News story: A different kind of grief support is needed when a loved one chooses medically assisted death

July 18, 2024

Wellspring Cancer Support Foundation was featured in The Oakville Beaver to discuss our MAiD Bereavement Support Group.

The MAiD Bereavement Support Group is an eight-week online program for partners and spouses who have lost someone through MAiD. At the beginning of each 90-minute session, participants share any important events coming up such as a celebration of life or anniversary. This is followed by a brief psychoeducation about loss and grief with a focus on MAiD led by the program leader. For the remainder of the session, participants are encouraged to share how they are coping, any negative and positive coping experiences. Each session ends with a guided meditation.

“Grief is different for everyone experiencing loss, and individuals whose loved ones died through MAID require specific support due to its unique challenges. Sadly, there is still stigma around MAID which can impact how people grieve through a MAID death,” said Cathy Kiteley, Wellspring program leader.

If you have lost a partner or spouse to MAiD, consider joining our MAiD Support Group.

You can read The Oakville Beaver Article here: A different kind of grief support is needed when a loved one chooses medically assisted death

One Response

  1. I think the MAiD death is a personel choice for the person. I am not a spouse but I had a 40 year relationship with my best friend. As she was coping with her cancer I became more and more close. Making meals to share with her. Visiting and just being there. We were very close, she was my best friend. 2 weeks after her death, my daughter was diagnosed with breast cancer. I was totally at a loss as my friend would have been the first person I would have shared this news with. It was devasting.

    There is a thrift store nearby that is a non profit that supports people who want more info on MAiD or other end of life experience. I may volunteer in the thrift store. Though I still greive when I think of my friend and I get really emotional.

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