Easing the Pain

Mercy Ships has provided hope and healing to thousands of Liberians this year, helping them walk, see, talk - to lead normal lives again - with free medical treatment.

But there are some people whose conditions Mercy Ships cannot heal, often people who have cancer or other terminal illnesses.

For these patients Mercy Ships has a programme of Palliative Care, a health service focused on relieving the mental and physical suffering of terminally ill patients.

Palliative Care, also known as hospice or comfort care, has supported almost 40 patients and their families during the 2008 Liberian Field Service.

As the only full-time crew member in Palliative Care, June Fontes “feels privileged” to have served in this role for two years. Her job is one that requires special strength and resolve, but she believes “it’s the best job in Mercy Ships.”

June goes off ship each day with a Liberian translator and a volunteer nurse, visiting homes and hospitals.

She regularly goes to Monrovia’s St. Joseph Catholic Hospital to oversee the chemotherapy and pain care of children with Burkitt’s lymphoma, a type of cancer common among children.

She has been involved with care for 15 children there, 3 of whom have gone into remission. As Burkitt’s lymphoma responds well to chemotherapy, more are expected to recover.

In her daily visits to patients in their homes, June and the volunteer nurse care for the patient’s wounds and teach both the patient and family members about the medical diagnosis, pain control, and nutrition. For pain control, June provides basic pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications that the patients would not be able to afford.

Many of June’s patients are homebound and know that death is imminent, so the emotional and spiritual support she provides is at the forefront.

June considers her work a true affirmation of their human life and dignity: “Each day through our actions, we try to say to our patients, ‘You matter because you are you. You matter until the last moment of your life on earth.’”

June has introduced the concept of Compassionate Care to over 100 church leaders and community leaders, ensuring that hope and healing will continue after Mercy Ships has left Liberia.