From L to R: Ralph Boychuk, Marina Mitchell, Dr. Randy Friesen and Malcolm Jenkins

By Sarah Wallace

Rose Garden Hospice receives $25,000 donation

Jun 11, 2019 | 5:10 PM

The Rose Garden Hospice in Prince Albert received a large donation Tuesday afternoon.

Dr. Randy Friesen and his children donated $25,000 to the hospice in honor of Friesen’s late wife.

“My wife was diagnosed with stage four breast cancer eight years ago, passed away five years ago. Since she’s passed we’ve been wanting to do something as a memorial or to help remember her and in honor of her, so this is what we’re doing,” he said.

One hope through this donation is to create good memories for people.

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“We know how much those are worth,” Friesen said. “A hospice doesn’t do everything in palliative care, but it certainly provides a place where you can do it better.”

Friesen said while his wife was sick there wasn’t a hospice program available in the city.

As a doctor who’s looked after lots of cancer patients, Friesen knows the journey is difficult and requires a lot of support.

“One of those main pillars of support that you can do in your community is to have a hospice,” he said.

Friesen’s wife’s number one wish was to not be put in a hospital and he thinks that reflects a lot of people’s journeys, for a lot of different reasons.

“A hospice will enable us to say ‘You know what, no matter what happens, we don’t have to put you in the hospital. We will look after you. Ninety-nine per cent of matters can be look after at a hospice unit,” Friesen said.

Once opened, he said the hospice will be well staffed, well organized and well equiped.

Friesen said there’s already an amazing group of palliative care workers who have been wanting something like this for years.

“This is really the fruit of many people’s wishes over a long period of time and a lot of work over a long period of time. I’m glad to be just one little sliver of that pie.”