The heart of compassion: A volunteer’s perspective with MAID Family Support Society
Volunteering is often described as a way to give back to the community but, for Troy, it has been a deeply personal and transformative journey. As a volunteer with the MAID Family Support Society, Troy provides compassionate support to families navigating the complex emotions surrounding Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID). Her experiences highlight the power of empathy, active listening, and the importance of human connection during some of life’s most challenging moments.
A call to serve
Troy’s journey with MAID Family Support Society began with a simple yet profound request from a trusted friend who had also begun volunteering. “Evie asked me,” she recalls. “And I trusted her that this would provide me with meaningful experiences.” This trust in a friend’s recommendation led her into a role that would touch countless lives, including her own.
A moment that stood out
One of the most profound experiences Troy encountered involved a mother struggling with personal challenges with her young adult children. Despite the emotional turmoil, she found the strength to bring her family together to support her mother, who had chosen MAID. “I think of her often,” Troy shares, “and believe that kind of strength is infectious!”
Finding reward in giving support
For Troy, the most fulfilling part of volunteering is the sense that she is channeling the strength of her own loved ones who chose MAID. “I feel like my own family members who chose MAID are still giving their strength to me for others,” she says. By supporting others, she keeps their legacy alive and finds purpose in helping families through their own journeys.
Overcoming challenges with care
Reaching out to strangers during such a vulnerable time can be daunting. “It’s scary to call up a stranger, even one who has asked us to reach out,” Troy admits. Her approach is one of patience and careful navigation. She ensures that clients have the necessary information to decide if they wish to engage further, respecting their time and emotions.
Preparing to offer support
Before engaging with families, Troy follows a thoughtful process: she carefully reviews the request for contact, finds a quiet space, revisits the volunteer training guide, and prepares notes to ensure she doesn’t miss anything important. This methodical approach helps her provide the most effective and compassionate support possible.
The power of training and resources
Troy emphasizes the value of debriefing sessions and spiritual care resources from Dying With Dignity Canada (DWDC), which provide insight into how different religions view assisted dying. These tools equip her with the knowledge and emotional resilience needed to support families with diverse beliefs and backgrounds.
Advice for future volunteers
For those considering volunteering, Troy offers wise words: “You need to be a great listener. You need to be past your loss enough that your emotions don’t burble up in the face of others’ struggles or emotions. This work cannot be about your own losses.” However, she notes that if someone has a genuine desire to ease the journey for others by sharing insights from their own experiences, then this role may be a perfect fit.
Maintaining healthy boundaries
Compassionate support requires emotional balance, and Troy ensures that her personal life remains fulfilling outside of her volunteer work. “I have my own group of friends and family, so I am not doing this work because of personal loneliness,” she states. Her ability to offer time without emotional depletion is crucial in maintaining a healthy boundary between her volunteer role and personal life.
A shift in perspective
Troy’s experiences have not only impacted the families she supports but have also changed her own outlook on end-of-life planning. She now sees the importance of making practical arrangements ahead of time. “It makes me want to do pre-emptive cleaning out of the junk in my house so my kids don’t have to deal with my messes when I die,” she shares with humour and wisdom.
The impact of volunteering
Through her work with MAID Family Support Society, Troy exemplifies the profound impact of volunteering in end-of-life care. Her compassion, preparation, and dedication provide invaluable support to families during one of the most emotionally charged moments of their lives. Her journey is a testament to the power of human connection and the meaningful experiences that come from helping others navigate their path with dignity and strength.
For those looking for a way to make a difference, Troy’s story serves as an inspiring reminder that sometimes, a simple act of support can leave a lasting impact.
Read about Troy’s experience when both of her parents chose MAID
