"Attack each day with an enthusiasm unknown to mankind."
Intensive Care to enable Dignity in Care
Many of you will know that I am a big Michigan Wolverines fan. My wife often tells people that we moved to Windsor so I could be closer to my football team, a claim I do not deny. They are the top public university in North American and their football team is the winningest program in NCAA history, with over 1000 wins.
Head Coach Jim Harbaugh said the following when he joined Michigan in 2015:
He also reminds us to “attack each day with an enthusiasm unknown to mankind.”
Former Head Coach Bo Schembechler reminded us that “Those who stay will be champions.” And that nothing matters except “The team, the team, the team.” (I think he means the interdisciplinary team)
In January 2024, Harbaugh led his 15-0 Michigan Wolverines to the 2024 College Football National Championship game vs. Washington. Having beat their rivals Michigan State, Penn State and Ohio State in THE GAME, Harbaugh guided the Wolverines past arch-nemesis Alabama to meet the Huskies in the Final game. Led by JJ McCarthy, the Wolverines completed one of the best college football seasons in history winning the National Championship, never trailing and always in command.
So what does this have to do with palliative care in Canada?
I have previously written about Oneday Dreams, a dream fulfillment organization for Canadian adults facing a life-limiting illness.
Making bucket lists come true.
During a recent home visit with a patient of mine, I noticed his Michigan blanket. He noticed my Michigan lanyard.
One we had finished discussing his issues and concerns, we discussed our love of Michigan football.
I have been frustrated about the perception that Medical Aid in Dying (MAiD) seems to have the monopoly on the phrase “Dying with Dignity.” Although I am in favour of patient choice, I do not believe that MAiD is the only way for patients to die with dignity.
Harvey Max Chochinov is a psychiatrist in Manitoba who has promoted Dignity Therapy for dying patients.
As described on his website, Dignity in Care is:
“When people use health care services, their sense of dignity is affected by many common factors. One of the most important is how they see themselves, which is affected by how they believe they are seen by others. Considering that so much anxiety is connected to illness, it’s easy to understand why people working in health care can have such a strong impact on the dignity of the people they interact with every day. Whether they realize it or not, they are often the ‘mirror’ by which patients and their families judge their own status within the system.
People working in health care have a natural desire to be helpful and supportive. Their challenge is to understand all of the differing factors that may affect an individual’s sense of dignity, and how they can address these factors as they go about their daily work. Dignity in Care provides solutions, based on solid research, to guide them in this task.”
Now, Dr. Chochinov is promoting his latest passion, Intensive Caring:
“Dame Cicely Saunders, the founder of the modern hospice movement and palliative care, famously said, You matter because you are you, and you matter to the last moment of your life.” This quote has become the central philosophical tenet of palliative care. It implores us to remind patients, who may be feeling helpless, hopeless, or worthless, that they matter. Even when they feel life is no longer worth living, we, their health care professionals, must affirm their intrinsic worth, for all that they are, all that they were, and all that they will become in the collective memories of those they will eventually leave behind. While Dame Cicely gave us this inspiring direction, missing is a well-articulated approach centered on affirming patients matter. This approach, which I will coin Intensive Caring, incorporates various empirically derived components that collectively describe a way of being with patients who have lost hope, who have lost any sense of meaning or purpose, and who ultimately feel they no longer matter.”
I myself have a pretty long bucket list. I’ve already knocked a few of them off including a safari in Africa with my wife for our honeymoon. Seeing the Great Wall of China and visiting Tibet to see the Potala Palace in Lhasa. I’ve seen the Stanley Cup presented (Sid’s first in Detroit in 2009). Rushing the field at the Big House. Seeing Michigan win a National Championship. The Kentucky Derby was on May 5th this year at Churchill Downs. Some day I hope to go there to wear an outrageous, put on airs and lose money on the wrong horse.
Next year I hope to help my son check one of his list as well.
Yesterday was my 49th birthday. Most of you know it takes me a full week to celebrate my birthday. It starts with Doctor’s Day on May 1, Harry Potter Day on May 2, Free Comic Book Day on May 3, May the 4th be with you, Cinco de Mayo and then the Big Day on May 6th. I normally rest on the 7th Day but not this year (it’s all your fault and you know who you are).
Helping someone else’s dream come true can be as simple as noticing a blanket on a couch. I mentioned Oneday Dreams.
Whether its attending a special family event like a wedding or reunion, seeing your favourite team in action like the Leafs or Blue Jays, attending a concert, visiting the Falls or a video from your favourite wrestler turned actor, your limits are only your imagination.
Oneday Dreams ⋆ Dreams Come True
Checking off something on this patient’s bucket list won’t cure their underlying illness and it certainly won’t alter the ultimate outcome. But that doesn’t make palliative care any less important.
Mission Accomplished btw. Japan has been a life altering trip for me and my son.