Judy Powers shares the remarkable story of caring for her mother, Betty, through the final years of her life. A nurse, mother of six, and lifelong giver, Betty faced cancer, stroke, heart challenges, and severe pain. After being sent home from the hospital with a prognosis of “three days to live,” Judy organized a care team that gave her mother three more years of meaningful life at home.

Judy describes how she created a healing environment with music, touch, baths, laughter, and natural health strategies. She recalls learning from her mother’s own palliative care experiences and applying those lessons—bringing dignity, connection, and joy into her final chapter. Though Betty left the hospital emaciated and on 15 medications, she thrived at home with careful feeding, oxygen, comfort routines, and support from trusted caregivers. Judy emphasizes that it wasn’t just about treatments but about love, presence, and creating a community around her mom.

Her testimony raises broader questions about aging, end-of-life care, and the balance between standard medical protocols and personal choice. Judy urges Canadians to protect access to natural remedies and to recognize the importance of family-led caregiving, which she believes extends both life and dignity.