That statement, made by Beth Ellis, executive director of the Dr. Bob Kemp Hospice at a recent media scrum, halted the sensibilities of even the toughest of reporters.

To most of us, that number seems depressing but to Ms. Ellis, the statistic is less frightening now that funding has come through to build a new palliative care facility.

On October 4, the minister of health and long-term care came to Hamilton and announced funding required for operational costs at a soon-to-be-built location on Stone Church Road.

"The Dr. Bob Kemp Hospice is one of six hospices to be funded this year and it's all thanks to Dr. Kemp," said Minister George Smitherman. "And, I must admit Hamilton has some very very determined provincial politicians."

Dr. and Mrs. Kemp have been well known in Stoney Creek for 50 years. Dr. Kemp was a popular family physician. Since 1997, he has dedicated himself to helping patients with critical and terminal illnesses die with dignity and care.

Both Dr. Kemp and Beth Ellis praised the hard work of the hospice's volunteers who offer client care needed in homes and other care facilities caring for people facing death, as well as their families.

"I've been working at the hospice since 1997," said Ms. Ellis. "But, I started working in the palliative care field in the mid-1980s when I was dealing with the death of my parents."

Now that the operational funding has been formally announced, Ms. Ellis said the Dr. Bob Kemp Hospice is already half-way to reaching a capital goal of $3.2 million to build a 10-bed residential hospice and palliative care centre.

After a lifetime of giving of themselves to the community, the Kemps were overcome with emotion while listening to remarks from the speakers at the announcement.

"Beth Ellis has done a wonderful job so far, and we're right in the middle of it now," said Dr. Kemp. "Local people will carry out the wishes and hopes of the hospice."

"Bob and Mildred Kemp are very special people. They dedicate their lives to others. It's just the way their whole family is. Even their own children donate money to the hospice instead of buying gifts on holidays," said Ms. Mossop. "It was two years ago, to the day, when I was making the decision to run for politics. I went to the Kemp Hospice to find a quiet place to think. Since being elected to government, I can't help feel a strong commitment to this special place."

Dr. and Mrs. Kemp have been active in their community for many years and have taken part in several organizations including, Cancer Society, Rotary, Red Cross, and in their church.

Hospice palliative care supports people diagnosed with a life-threatening illness, as well as their families. Services can include respite care and caregiver relief, complementary therapies, liaison with other community support organizations, transportation and visitations by trained volunteers.

"This investment means there will be more choices available for people on how they can live out their remaining days," said the health minister. "People who are terminally ill should have the opportunity to live out their days in the comfort of their home or community near to family or friends, rather than in a hospital."

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