More than lip service

KYLE BERGER

“Penicillin and pedicures, just what the doctor ordered.” That quote, delicately groomed on the home page of the Lipstick Project’s website, pretty much sums of what this unique group is all about.

The volunteer-run program works with hospitals and hospices around the globe to offer spa-type services to those who are either in recovery or approaching the end of their life. Simply put, they bring a little serenity to those who need it most.

When Lindsey Ail, a local massage therapist, was introduced to the Lipstick Project last fall, she knew she wanted to be a part of it.

“To me, the Lipstick Project is about offering compassion, care and the healing power of touch to those who are at the end of their lives,” she explained of her role as a volunteer therapist. “It is about enhancing a palliative patient’s ability to die with dignity and perhaps offering them the chance to feel spoiled and special.”

Ail, a therapist at StudioHealth Chiroworks in Vancouver, has now spent two Monday afternoons at the North Shore Hospice, providing gentle massage services to a number of patients.

“In return, they’ve shared stories, words of gratitude, and smiles of joy with me,” she said. “Some patients have verbally expressed how lucky and spoiled they feel to get treatments from us, while others have a look of calming peace spread across their faces.

“It’s not only the patients that are touched by what we do,” she added, “but the family and friends have endless appreciation for the time we take and the care we show for their loved ones. It’s really about the community as a whole and what we can do to contribute to them during their time at the hospice.”

Volunteering at the hospice, however, has not been without its challenges. Ail has also had to adjust to saying goodbye to patients she recently treated.

“The ongoing support from the nurses as well as TLP team leaders has created a safe environment to express any and all thoughts and feelings that may arise,” she said of the emotional challenges of this kind of work. “For that I am utterly grateful.”

Several years ago, Ail had a more personal experience that brought her a special appreciation for the work she is doing today at the hospice.

When her own grandmother was in palliative care, Ail said she had the gift of being by her side and seeing the many volunteers who offered various services to the patient and her family.

“I really got to see firsthand what a difference it made to have that support,” she said. “Although my bubby was not communicative at that time, I believe she was still aware of what was going on around her and the peaceful and loving environment that was created with the efforts of staff and volunteers.

“I know that not everyone is fortunate enough to have family nearby who can visit, or even family at all,” she continued. “So it’s important to me for all the patients at the North Shore Hospice to know that they are cared for, special, and not alone.”

The Lipstick Project is always looking for more volunteers to share skills. If you are a trained esthetician, massage therapist or make-up artist that can spare a few hours a month, or if you would like more information, visit thelipstickproject.ca.

Kyle Berger is a freelance writer in Richmond.

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