Palliative Care Queensland’s signature program Ambulance Wish Queensland Reaches Milestone: Fulfilling 100 Wishes for Queenslanders living with a life-limiting illness
Ambulance Wish Queensland, the signature program of Palliative Care Queensland (PCQ), is dedicated to fulfilling the last wishes of individuals living with a life-limiting illness. Friday the 25th of August, marked a heartwarming milestone – the fulfilment of its 100th wish. Since the program started in August 2019, it has touched the lives of 100 Queenslanders and their families, bringing comfort, joy, lifelong memories and meaningful moments during the most challenging time in a person’s life.
In a heartwarming story of a lifetime filled with cherished memories, Usha’s final wish took her back to the shores of Mooloolaba Esplanade, a place that holds an unbreakable bond with her heart. Having visited countless times before, the esplanade is more than just a destination for Usha; it is a place of laughter, love, and togetherness. With the warmth of the sun on their faces and the soothing sound of waves in the background, Usha sat surrounded by her family, whilst eating fish and chips. The aroma of the fresh seafood spread through the air, intertwining with the shared stories and laughter that filled the atmosphere. This was the perfect farewell, an emotional yet joyful day that encapsulated a lifetime of love and connection. In each moment, Usha savoured the love that bound them all together, etching this final memory in their hearts forever, and giving Ambulance wish Queensland the privilege of fulfilling its 100th wish.
Founded in Australia by Palliative Care Queensland, Ambulance Wish Queensland drew inspiration from the Netherlands-based Stichting Ambulance Wens. Anne-Marie Dykstra, a community member from the Gold Coast, played a pivotal role in bringing the program to Queensland. With the support from then Queensland Minister for Health and Ambulance Services, Hon. Dr Steven Miles, and a collaboration between PCQ, Queensland Ambulance Service, and Queensland Health, the program emerged.
In August 2019, Ambulance Wish Queensland served passionfruit ice cream and the sensory experience of Brisbane’s picturesque Botanic Gardens to Betty Dowsett as the first beautiful wish that touched the hearts of Queenslanders. Betty’s simple yet profound wish, laid the foundation for Ambulance Wish Queensland’s mission to make dreams come true for those facing end-of-life challenges.
The success of Ambulance Wish Queensland is a testament to the strength of its partnerships with Qld Health and Qld Ambulance Service, health providers, volunteers, community groups, businesses, and compassionate individuals throughout the state. “We feel honoured and privileged to have fulfilled our 100th wish,” states Louise O’Neill, CEO of Palliative Care Queensland. She emphasised that each wish fulfilled represents that person’s journey through a life-limiting illness supported by quality palliative care.
“A wish brings moments of joy, love and connection to the recipient and presents the opportunity for their loved ones to make enduring memories. Importantly as a volunteer-based program, Ambulance Wish Queensland highlights the strength of compassionate communities, the need for us all to identify and support those around us who are walking their final journey, and the benefits that effective palliative care bring to ensure one’s life is lived to its fullest, most comfortably, supported spiritually and physically.”
The program’s impact is threefold: for the wish recipient and their loved ones, for the volunteers, and for the palliative care sector. Ambulance Wish Queensland provides a rare moment of normality amidst the challenges of palliative care. Wishes often revolve around simple pleasures like enjoying fish and chips by the ocean or spending time with family members at home. Volunteers play an integral role in fulfilling these wishes, forming meaningful bonds with patients and contributing to their well-being. Moreover, the program shines light on the positive aspects of end-of life care, fostering open conversations about this often-taboo topic and promoting holistic palliative care.
As Ambulance Wish Queensland expanded from its modest beginnings to cover south-east Queensland and the Townsville region, it garnered unwavering support from the community. Ms O’Neill expressed her gratitude for Queenslanders’ sense of community and their generous contributions, from Queensland health and Queensland Ambulance Service to school fundraising concerts and individual donations.
Looking toward the future, Ms O’Neill envisions even greater possibilities for Ambulance Wish Queensland. The program’s growth potential is unlimited, but it relies on receiving greatly increased corporate sponsorship, donations and support from the government, businesses, community groups, and individuals to reach more regions across the state. Every wish is fulfilled free of charge, emphasising the importance of ongoing financial support.
For more information about Ambulance Wish Queensland, click here to view their Mission, and click here to see how you can Get Involved (Volunteer, Donate, Fundraise or become a Sponsor).
Click here to Donate to the program
Ambulance Wish Queensland is a program of Palliative Care Queensland
