Stepping Stone Hospice

27/04/2026

25/04/2026

7 days of end-of-life tips
Tip # 5
“Why are routine medications discontinued, and food/water stopped when someone is on hospice?”

I have heard from several family members who feel as though starting hospice is what ended the life of the person they love, because they died shortly after admission. There are many misconceptions, most of which could have been avoided if better education was provided.

“When my mom started hospice, they immediately discontinued her medications, and she died.” People honestly believe that hospice is the cause of death, something I want to try to change. Forgive the length of this, but I wanted to be sure to provide as much information to truly honor the fear and hopefully reduce it.

When someone is admitted on to hospice, their medications are reviewed by the admission nurse who collaborates with the hospice doctor to determine which ones are no longer beneficial. There is no need for someone to take 5-10 pills if they are not helping in some way, especially if swallowing has become difficult. They might also be discontinued because they are causing symptoms that can be avoided.

Hospice covers most medications which relate to the diagnosis and the symptoms from the diagnosis. If their current medication is not on the hospice formulary, it would need to be paid for out of pocket. The doctor might suggest a different brand that would be on the formulary, to save the family money.

Medications are discontinued because they are no longer providing a benefit, they are difficult to swallow, or they are expensive and not covered under hospice. The doctor discontinues the medication truly for the safety of the patient. If there is a medication the patient or family wants to continue, the doctor might attempt to have it covered, but if it is not and the family still wants it taken, this can be discussed and might be considered.

Another fear about hospice is that food and water is "stopped" and the patient dies from starvation or dehydration. This is one of the things I hear most often. Food and water is not "stopped," we offer an explanation that it is no longer safe, but it doesn’t necessarily happen at admission UNLESS the patient is declining quickly or actively dying. If someone is struggling with swallowing, their safety is of the utmost importance to the hospice team. We would never intentionally do something that would cause or increase suffering. Usually, we try to help the family understand why the patient is choosing not to eat or drink anymore, while explaining how unsafe it can be for them.

There are a few things I look for to determine if someone has difficulty swallowing:

· They might pocket food in their cheeks.
· They might close their mouth refusing food.
· They might shake their head “no” or turn their head away from the food.
· They might cough when drinking liquids.

If any of these are happening, we know they are trying to let us know that they are no longer interested in eating/drinking and that swallowing is difficult and sometimes even scary for them. Most people think that food and water will help keep their person alive longer, perhaps even stronger, but what they don’t realize is that at a certain point the food and water can become more dangerous and could increase their suffering by causing them to choke. Please know that the body does not need food or water when it is trying to let go. In some ways, the food and water can make it harder to shut down, so discontinuing it can make things more comfortable for them. If your hospice team suggests not forcing food and water, it truly is in the best interest of your person.

If they are still able to eat and enjoy food safely, we are not going to suggest you keep that from them. We are not in the business of starving people; we are always putting their safety first and want to be sure that you do not have to witness further discomfort and suffering. What we will also do is educate you on ways to ensure safe eating and drinking, such as making sure they are sitting upright, and offering smaller and easier-to-eat portions.

Education is key and your questions are valid, appropriate, and absolutely should be addressed. As a hospice nurse, I never want to leave someone feeling fearful or uncertain, and I do not want them thinking that hospice ended the life of the person they love.

I truly hope that this information is helpful.

xo
Gabby
www.thehospiceheart.net

For all of my tips, you can find my book “End of Life Tips” here:
https://www.amazon.com/Life-Tips-Gabrielle-Elise-Jimenez/dp/B0C9G8PZZ5

25/04/2026

We’re so happy to share a beautiful update with you; baby R is now teething and growing stronger each day… and can you believe it, he’ll be turning one year old soon.

It’s in these quiet, tender milestones that we are reminded of just how precious life is. Every tiny tooth, every little smile, every moment is a celebration.

Being part of baby R’s journey has been incredibly special for our team. Walking alongside him and his family during this time is both a privilege and a reminder of why we do what we do.

Thank you for holding our little warrior in your hearts.

24/04/2026

We warmly invite businesses, schools, supporters, and our extended hospice family to collect one of these specially numbered fundraising booklets from our New Market IPU.

Each booklet allows you to donate any amount you choose, big or small, every contribution truly counts and brings us one brick closer to our goal. Simply fill your booklet and, once complete, return it to us.

It's that simple, and the impact is immeasurable. Each booklet also contains information on the wonderful benefits available to donors, so be sure to have a look inside when you collect yours. Together, brick by brick and rand by rand, we can build a place of peace for those who need it most.

