My sister-in-law, Sarah, was diagnosed with breast cancer for the second time in her early forties. We knew that this time the cancer was terminal, but we hoped that chemo would give us as many years as possible. Sadly, in May, we found out that the treatments no longer worked, and Sarah was moving to palliative care. We immediately looked at getting Sarah into hospice and were very lucky to get her into ARCH quickly. 
 
Our experience at ARCH was incredible. Prior to getting into ARCH, Sarah was managing her medication, food, cleaning, and it was exhausting. Being at ARCH meant she could let all that go and instead focus on resting and enjoying her time left. One Sunday afternoon, we sat in the [Garden] room while Sarah crotched, I knitted, and my husband Andrew played video games. We sat in the sunshine, with warmed blankets, coffee, treats, and just enjoyed being together. It may seem like a small thing but having the time and space to just be with each other without the worries of preparing meals or organizing medication was a gift. 
 
ARCH also helped Sarah fulfill her wishes. There were big things like planning high tea for Sarah and the church ladies. But for me I’ll remember the small things. Nearer the end of Sarah’s life, she would get out of breath easily. So we worked with the care staff to ensure Sarah had a wheelchair, oxygen and enough pain meds when we went out to do the things Sarah wanted to do. That way, we got to go for dinner or ice cream with confidence. It was those big moments and the small moments that stay with me. It was the level of care that ensured Sarah was physically, emotionally and mentally comfortable. It was care that included Sarah, myself and Andrew. Truly holistic care. 
 
I can never thank the staff at ARCH enough for giving us those last few weeks with Sarah – not with Sarah barely surviving, but with Sarah living with a smile on her face and a laugh always close by.