Kim and Brodie Johnson’s close-knit group of friends have shared joys and sorrows for more than 20 years.
When Brodie was diagnosed with a brain tumour, they surrounded the couple with care. When Brodie died at Victoria Hospice two years later, they were right there to support Kim and her children.
Now they’re all honouring Brodie’s memory and raising funds for compassionate care at Victoria Hospice by teaming up for Hike for Hospice on Sunday, May 7.
“It’s really hard to have to say goodbye to a loved one, and I can’t imagine having to do it in a sterile hospital room with just white walls and a bed. It was really nice to have a home-like environment at Victoria Hospice,” Kim says. “It’s important to me that other people get that opportunity as well. I know it’s expensive to provide this level of care.”
Brodie’s room at hospice became Kim’s second home for two weeks, she says.
“We had a lot of visitors; his friends and family were able to come in to be with him and say goodbye. We had people come by with guitars to sing to Brodie, which he always loved – it felt so homelike. Being able to bring our dog, Swiffer, up to sit in the room with Brodie really helped us through the process,” she says.
“I was so appreciative of all the staff, volunteers and everybody who really helped me through that horrible two weeks. The people were amazing, and the environment and the services – including counselling for me and my kids – made it easier.”
Brian Mitchell is one of Brodie’s friends who holds his memories close.
“Forty-eight years is not a lot of time to make a large impact on people, but that was not true of my dear friend Brodie Johnson. He had a larger-than-life personality that made an impression on everyone, and still does, through the stories and laughs we share.”
Kim, Brian, and friends are already off to a strong fundraising start under the team banner Goldstream 161. They invite everyone to share memories and honour loved ones by lacing up their walking shoes on May 7.