Memories of June

The Casey House community is so very touched and humbled by the outpouring of emotion from across Canada and worldwide in response to the loss of our dear founder June Callwood. We're very grateful to all who have shared their remembrances with us.

June Callwood Candlelit Memorial Procession, April 17, 2007

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"Almost twenty years ago, when a group of people sat down to create a hospice for people with HIV/AIDS, there was no road to follow. Hospices for HIV/AIDS did not exist anywhere in the world, so the group was obliged to dream of what such a place might be. First, HIV/AIDS was a complex disease, and such a hospice would require the highest hospital standards for excellence in medical care. Throw in social workers, a chaplain, complementary therapies, music and flowers. Make the building a beautiful home, with the best in furniture and art. Establish some core values - that the very sick person's wishes would never be disregarded, that staff and volunteers would make a harmonious, collaborative whole. Insist that core funding was a government responsibility. And then, on March 1, 1988, call it Casey House Hospice and open the doors. The point is, when you dream do not be realistic and fit your dream to what exists and is possible. Fit your dream to what should exist, and should be possible."

June Callwood, Casey House Founder and Honourary Director.

June's final interview, with George Stromboulopoulos on CBC's "The Hour" - click here

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