Granting of Last or Special Requests

Cancer treatment can disrupt many of life’s plans. Adolescents and Young Adults (AYAs) lives can be particularly disrupted. They are just beginning to gain independence – at university, starting a career, developing more serious relationships. Coping with rigorous cancer treatments and the feelings of isolation make it difficult to recall a normal life.

VOBOC’s Last and Special Requests program works with the medical teams to consider and grant Last and Special Requests to patients who are in crisis, are transitioning to palliative care or are in palliative care.

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Last and Special Request Impact

I Always Wanted to Fly

The oncology team, noting his passion for adventure, contacted VOBOC and our Last and Special Request team organized a private flying lesson for the young man. “This was an experience like none other. I can’t believe you made this happen.”

“I would like to thank you for my flying lesson. I did not expect to have so much fun. It was an incredible feeling to take off. The view from up high was superb. Thank you again to the VOBOC Foundation for making this possible. I feel very fortunate to have had this chance.”

A Magical Wedding

With her health quickly deteriorating, a couple in their 20s wished to marry. With the blessings of the oncology team, VOBOC organized a magical wedding.

“This was a most memorable day for us. It will stay forever in our minds and in our hearts.”

Brothers Bond Over Hockey

A patient’s aggressive cancer stole his ability to participate in sports. His love of his brother and sports were obvious to his oncology team who reached out to VOBOC. A special request provided him with a memorable evening attending his favourite sporting event, a dinner out and most importantly, quality time with his brother.

Young Palliative Patient Sees First-Ever Hockey Game

As a special surprise, the Canadiens Foundation helped VOBOC and arranged for this young man to meet his favorite player, Max Pacioretty.

His palliative care physician, Dr. Chaput, said: “I can confirm that this outing had a positive impact both clinically and emotionally for my patient. I have never seen him so happy and so full of life as he was during this special evening.”

Baby's First Birthday Event for Palliative Mom

A young mother, who was in palliative care, and her husband were not in a position to plan a celebration for their son’s first birthday. The mother’s healthcare team approached VOBOC on a Friday afternoon and the following morning the celebrations began. VOBOC volunteers transformed a hospital family room into a party room, with food, decorations, flowers and gifts welcoming over 65 family and friends. They celebrated with music, laughter, and joy. The couple truly cherished this special day. Within a few days, VOBOC presented them with a specially prepared memory album for their son.

Nature Get Away for Mom and Her Family

A mom, with advanced cancer, longed for family time in nature. Her medical team contacted VOBOC with her request to spend time outdoors with her family and VOBOC organized a two-night getaway. The family was overwhelmed.

“The staff were amazing. The food was out of this world and lodging was divine. We really benefited from the escape.

My husband has become like a single parent at home with me being ill for so many weeks. This restful escape really did us all good. My son is resilient but to see him out playing in the fresh air, even though I slept a lot, he really benefited from being free. Thank you VOBOC.”

Last and Special Requests

At the request of the medical teams, VOBOC considers and grants Last and Special Requests to patients in crisis, transitioning to palliative care or in palliative care.