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Have you ever faced a series of unimaginable challenges and found yourself wondering how to move forward? Join us as we sit down with the extraordinary Dr. Kim Harms, whose life has been a testament to resilience and transformation. Born with missing fingers due to thalidomide, Dr. Kim Harms overcame incredible odds, only to face further heartbreak when her bipolar mother took her own life when Dr. Kim Harms was just 17. Despite these early hardships, she achieved her dream of becoming a dentist and found happiness in her marriage to Jim. However, her journey took another painful turn with the loss of her brother, her husband’s battle with liver cancer, and the tragic suicide of her son, Eric. Listen as she reflects on these profound experiences and the shifting societal attitudes toward mental health and suicide.

In the aftermath of her son’s death and the severe neck pain that ended her dental career, Dr. Kim Harms discovered a new calling as a grief counselor. Drawing on her personal experiences, she provides invaluable insights, emphasizing acceptance, processing grief, and finding a lasting place for loved ones. Her commitment to honoring her son’s memory led her to establish memorial libraries in Rwanda, helping others find solace through community and remembrance. Following her husband’s passing, Dr. Kim Harms continued her work with widows and authored devotionals and a thought-provoking book, "Are you ready? How to build a Legacy to die for." As a death doula, she offers practical advice on preparing for the end of life, ensuring a smoother transition for those left behind.

The episode also touches on the heartfelt initiative of creating a legacy through letters and memories, providing family members with a 'soft landing' after one's own passing. Dr. Kim Harms shares her touching journey to Rwanda, inspired by the resilience of genocide survivors, and her mission to support local libraries with children’s books. We discuss the importance of preparing for the end of life, maintaining a diverse identity in later years, and the impact of meaningful after-death communications. Tune in for an inspiring conversation with Dr. Kim Harms, full of life lessons on resilience, legacy, and the enduring power of community.

For those interested in what Palliative care looks like at home there is "The Last Kiss" (Not a Romance)
Available on Amazon now
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Last-Kiss-Romance-Carers-Stories/dp/1919635289/ref=sr_1_1?crid=13D6YWONKR5YH&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9._59mNNFoc-rROuWZnAQfsG0l3iseuQuK_gx-VxO_fe6DLJR8M0Az039lJk_HxFcW2o2HMhIH3r3PuD7Dj-D6KTwIHDMl2Q51FGLK8UFYOBwbRmrLMbpYoqOL6I5ruLukF1vq7umXueIASDS2pO91JktkZriJDJzgLfPv1ft5UtkdQxs9isRDmzAYzc5MKKztINcNGBq-GRWKxgvc_OV5iKKvpw0I5d7ZQMWuvGZODlY.fqQgWV-yBiNB5186RxkkWvQYBoEsDbyq-Hai3rU1cwg&dib_tag=se&keywords=the+last+kiss+not+a+romance&qid=1713902566&s=books&sprefix=The+Last+kiss+n%2Cstripbooks%2C107&sr=1-1

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Ready to uncover the heartwarming reality of children’s hospices? Join us as Jules from the Treehouse Hospice in Ipswich, part of East Anglian Children's Hospices (EACH), shares an eye-opening tour of this inspiring sanctuary. Discover how this nature-filled environment busts the myths surrounding hospices by offering vibrant spaces like sensory rooms and lush gardens where children can play and thrive. Our personal reflections in psychiatry highlight how mental health care has evolved, blending seamlessly with the holistic approach taken by hospices today.

You’ll be amazed by the array of events and activities available at Treehouse Hospice, from magical winter wonderlands and festive Christmas parties to the unique Tree Fest, a mini Glastonbury for kids. The crucial roles of volunteers, nurses, carers, and the wellbeing team come to light, demonstrating the extensive network of support provided to families. We highlight the thoughtful details, such as bespoke meals catering to diverse dietary needs and the far-reaching impact of outreach programs that bring the hospice's care into homes and communities.

