While many of us spent the summer enjoying some time off, recreating in various ways or soaking up the sun, Ian Bos was busy wearing out shoes walking across Canada.
Bos, who left Nova Scotia to cross the country in May on his Ian’s Walk for End of Life Care, was in Canmore, Thursday (Oct. 1), to meet with a newly-formed group that has tasked itself with increasing palliative care in the Bow Valley and help raise awareness of the need for the care.
As so often happens with people who are prompted to set out on a major undertaking, Bos was moved to action by his father Ted’s passing in New Glasgow at age 68 in January after a bout with cancer.
His father had been diagnosed with cancer in 2014 and had a lung removed. In the last few months of his life, said Bos, his father’s quality of life had deteriorated to the point he left his job in Victoria and returned home to help his mother care for him.
“The only thing he wanted was to die at home,” he said, “but he had no quality of life. He had good days and bad days, but could barely get around at the end.”
His father’s quality of life improved greatly over his last three months, though, thanks to the help of palliative caregivers with the Aberdeen Palliative Care Society -– those who monitored his medications, assisted with his diet and generally provided support.
“He was a smoker most of his life and waited too long to quit,” said Bos. “We ended up waiting for a referral that never came and, looking back in hindsite, we didn’t really know what was out there for palliative care help.
“But after seeing the kind of care he received, I wanted to do something to raise both funds and awareness of the need for palliative care.
“Through palliative care there was a huge improvement in his quality of life and it was like being back home with dad again.”
With a goal of $25,000 in mind for the Aberdeen Society and others, Bos headed out, making stops along the way to meet with politicians, health care groups, anyone who would listen. Unsupported, Bos has made the journey thus far with a trusty walking stick, 50-pound pack and a lot of goodwill from members of the public and hotels that have put him up for the night.
“It started with a financial goal, but after I began meeting with people, I’ve made a big effort to meet with media and more politicians.” In Canmore, Bos spoke to the new group Palliative Care Society of the Bow Valley (PCSBV), spoke with several people and shared a hug with a teary well wisher who shared her story with him.
“I was pretty prepared for the physical side of things,” he said, “but I was less prepared for the emotional side. So many people have stories about their loved ones.”
Bos, a purchaser for a pharmaceutical company, has worn out four pairs of shoes on his trek thus far. “I was in a lot of rain for a couple of weeks when I started, then I had a couple of weeks of pretty hot weather, but it’s been great.
“People have been great everywhere and a lot of people have helped out. That provincial association had me stay at the Stoney Nakoda Casino last night. I spent a few days in Calgary, where they were opening a new hospice and I’ve been camping along the way a lot.
“I feel like I’m getting some momentum now. This is making a personal message for and it’s a thank you to everyone who works in palliative care. At the end of life, many people run away, but these are people who run to you to help.”
On his journey, Bos has spoken with Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield, the governor general, mayors, media and many others. He’s raised about $20,000 so far; 80 per cent of his goal at about 80 per cent of the way across the county.
Donations can be made through Bos’ website, ianswalk2015.com, but he also recommends people wanting to support the cause to donate to local organizations to keep donations within their community.
His goal now is to be back in Victoria by Oct. 26.