For more information on the Brick by Brick project and how to get involved, please email fundraising@steppingstonehospice.co.za, alternatively contact 010 442 5059.

23/04/2026

On behalf of our founder and CEO, Tersia Burger, we warmly invite you to our Charity Golf Day on May 7 at the prestigious Reading Country Club.

Every shot played, every hole sponsored, and every rand raised goes directly towards our Children's Unit in Raceview.

🏌️ BOOK NOW: We have limited spots remaining and we'd hate for you to miss out:

📌 4-Ball Entries - Only 2 x 4-balls left at R4 000 each
📌 Marketing Holes - 6 still available, between R3 000 and R5 000

A marketing hole is a fantastic opportunity to get your brand in front of local business owners, entrepreneurs, and community leaders, all while supporting a truly worthy cause. A Section 18A Tax Certificate will be issued for all qualifying donations and sponsorships.

We are also reaching out to our wonderful community for support in the following ways:

💰 A cash donation towards our Lunch or Dinner on the day
🏆 Prizes for our various golf competitions
🎁 Items to fill our goodie bags

Every contribution, big or small, will be recognised on our social media platforms and on the day itself. And yes, a Section 18A Tax Certificate will be issued!

22/04/2026

Donovan Watson just turned 18, but he won’t see 19.

After battling bone cancer three times, the tumours have become chemo-resistant and are now pressing against his oesophagus. He has only a few months left... as explained by his doctor
Donovan’s life has been a series of battles.

Medically, he lost the bone in his leg to cancer; now the disease is in his back. He is wheelchair-bound and in constant pain, yet he still spends his days making us laugh and playing board games.

Donovan was only 14 when he was first diagnosed with osteosarcoma. Since then, he has fought bone cancer not once, not twice, but three times. The disease took the bone in his leg. It found its way to his back. And now, after three rounds of chemo, the tumors have become resistant, pressing against his oesophagus, stealing even the simplest comforts. His doctors have given him only a few months.

Wheelchair-bound and in constant pain, Donovan spends his days cracking jokes and enjoys playing board games. There is something almost impossible about his joy, and yet it is completely, unmistakably real.

Three months into his very first round of chemotherapy, in the thick of one of the hardest seasons of his life, Donovan met Tanya. Through his cousin, as fate would have it.

Both of them will tell you without hesitation: it was love at first sight.
“It was her voice,” Donovan says, his face softening. “Her voice blew me away.”
Tanya remembers it differently, but just as vividly: "It was his kind and gentle heart. He was so loyal and he has been ever since."

They have been inseparable from that moment on - partners through every scan, every setback, every hard conversation. Tanya has been his constant, and he, hers.
This past Saturday, Donovan was admitted to Stepping Stone Hospice Newmarket IPU. And in true Donovan fashion, when asked how he feels about the place, he had only one complaint.

“The staff are too nice,” he said, smiling. “Even the food is so nice.”
He said it like it was a problem.

Donovan Watson is 18 years old. He has fought harder than most people ever will. He has loved deeply, laughed freely, and faced the unthinkable with a grace that leaves everyone around him quietly in awe.

We are honoured to walk alongside him in this season and humbled that he calls our home amazing.

21/04/2026

Sharon Mac Donald, a devoted mother of two from Mondeor, is living proof that it’s never too late to follow your calling. At the age of 62, she earned her BA in Counselling - a remarkable achievement that speaks to her compassion and deep desire to serve others.

Since joining our hospice family as a volunteer, Sharon has brought that same warmth and dedication to every moment she spends with our patients. Whether it’s offering a listening ear, a comforting presence, or simply sitting in silence, she understands that sometimes the smallest gestures carry the greatest meaning.

She spent time with one of our patients in our beautiful garden, gently pushing them along as they took in the fresh air and peaceful surroundings. It may seem like a simple act, but in that moment, she gave the gift of freedom and joy.

These are the moments that matter.

゚

20/04/2026

What gathers dust in your garage could fill our shelves, fund our nurses, and bring comfort to a family in need.

We are calling on our beautiful community to help by donating quality household furniture that is no longer serving you at home. - with Stepping Stone Charity Shop

18/04/2026

A guide for our Alberton community, because thoughtful conversations today make all the difference tomorrow

17/04/2026

16/04/2026

Cheryl Jordaan, with the loving support of her husband Tony, has donated 100 beautifully printed A5 booklets, each containing 10 pages to help us raise funds toward phase one of our Brick by Brick project.

