Carmen’s Story

My path changed drastically, both personally and professionally, when my oldest daughter Hailey was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma.  Hailey passed away at the age of five after two and a half years of living with cancer. As a bereaved mom, I know the terrifying impact of a terminal diagnosis, the long hospital journey, the difficult process of decision making, the horrible emptiness after the death of a child and the impact it has on the entire family.  I understand the fight to regain a sense of self after the death of a loved one and the difficult process of finding hope again

Following the death of Hailey, I strongly felt the need to utilize both my work and life experience to provide grief support to families.  In 2008, I joined the

Kids with Cancer Society and began working with families to provide palliative and bereavement counselling. This led to working with the Pediatric Palliative Care team for the Stollery Children’s Hospital as the Grief Counsellor in 2010.   At the Stollery, I provided support to families with a child with a terminal diagnosis, or with a complex medical diagnosis, where life expectancy is uncertain. As well as providing support to bereaved families whose child passed away through traumatic injury.

I strive to have balance in my life by enjoying nature, gardening, exercise, traveling, reading, family and friends.  I appreciate and recognize moments of lightness and humour, for the restorative power on my own grieving heart.