Celebrating Excellence in Hospice Palliative Care and Recognizing the Challenges of Caregiving

On May 14, 2009, Dr. Louise Coulombe, an Ottawa-based palliative care physician, was recognized at the Celebrating Excellence in Hospice Palliative Care and Recognizing the Challenges luncheon hosted by the DIVA Foundation and the Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association (CHPCA). Dr. Coulombe received the DIVA Citation for her extraordinary humanitarian help, care, and services to individuals, families, groups, and communities.

The event, emceed by Jacquelin Holzman, former Mayor of Ottawa, and Russell Williams, President of Canada’s Research-Based Pharmaceutical Companies (Rx&D) was attended by hundreds of healthcare and community leaders, as well as those whose lives have been touched by Dr. Coulombe. Karen Chow, Vice-President, The GlaxoSmithKline Foundation, delivered a moving keynote address on the importance of compassionate care leave. Evelyn Greenberg, one of Canada’s foremost vocal accompanists, and world-renowned mezzo-soprano Sandra Graham performed “You’ll never walk alone” as a tribute to Dr. Coulombe.

The DIVA Foundation provided a donation to four charities of Dr. Coulombe’s choice, specifically the Friends of Hospice Ottawa, Roger’s House, The Hospice at May Court, and The Palliative Care Outreach Program.

Photographs

Photos for Life was the official photographer for the event. You can view the photos here.

Dr. Louise Coulombe, Award Recipient

 

Karen Chow, Vice-President, The GlaxoSmithKline Foundation

 

Jacquelin Holzman, former Mayor of Ottawa

 

Russell Williams, President of Canada’s Research-Based Pharmaceutical Companies (Rx&D)

 

Sharon Baxter, Executive Director, CHPCA, with Grace Betts, Chair and President, The DIVA Foundation

 

The DIVA Foundation Board of Directors with Dr. Louise Coulombe (l-r: Darlene Wilson, Monique Boudrias, Allyne Thomson, Dr. Louise Coulombe, Grace Betts, Dr. Emma Stodel)

 

Exhibit at the Resource Fair