Honoring Monica: Supporting North Haven Hospice

We all face two certainties in life—paying taxes and, eventually, our ending. On December 29, 2023, just a day before my wife’s birthday, Monica received the devastating news that she had stage 4 lung cancer. It was incurable. She bravely underwent chemotherapy, but just four months later, on May 3, she passed away at North Haven Hospice.

Monica was a kind, loving, and healthy person, and this cruel disease was so undeserved. Throughout this journey, she endured immense pain and uncertainty. The medical care she received at the hospitals, especially Whangarei Hospital was exceptional, but it was North Haven Hospice that truly left a lasting memory of those final days.

Initially, Monica was transferred to hospice as a bridge between hospital & home, afterall, the oncologist had given us the news that we had years, not days to live. What we experienced at Hospice was beyond anything we could have imagined—compassion, dignity & unwavering support, not just for Monica but for our entire family.

Like many, I had dropped coins into hospice donation boxes over the years, but I never truly understood their impact until we needed them. Their staff face an emotionally demanding job, yet they show up every day with endless empathy and care.

In tribute to my beautiful wife, whom I miss deeply, and in gratitude for the incredible team at North Haven Hospice, I ask for your support. Your donation ensures that this vital service continues for others in their most vulnerable moments. Thank you.