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Hike for Hospice Hall of Fame: Shelly Parker

Over the past nine years of Hike for Hospice, many incredible hikers have stepped up to support compassionate end-of-life care in our community. This year, we’re excited to highlight a few of these amazing individuals whose passion and dedication have inspired extraordinary support.


We’re honoured to start by sharing the story of Shelly Parker — the hiker who has raised the most pledges in Hike for Hospice history, helping to ensure that more families receive the care, comfort, and dignity they deserve.


Since our very first hike, Shelly has been a tireless advocate for hospice care, inspiring generosity across the community and raising more than $33,000 in pledges. Through her efforts, she has not only spread crucial awareness but made a lasting difference for local families when they’ve needed it most.


We’re proud to honour Shelly and celebrate the incredible impact she’s made — one step and one pledge at a time:



Why I Hike for Hospice

by Shelly Parker


Shelly Parker at Hike for Hospice
Shelly Parker at Hike for Hospice

I have been a strong supporter for the Huron Shores Hospice since it opened in spring 2017 and I participated in the first Hike for Hospice.


In 2016, my father (Ron Driscoll) was diagnosed with Mesothelioma (lung cancer). My family and I brought dad home to live in our family home in Glammis. The medical support teams provided us with 12 hours of PSW support a week along with weekly nurse / doctor visits (as required) to our home. My brother (Scott) came from Guelph, two days a week to stay with us and dad. Scott would take him to our hometown of Seaforth, where he could visit family and friends.


Together, our families provided day-to-day support to dad. There were challenges particularly when he was “failing”, giving the medications and thinking “I am not a doctor”. The emotional ups and downs were challenging for both dad and our families. But we persevered with the help of a nurse friend who would visit us offering support.


We did not know how the journey of dad’s final months with us, was going to go… but our love, support and dedication to him was evident until the very end. He stayed with us in our family home until the last 3 days of his life. He passed August 8, 2016, in Seaforth hospital.


Shortly after, I was speaking with Cheryl Cottrill who was meeting with many people and organizations regarding a one-bedroom Hospice in Tiverton. She said they had major fundraising to do as the government would only provide certain financial support. She said they were planning a “Hike for Hospice” which was on Mother’s Day Sunday in May 2017. I raised approximately $700 for the event and was recognized as the lead fundraiser.


I have participated every year since and have been the lead “individual” fundraiser, with over $33,372 in sponsorships. Having a local Hospice is so important as it allows the patient to have excellent medical care and their family to be with them 24-7, in a comfortable and loving environment. The Hospice takes the “stress and pressure” off the family as a care giver and lets them love and support their loved one.



Shelly’s story is a powerful reminder of the challenges families face without hospice care — and the difference it makes when we step up, connect, and advocate for compassionate support. Her dedication shows the incredible impact we can have when we come together as a community to ensure that families have access to the care they deserve.


We’re deeply grateful to Shelly for sharing her journey and for her commitment to end-of-life care in our community.


If Shelly’s efforts have inspired you, we invite you to join her in making a lasting difference.


Register today for the 9th Annual Hike for Hospice, or donate to Shelly’s fundraising page to help provide more families with the care and comfort they need. Your support is an investment in the love and dignity everyone deserves at the end of life.





 
 
 

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