story by Yolanda Genu | Photo by Angela Mouly
VERMILION — While Murray Westman’s final weeks were tough for his loved ones, his ranch family came away inspired to honour his memory through a very generous ‘cattle call’ in support of the Palliative Care Unit at the Vermillion Health Centre (VHC).
“Dad received excellent care,” says son Derek Westman. “He was comfortable during his last days, and it was great to be able to use the palliative suite. “He would be very proud of what we did in giving back. He was very involved in the community.”
When Derek came up with the idea of donating a bred heifer to the palliative care unit, Leslie was completely on board with it. The Westman family, which has lived in Vermilion their whole lives, has sponsored a bred-heifer sale for the past 19 years.
Lewis Farms, Mark Land & Cattle Corp., Northern Livestock Services, Anchor Lazy U Cattle Co. Ltd. and Kotowich Evergreen Farms stepped up to buy the donated heifer for $6,300, which they graciously donated back to raise more funds. Then it was auctioned it off a second time for another $4,000. In all, the sale raised $10,300 which the family gave back to the unit that brought them so much comfort during a difficult time.
The community also showed its love for Murray with the generous donation of a La-Z-Boy chair to the hospital, also bought through memorial donations.
Diagnosed with cancer last September, Westman was in and out of palliative care for cancer treatments. In the early stages, his family was able to care for him at home. As his care needs grew, however, and he could no longer be supported at home, his family brought him to the VHC.
A palliative nurse and a family physician cared for Murray, who was able to sit comfortably in his bed and surround himself with family and friends. His loved ones stayed with him around the clock. They also enjoyed light meals and spent the time he had left, together.
“Murray knew when he went to the hospital the last time that it wasn’t a good sign,” says his wife Leslie Westman. “But he never gave up hope — and the nurses and doctors were amazing.”
Leslie says after spending considerable hours at the VHC, she knew it was important to give back.
“A hospital is never a place anyone wants to be, but it's a safe sanctuary for some of the toughest times you and your family will face.”
The palliative care suite features a microwave, a large couch and a pull-up chair — so a family member can lay flat for a nap or sleep — which allows family and friends to stay with the patient at all hours, or visit with each other without disturbing the patient. The Westman family donation will also be used for future palliative care unit improvements in honour of Murray.
“We’re so pleased that the Westman family was happy with the care we provided, and we are extremely grateful to the family for their generous donation,” says Darlene McQuid, area manager, County of Vermilion River.
“When a person is admitted to palliative care, it’s usually the last part or the last week of the person’s life. The suite brings families close, and helps them be able to support each other during tough times.”
And that’s exactly why they chose to donate, adds Derek.
“They have great nurses here who do amazing work, and we want them to keep doing great work,” he says. “We’re a close-knit community, and we got to have each other’s back. When the tough get going, the community helps out.”
