Already experiencing a loss of mobility, fine motor skills including writing, and his sense of smell, the 70-year-old has begun to think about and plan his death to ensure the quality of life he wants to maintain is honoured.
Author: Linda Givetash
Linda Givetash is a Canadian-South African freelance journalist based in Vancouver, B.C. Her work has appeared in print, digital and broadcast media outlets around the globe.
New technology gives local cadets a chance to soar
The software — a program called Prepar3D — that creates the real-life experience was donated to the Cadet Youth Development Centre, home of the 822 Tutor Squadron of the Royal Canadian Air Cadets.
Organizations, companies commit to a greener region
On Thursday, Sustainable Waterloo Region celebrated 58 local organizations — representing 13 per cent of the region’s workforce — that have committed to reducing their greenhouse gas emissions at its annual evening of recognition.
Learning to ‘speak up’ about final wishes
No one enjoys talking about the prospects of their own death. But avoiding a conversation could mean not having your wishes carried out in your final days and burdening your family with difficult decisions.
Community says goodbye to Oktoberfest leader
Hundreds gathered at the Henry Walser Funeral Home Saturday to pay their final respects to Kreller, who died suddenly Monday due to a heart attack. He was 54 years old.
Police suspect foul play in disappearance of Kitchener woman
Catherine Todd, 48, was reported missing Thursday after last being heard from on March 18. Waterloo Regional Police announced Saturday they suspect foul play after conducting a forensic search of her apartment at 50 Lorraine Ave.
Students draw attention to mental health issues
“We’re looking at mental health education on campus and to be able to provide that to all members of the Laurier community,” said Adrienne Luft, the university’s mental health and student support team leader.
Hospitals find ways to meet growing demand with tight budgets
According to data presented by Shilton, Ontario’s hospitals receive the lowest provincial funding per capita in the country. As a result, Ontario shows higher rates of patient care occurring outside hospitals.
Strategies to reduce ER wait times will bear fruit, officials say
From patients with non-emergency medical problems to delays in accessing medical test results, officials at the Waterloo Wellington Local Health Integration Network say there are many reasons why the region’s emergency rooms appear to be overflowing.
Kitchener mom appalled by emergency room wait
“He was left for eight and a half hours and he was checked three times (by nurses),” Brindley explained. “I brought him to them to check him. They didn’t come to see how we were doing and his condition worsened as the night went on.”
Baby boomers at risk of cardiac illness in old age, report says
A new report released by the Heart and Stroke Foundation found that baby boomers will experience a ten-year gap between how long they live and how long they live in good health.
Police check missing persons reports after finding human torso
“The discovery of human remains is something police are keenly aware is a concern in the community, especially for families who file a missing persons report,” said Olaf Heinzel, public affairs co-ordinator for Waterloo Regional Police.
Human torso found in trash bin
KITCHENER — A widespread investigation is underway to identify the dismembered remains of a woman found in a garbage bin behind an apartment building near the city’s downtown core.
Local forum sheds light on Alzheimer’s and dementia
With so much variation and overlapping between Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia, an individualized approach to treatment and support must be adopted by caregiving communities, Whitehouse said.
Bill paves way for national suicide prevention strategy
“It is a pretty serious situation that we have in our country … that alone is a good enough reason to have some sort of national framework so we can all work together,” said Rob Martin, chair of the local suicide prevention council.
Brain simulator could provide insight to damage, diseases
The technology, designed by a team at the University of Waterloo’s Centre for Theoretical Neuroscience, simulates 2.5 million neurons making it the world’s largest simulation of a functioning brain.
A place to call home
Meeting Dora Fernandes, a funny and joyful woman, it’s hard to imagine she was ever known for never having a smile on her face.
Lunar ambitions take flight
NEW HAMBURG, Canada — Tucked in a corner of an industrial building in New Hamburg that is filled with rubber tires, gears and transmissions is a small area where the future of space exploration is taking shape. Ontario Drive & Gear, makers of the Argo all-terrain vehicle, is fine-tuning a vehicle that it hopes will…
‘Front row seat to a miracle’
Less than six months since the incident that left her in a coma, Lydia walked out from the Herrle’s Country Farm Market down the lane to the family’s Erb’s Road home with her parents — James and Michelle — by her side.
Local theorist unlocking secrets of black holes
To better understand black holes, scientists need to determine how they interact with the matter around them, whether or not they spin, the result of spin and what causes jets of light to be seen around the hole.