Listen in as we broach the sensitive topic of end-of-life care for children, emphasizing living fully rather than focusing on the end. Touching stories like the joyful wake of a young man showcase how hospices can create meaningful, celebratory moments even in the face of death. We delve into the challenge of discussing death with children and the supportive environment hospices provide to bridge this gap. Finally, learn about the myriad ways you can contribute, from volunteering your unique skills to donating, and make a substantial difference in the lives of these families.

For those interested in what Palliative care looks like at home there is "The Last Kiss" (Not a Romance)
Available on Amazon now
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Last-Kiss-Romance-Carers-Stories/dp/1919635289/ref=sr_1_1?crid=13D6YWONKR5YH&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9._59mNNFoc-rROuWZnAQfsG0l3iseuQuK_gx-VxO_fe6DLJR8M0Az039lJk_HxFcW2o2HMhIH3r3PuD7Dj-D6KTwIHDMl2Q51FGLK8UFYOBwbRmrLMbpYoqOL6I5ruLukF1vq7umXueIASDS2pO91JktkZriJDJzgLfPv1ft5UtkdQxs9isRDmzAYzc5MKKztINcNGBq-GRWKxgvc_OV5iKKvpw0I5d7ZQMWuvGZODlY.fqQgWV-yBiNB5186RxkkWvQYBoEsDbyq-Hai3rU1cwg&dib_tag=se&keywords=the+last+kiss+not+a+romance&qid=1713902566&s=books&sprefix=The+Last+kiss+n%2Cstripbooks%2C107&sr=1-1

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What if facing unimaginable loss could inspire unprecedented hope? Join us as we welcome Richard and Nikki Bowdidge, parents of the founder of a life-changing charity, a charity born from the heartbreak of their son Tom's cancer journey. Hear their compelling story of transforming grief into action, raising £1.7 million over a decade to support teenagers and young adults with cancer. Discover how they've funded critical research and created welcoming hospital spaces tailored for young patients.

Navigating the waters of loss is never straightforward, but through candid reflections and personal anecdotes, we explore how authenticity and supportive relationships can offer strength during the darkest times. Learn the importance of being real with your grief, discussing death with children, and planning personalized funeral arrangements that honor the unique spirit of a loved one. This segment underscores the power of community support and the healing that comes from open, honest conversations about death.

Fundraising for healthcare and social services presents its own set of hurdles, and this episode dives into the strategies and challenges of managing these financial strains. Discover the impact of skyrocketing demand for social workers and the unpredictable nature of funding. We also highlight the compassionate contributions of organizations such as funeral directors John J Smith and like Co-op Funeral Services, which provide free funerals for under-18s. This episode is a testament to resilience, community spirit, and the relentless pursuit of support for those in need and the unbridled altruism of Richard and Nikki Bowdidge

For those interested in what Palliative care looks like at home there is "The Last Kiss" (Not a Romance)
Available on Amazon now
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Last-Kiss-Romance-Carers-Stories/dp/1919635289/ref=sr_1_1?crid=13D6YWONKR5YH&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9._59mNNFoc-rROuWZnAQfsG0l3iseuQuK_gx-VxO_fe6DLJR8M0Az039lJk_HxFcW2o2HMhIH3r3PuD7Dj-D6KTwIHDMl2Q51FGLK8UFYOBwbRmrLMbpYoqOL6I5ruLukF1vq7umXueIASDS2pO91JktkZriJDJzgLfPv1ft5UtkdQxs9isRDmzAYzc5MKKztINcNGBq-GRWKxgvc_OV5iKKvpw0I5d7ZQMWuvGZODlY.fqQgWV-yBiNB5186RxkkWvQYBoEsDbyq-Hai3rU1cwg&dib_tag=se&keywords=the+last+kiss+not+a+romance&qid=1713902566&s=books&sprefix=The+Last+kiss+n%2Cstripbooks%2C107&sr=1-1