“We got to ‘hang’ with Lucas and it was amazing. We could pick him up and walk around with him.… That was such a big thing for us, it’s hard to explain. We took in all the moments we could get. And got to see how he reacted outside of a hospital setting…. He loved it.”

“Last week, he was in the ICU at SickKids hooked up to all these monitors and machines. I never thought that we would have the chance to go swimming for the first time! This gives me the confidence to go out on more outings from the House, like walks around the park with him and his brother, or maybe even go home in the future.”

“My one regret is that we found this home at Emily’s House so late in his life…. We could put our heads down at night and feel comfortable knowing that he was happy and cared for.… You gave us our life back…. You made us healthier as a family, and made us happier, better able to cope when the caregiving strain got too much.”

“Our time at Emily’s House really brought us closer together as a family. Being surrounded with so much love and support allowed us to enjoy every minute with our sweet baby. I truly believe our time in the hospice, celebrating her life every day, gave her the strength to live longer than expected. I know that we are one of the lucky few whose baby was expected to pass away soon after she was born but instead has surprised us all by surviving and thriving and overcoming all odds. But we know that if she had passed away at Emily’s House, we would have cherished her time with us, thanks to the amazing support from the staff there.”

“This is better than Disney World!”

“Emily’s House, through music therapy, has brought light to my family in the darkest moments. I have witnessed the music bring peace and rest to my son’s body and healing to my heart. Prior to my son’s illness, music and singing were a constant, essential part of our daily routine at home. What an unexpected joy and blessing to receive support through music in a healthcare setting. It would be impossible to overstate how valuable this work and friendship are to all of us.”

“Thank you for your amazing support during the most difficult time of our lives. You made us feel at home and kept [our son] comfortable under excellent care. With your help, we were able to share priceless memories with our son.”

“What a great night and program! Loved this collaboration. We had so much fun at camp night!  It was easy to access. We had no trouble at all getting in via Zoom. The two “guides” were fabulous, loved their energy and excitement towards the kids. They also really engaged all those taking part. A few of the kids were non-verbal, but I really felt like they were fully included. It was a great mix of songs, games, and interaction. I think this is a great program. Great job all around.”

“Music therapy has been the only continuous thing for us. It’s been such a big thing for us, because even for me, even though I’m not an active participant, it takes a huge weight off my shoulders to see my child being able to express himself and have that support. And it’s interesting how your program has just transitioned so seamlessly. With music therapy there’s been no gap and we’re so thankful for that.”

“Thank you for addressing not only the full spectrum of needs of the patient, but also for making therapies available to ensure the ongoing well-being of the patient’s parents and siblings. May you always have this capacity to address mental health issues for all who need support from Emily’s House. It is key to our ongoing survival.”

“Often, the busy and sterile environment of the hospital does not foster the peaceful surroundings desired for pediatric palliative children, and achieving optimal end-of-life care at home can sometimes prove challenging for some, or for others it may not be desirable. Emily’s House offers a tranquil atmosphere and security for children and their families when the home or hospital may be impractical.”

“I love music because it distracts me from the severe pain I fight each day. I have a music therapist and a wonderful volunteer who visit me each week. We have fun painting, making cookies and playing games. As well, I have benefited from the help of a chaplain. I asked her to help me pray, as I sometimes get scared and need some guidance through this unusual life.”

“The memories of these meals bring tears to my eyes. They were such a blessing to us during our stay! Summerhill Market’s donation to Emily’s House is something we will never forget. Thank you so much!”

“Unlike adults, palliative children have wonderful powers! Children can make you forget that they are palliative. She taught the world around her more than it could possibly have taught her. I’m not sure what came first, the honest bravery or the cancer. She would be listening to J-Lo, practicing her dance moves with her cat! Not a care in the world. She would forget…until she was unexpectedly out of breath and had to lie down…then both of us would remember.”

“As Fara’s caregiver, my hope was for a moment without pain, a moment for her to embrace her mother, a moment to smile for the sake of smiling, a moment to laugh for the sake of laughing, a moment to hope.”

“Working with “K” has been very meaningful, even at the quietest moments. I have felt that she has enjoyed having a companionable presence. I like to be needed and trusted. It’s really natural and easy, and it’s deeply fulfilling for me.”