"When I started with Niagara Health, I knew the moment I walked through the doors that I was where I was meant to be. I feel grateful to be able to make a difference in the life of someone who spends their last days in the Intensive Care Unit - for the chance to have a meaningful impact.”
Bringing the Three Wishes Program to Niagara
The Three Wishes Program, created at St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton by Dr. Deborah Cook and Dr. Robert Sheppard, was brought to Niagara Health (NH) after ICU physician Dr. Benjamin Tam and nurse Francie Davidson learned about it at a 2017 conference.
“I was brought to tears listening to Dr. Cook’s stories,” recalls Davidson, now a Clinical Manager in the ICU. “I felt we needed that to humanize death and dying. A lot of people were struggling at that time and I thought this program could genuinely benefit our hospital.”
At NH, the program was adapted to a community hospital setting, initially focusing on small, meaningful acts by caring staff and physicians with no initial funding — bringing a patient’s favourite flowers, organizing a visit with a beloved pet or sharing a last glass of wine with family and friends.
“This program holds tremendous importance because it reminds clinicians of the significance of compassion, particularly at the end of life,” Dr. Tam says. “It refocuses attention to the human aspect of healthcare. In the ICU, care can become mechanical and straightforward, but this program allows us to express our humanity again. It's an important initiative to combat the moral distress staff experience in intensive care units while improving experiences for patients, families and loved ones.”
Small Gestures, Big Impact
In the early days, the wishes were simple but powerful. One woman loved sunflowers, so the team brought them to her room. A Maple Leafs hockey fan wanted to die in his favourite jersey and the staff helped to make it happen. Another patient longed to see their pet dog one last time. One man wanted a final sip of scotch.
Davidson shares one particularly moving moment that will remain with her for years to come: “A young mother, facing terminal illness, had a nine-year-old daughter. I found myself constantly thinking about that little girl and wanted to create a lasting memento. I purchased a soft teddy bear that contained a small recording device, ironically, in the shape of a heart. Using a Doppler machine, we captured our patient’s heartbeat and placed the recording inside the bear. Now, whenever her daughter presses on the bear, she’ll hear the sound of her mother’s heartbeat. It was a simple gesture, but I hoped it would give her something to hold close.”
Another patient, an artist in his 40s, wanted to paint one last artwork. Davidson’s son ran out to buy paints, brushes and a canvas.
“We worried he wouldn’t make it back in time,” Davidson says. But, the patient completed his abstract landscape, leaving a lasting tribute for his family.
Smith Steps Up
As the program grew, the need for funding became clear. Smith played a key role in organizing fundraising initiatives to support the program. What began as a few small baskets for selling raffle tickets, quickly became a major undertaking.
“We put together themed baskets worth up to $800 each. Donations continued to pour in, particularly after the communications team helped promote the initiative and word spread amongst the staff,” Smith says. “We ended up with 25 baskets and raised more than $20,000 last fall.”
Smith’s incredible passion and commitment in organizing the fundraising effort earned her the 2025 NH Award of Excellence for Achieving Ambitious Results.
“Making a difference in the life of someone who comes through our doors is incredibly rewarding,” Smith says. “I was raised to be kind, but being able to truly make a difference is more meaningful than anything I could have hoped for.”
Growing Across Niagara
From its humble beginnings with a few candles and flowers to large-scale fundraising efforts, the Three Wishes Program has continued to grow at Niagara Health. The program is currently being incorporated into the ICU’s at both the Niagara Falls and Welland hospitals, with a launch planned for September. Each site will handle its own fundraising and the ICU managers at those hospitals will oversee the program. In fall 2026, all three hospitals will come together to run the fundraiser as a joint initiative.
“This program is an opportunity to reflect on a person’s life and shape a narrative that will be remembered by families moving forward,” says Dr. Tam. “It’s very motivating.”
Dr. Thiago Appoloni Moreira is the current ICU physician lead for the Three Wishes Project at NH.
“It transforms a very dark moment into something that has some light,” he says.
The program goes beyond the ICU to create lasting memories for families. Volunteers, community members and staff contribute personal touches, such as crocheted blankets to replace hospital linens. Simple keepsakes become treasured reminders of a loved one.
“Not only are we creating something meaningful for patients and their families, but staff also feel the deep reward of knowing we’ve given someone a special moment in their final hours,” Davidson says.
Supporting the Program
With the next major fundraiser planned for fall 2026, donations in the meantime continue to support the Three Wishes Program. Contributions over $20 are eligible for a tax receipt through the Niagara Health Foundation and those interested in donating to one of the baskets for next year’s raffle can reach out to Smith directly at Chelsea.Smith@niagarahealth.on.ca.
