Wearing a ribbon for World Hospice Day – what does it mean?

AS World Hospice and Palliative Care Day is commemorated on October 8, Highway Hospice is calling on community members to wear a ribbon – of any colour or size, on their wrists – as a show of solidarity for all those who have lost a loved one to illness.

John’o Olds, head of public relations for Highway Hospice, World Hospice and Palliative Care Day is a day to focus on people whose lives have changed through the impact of terminal illness.

“Each person is affected in a different way; it is truly a unique experience for each person,” said Olds.

By wearing a ribbon, community members can show that they are grieving or supporting those struggling with grief and loss.

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“This year, we celebrate by inviting you all to wear a ribbon on your wrist in memory of or tribute to a loved one lost to you, or in honour and remembrance of your personal change. The ribbon can be any colour important to you, any size and whatever is convenient to you. Wear this, remembering you are not alone in grief and loss, remembering the beauty of life available to us while we are here,” said Olds.

The Hospice Palliative Care Association of South Africa (HPCA) has also called for communities to join the initiative on the HPCA website.

Palliative care aims to improve the quality of life for patients facing life-threatening illnesses. This includes pain relief as well as psychological and spiritual support.

The Hospice Palliative Care Association of South Africa (HPCA) was founded in 1987. As a national charity, HPCA supports the work of more than 108 member organisations, which provide hospice care to around 120 000 people across South Africa each year.