After a terminal diagnosis, this simple act brought Matthew joy

Matthew Cumming, a man diagnosed with stage-four prostate cancer in 2020, found unexpected joy in a simple act, sharing his life story with a volunteer biographer. His journey, marked by illness and reflection, culminated in participation in St Vincent’s Hospital Sydney’s Sacred Heart palliative care biography program, which he initially hesitated to join. The experience became a beacon of purpose for him, offering both personal affirmation and emotional relief. Cumming, who once pursued a career in advertising and raised two children, had long dreamed of returning to sailing. Despite his diagnosis, he continued to live life to the fullest, traveling the country in a campervan, attending cultural events, and witnessing his daughter's achievements. However, his health took a turn when cancer spread to his brain, leading to a stroke following surgery. This change forced him to reassess his priorities, yet he remained committed to engaging in activities he loved. It was during this period of reflection that Cumming joined the biography program, facilitated by volunteer biographer Kirsten Tilgals. Initially reluctant, he soon found value in the sessions, which lasted an hour each. He described the process as giving him a sense of purpose and helping him recognize the significance of his life experiences. “Yeah, I have done some great and interesting things,” he remarked, expressing pride in his accomplishments. Emma Rossi, the program’s biography services manager, noted that Cumming’s hesitation was not uncommon, especially among older individuals who often focused on caregiving roles rather than personal achievements. She recounted how she would remind participants of past feats, such as walking across Africa at age 21, to encourage them to reflect on their lives. These stories, she explained, could serve as inspiration for younger generations, emphasizing the importance of valuing opportunities and living meaningfully. The program, which has operated for 12 years, recently partnered with the University of Notre Dame to conduct research aimed at validating the anecdotal benefits reported by staff, patients, families, and volunteers. The findings are expected to be published later this year. While life story services in palliative care are not new, scientific exploration into their impact is still evolving, as the practice gains traction globally. St Vincent’s Hospital’s approach was inspired by a model developed by Ivan Lichter at Te Omanga Hospice in New Zealand in 1990. The concept was introduced to Australia 20 years ago by volunteers from Eastern Palliative Care in Melbourne. Penelope Di Sario, coordinator of volunteers at Eastern Palliative Care, highlighted the therapeutic value of these sessions, noting that they help alleviate feelings of isolation and depression during times when patients may feel reduced to mere medical cases. Eastern Palliative Care’s volunteers are trained to follow the patient’s lead, whether that involves recounting a lifetime of experiences, capturing a specific moment, or even creating keepsakes for loved ones. They refrain from correcting factual inaccuracies, focusing instead on the emotional resonance of the narrative. Voice recordings are also made to ensure that family members can carry forward the legacy of the individual. Di Sario emphasized that the program’s flexibility allows for diverse expressions of identity and memory. Some participants use the opportunity to draft letters, shape eulogies, or compile personal collections. Research led by Dr Karly Edgar has shown that such interactions can provide a sense of transcendence, allowing individuals to feel seen and valued even in their final days. With nearly 2000 biographies completed, Eastern Palliative Care stands as the largest organization of its kind worldwide. Its efforts extend beyond local impact, as it now assists other groups in establishing similar programs. Through these initiatives, the human element of palliative care is preserved, ensuring that the voices of those nearing the end of life are heard and honored.