A legacy that continues to give

Patients living with serious long-term illnesses that are not cancer-related often face limited access to specialized care focusing on comfort, symptom relief, and quality of life. To address this gap, the Palliative Care team at Lakeridge Health is preparing to launch a new Non-Cancer Palliative Care Pilot Program.

This initiative is being made possible in part to funding from the Jim Brewster Endowment Fund, a legacy gift from the late Jim Brewster and his family.

For Jim’s daughters, Jill and Pat, generosity has always been part of who they are.

“Giving back was so important to my father and my mother, Lorraine,” explained Jill. “You’re supporting your community in hopes of inspiring others.”

“I think it’s something that you instill in the family” Pat said. “To be a presence and show compassion.”

Pat has volunteered in palliative care at Lakeridge Health for 25 years. She has seen firsthand the difference compassionate care makes for patients and families navigating some of life’s most difficult moments.

Now, her father’s generosity will help extend that compassion even further.

Previously, specialized outpatient palliative care support has largely focused on patients with cancer diagnoses. The new pilot program will expand that care to patients living with advanced non-cancer illnesses, providing more access to symptom management, advance care planning, and connection to community supports.

Leading this initiative are Dr. Aynharan Sinnarajah, Division Head for Palliative Care and Dr. Gillian Gilchrist Chair in Palliative Care Research, Dr. Ravi Datar, Medical Lead, and Caitlin Tumey, Patient Care Manager, Palliative Care at Lakeridge Health.

Patients will receive a one-time consultation with expert recommendations shared directly with their family physician, strengthening support earlier in their illness journey.

Dr. Sinnarajah, says philanthropic support is essential to making programs like this possible.

“Donations play a critical role in making innovations in palliative care possible,” he stated. “This support allows us to pilot new, evidence-based programs, respond quickly to emerging needs, and demonstrate what is possible beyond the limits of existing public funding.”

The funding will support the hiring of a dedicated nurse for the clinic.

“The nurse for this palliative clinic will allow us to open up the referral criteria to all life limiting, terminal conditions,” said Caitlin. “This means more access and more individualized focused attention.”

“This pilot will allow us to lay the foundation for more equitable access to palliative care,” Dr. Sinnarajah added. “Ensuring people get adequate support as they navigate an advanced terminal illness.”

For Jill and Pat, the impact is deeply personal.

“The Palliative Care Program is very important to our family,” says Jill. “It started with our aunt. We were so thrilled with the kind and compassionate care she received. Our Dad was there as well, so the program has special meaning to us because the staff were so thoughtful.”

Pat has sat bedside with patients, no family present, held their hands and has witnessed such a range of emotions. She knows how much thoughtful, specialized care matters.

That’s why she is proud to be part of the Brewster legacy of giving.

“I guess it’s just easy to see the advantage of giving back,” she said.

“I think we can be very proud of how his support has followed through like this,” Jill added.

The Jim Brewster Endowment Fund is more than a financial gift. It is a continuation of a family’s belief in supporting their community and a commitment to ensuring dignity, comfort, and humanity remain at the heart of care.