Mackey Family Honours Son’s Memory, Raises Money For Hospice through Hike For Hospice Fundraiser
/Patrick Mackey was a healthy and vibrant young Peterborough man known for his passion for social justice, his easygoing nature and his work at the YMCA as a beloved camp counsellor with the nickname ‘Toucan.’
After getting terrible headaches and quickly learning he had an aggressive brain cancer, Patrick continued studying at university, painting artwork for his family and being the type of friend who brought a smile to all who knew him.
Nearly two years later, Patrick lost his battle while spending his final days with his loving family at home in palliative care. He was only 20 years old.
Patrick Mackey (Photo courtesy Hospice Peterborough)
There’s no way to make sense of such a loss but his mother, Christine, says one of the most important ways the family was able to cope was by utilizing the services of Hospice Peterborough.
“After receiving counselling through Hospice, we came away feeling like we could move forward,” says Christine, a retired long-time teacher with the Catholic school board.
The Mackey family honoured Patrick’s memory and raised pledges by participating in this year’s 18th annual Hike for Hospice fundraiser, which was held virtually last month due to the pandemic.
The Mackey family (Photo courtesy Hospice Peterborough)
