Let's live our life till the very end, aka the best gift for my 30th Bday

Hi everyone, 

eventually I am turning 30 this year, it could be seen as a break-point in one´s life, it definitely deserves a bit of attention and celebration with everyone we love. 

Today, it has been exactly 6 months since a person with whom I would like to celebrate my birthday the most, has passed away. It was the person who had the biggest influence on my life, I am who I am thanks to her with all the positive and negative aspects, I am forever grateful what she had taught me. 

My granny, I grew up close to her, she had taught me how to bake the best “kolache”, she was always here for me, no matter the distance, she was so kind and warm to everyone, her name was Miluška, which in czech means “kind”. She had her heart in the right place. Last year, we were the same age, me 29 and her 92, I realised how precious it was. 

However, her life slowly came to its end. She was very lucky to have amazing daughters who had been taking care of her, other family members tried to help as much as possible, me personally, I was rather psychological support and some sort of distraction. I have to admit, it wasn't really easy, for anyone. My granny used to say, "You know, my little girl, no one should ever say that being old, is a nice thing”, but she remained optimistic and full of enthusiasm. Day by day she became weaker and weaker, at the end I found myself sitting by her bed, holding her hand, she was not talking anymore, just looking into my eyes. She passed away the day after, at home, accompanied by her loved ones. We miss her a lot.

In the Czech Republic, up to 70% of people are not fortunate enough to spend their last moments at home, in the family circle, but die in hospitals or nursing homes, often alone. If the family is not able to take care of their beloved ones for whatever reason, there is also an alternative way - hospice care, which unfortunately is neither very widespread nor supported in my country.

As I said at the beginning, I would like to have a little bit of your attention, and contribute to the development of hospice care in the Czech Republic a bit, so please help me to raise at least CZK 30,000 (approx. 1165 EUR, 1300 USD) for CESTA DOMU, NGO which provides professional care to the dying and their loved ones. They are also raising awareness about the fact that dying has always been integral and very important part of our lives.

What could be done with those 30K? For example, an antidecubit mattress (26K), or if we raise more, a positioning bed (35K) could be bought - we used it both during the homecare, and it was really helpful. 

Thank you very much to all of you who have read it till the very end and thank you even more to those who decide to contribute.

Kam

PS: not only this birthday fundraising deserves your attention, please give it to your loved ones - while they are still with us.