These booklets are more than just paper, they represent hope and the collective desire to ensure that no one in the region has to face a life-limiting illness without access to dignified, compassionate care.

Our founder and CEO, Tersia Burger, expressed her heartfelt gratitude to Cheryl and Tony for their kind hearts.

“This donation is a beautiful reflection of the kind of community spirit that makes what we do at Stepping Stone possible. To our wider community, I want to appeal to each and every one of you to please consider collecting one of these booklets and joining us on this journey. Every rand donated, no matter how small, is a step toward building a place of peace, dignity, and comfort for those facing life’s most difficult chapter. We cannot do this without you, and together, I truly believe we can make this dream a reality,” she said.

Cheryl, whose family experienced the care of Stepping Stone first-hand during one of their most difficult seasons, also shared what inspired them to give.

“When Tessa from Stepping Stone approached us to assist with printing booklets for the Brick by Brick initiative, we were more than happy to help and decided to donate them. Thanks to Simphiwe Malunga from Stepping Stone for the design work. It is a privilege to assist in this small way as a token of our appreciation for the exceptional care my late father and our family received from the hospice during the final weeks of his life. He was cared for both at home and later in the in-patient unit, where he passed away peacefully last May,” Cheryl said.

Throughout this time, Cheryl said the staff treated him [late father] with unwavering respect and dignity.

“We wish Stepping Stone every success with their fundraiser to build a dedicated adult in-patient facility alongside the children’s unit in Raceview. We encourage everyone to please support this worthy cause so that many more families can benefit from this compassionate care when it is most needed. Let’s hope that even more booklets will be needed soon,” she said.

Phase One of our Brick by Brick campaign is raising R6.5 million toward the construction of a brand-new 14-bed adult hospice, to be located at 14 Glen Albyn Street, Raceview, Alberton.

This dedicated facility will stand alongside our existing children’s unit, creating a sanctuary where adults facing life-limiting illnesses can receive the comfort, dignity, and compassionate care they deserve.

How You Can Support
We warmly invite locals, businesses, schools, supporters, and our extended hospice family to collect one of these specially numbered fundraising booklets.
Each booklet allows you to donate any amount you choose, big or small, every contribution truly counts and brings us one brick closer to our goal. Simply fill your booklet and, once complete, return it to us.

It's that simple, and the impact is immeasurable. Each booklet also contains information on the wonderful benefits available to donors, so be sure to have a look inside when you collect yours. Together, brick by brick and rand by rand, we can build a place of peace for those who need it most.

For more information on the Brick by Brick project and how to get involved, please email fundraising@steppingstonehospice.co.za, alternatively contact 010 442 5059, or visit: https://steppingstonehospice.co.za/2025/02/13/help-us-build-a-sanctuary-one-brick-at-a-time/

15/04/2026

Congratulations all our lucky winners: The 79th draw (March 2026 draw) of our Club 2000 took place on Wednesday, 15th April 2026.

We are thrilled to announce that Chris Debbes-Pryce has won the 1st prize of R20 000! (Ticket number 2186)

*2nd prize: R2000: Pat Compagnoni (Ticket no 1425)
*3rd prize: R1 000: Kidz@Play Pre School (Ticket no 2800)
4th prize: R 500: Christiaan Bouwer (Ticket no 2868)
5th prize: R 500: HH Ge**er (Ticket no 1048)
6th prize: R 500: Gift Moloi (Ticket no 1613)
7th prize: R 500: Teraysa Allison (Ticket no 1234)

Some of the winners donated back of their winnings to Stepping Stone. Our April 2026 Club 2000 draw will take place on Wednesday, May 13. Best of luck to all!

Thank you to each and every club entrant for your continued support, your support helps us to keep our promises to our patients and their families, it is much appreciated.

We’re reaching out today with an opportunity to be part of something truly meaningful - our Brick by Brick campaign. Just like the strongest buildings are constructed one brick at a time, we believe that together, through your support, we can build something extraordinary for our community.

Cost per brick is R10.00
An A18 Tax Certificate will be issued for the donations.

TO DONATE to our BRICK BY BRICK CAMPAIGN:

Stepping Stone Hospice
ABSA – Alberton
Account: 408 609 5643
Branch: 632 005
Ref: BBB/Your name & contact Number

To receive your Tax Certificate kindly email tessa@steppingstonehospice.co.za
Can't contribute right now? You can still help by:

*Sharing this campaign with your friends and family
*Following our progress on social media
*Spreading the word in your community.

゚viralシ