Care with nothing but respect and love
Damian was the older brother to his siblings, Ben and Claire. The three of them were a close-knit unit from childhood to adulthood. Whenever they spent time together there was often laughter and fun.
When Damian was diagnosed with advanced cancer, Ben and Claire stepped in to support him through treatments and surgeries. Alongside their parents, Bronwyn and Simon, they ensured that Damian never had to face his illness alone.
Returning home for extra support
Damian was living in Sydney at the time of his diagnosis. After he started treatment, he decided to move to Brisbane where the rest of the family was based. He lived independently in Brisbane for two years before he moved in with Bronwyn and Ben for end-of-life care. It was the place where he had always felt happiest and most at peace.
During this time, Damian was also supported by Karuna Hospice Services. He and his family were able to access different services to ensure all of their needs were met. Specialist nursing care was particularly helpful for managing Damian’s pain and discussing treatment options.
When siblings step in
Ben and Claire had a profound impact on Damian’s care. As the only sister, Claire was a source of strength and emotional support to the entire family. She brough a sense of calm to a difficult situation.
Nothing was a problem for Ben. He changed bags, helped with medication, and took Damian on short trips to keep him active even as his cancer progressed. The care both Ben and Claire showed Damian at the end of his life is a testament to the way he had always looked out for them.
An enduring connection
Damian had always been a spiritual person. After his death, his family continues to draw support from the special symbols he told them to look out for. Bronwyn keeps an eye out for brown and red butterflies in her garden at home. Claire and her young children look for fallen feathers, and always take a moment to say “hi” to Damian when they find them.
Ben carries a special ring that he originally gave Damian for his 40th birthday. And Simon continues to practice the Wim Hof breathing method he learned alongside Damian during his treatment.
Make twice the impact
When people like you make a gift to Karuna, you create a wider support system for families facing terminal illness, grief, and loss. We believe that everyone deserves a shoulder to lean on at end-of-life.
Thanks to the generosity of our match-giving partners, gifts of less than $5000 will be DOUBLED between Monday 15 June – Sunday 28 June 2026.
