An afternoon by the pond is a soothing, therapeutic experience for all who visit. For five years the outdoor oasis has offered a little piece of cottage country and an ideal place to entertain family and friends.

Debbie Sperling’s sister, Jean Cox, loved gardening and nature. The Sperling pond was her favourite destination, and nearly every weekend, she spent a few hours sitting near the water, sipping tea, interacting with the wildlife, listening to the babbling waterfall and talking to her sister and brother-in-law, Rick.

In February 2009, Jean was diagnosed with terminal colon cancer. She spent eight weeks during the summer at the Dr. Bob Kemp Hospice where her condition actually improved for a short time thanks to the world-class palliative care.

“They were so supportive and gracious,” Sperling said, recalling Jean’s time at the hospice. “We believe a hospice is not a place you go to die. It’s a place where people go to truly live.”

Jean entered the hospice, nervous at first, but just like the sense of relaxation she experienced sitting alongside her sister’s pond, her anxiety

quickly evaporated thanks to the warm, friendly surroundings and caring hospice staff. Within minutes of checking in, Jean decided to spend her final weeks at the Dr. Bob Kemp Hospice.

During her time at the hospice, Jean often spoke about returning to her sister’s backyard pond, located on the outskirts of Burlington on Old York Road. Regrettably, she never felt well enough to make the trip.

Jean retired from a lengthy career at the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board in 2002.

She is remembered by family and friends as a sensitive, kind and generous person who enjoyed life and was quick to laugh.

Jean passed away on September 18, 2009, in her 73rd year. To honour Jean’s memory, sister Debbie has organized a Pond Tour for the Dr. Bob Kemp Hospice, a self-guided tour of 25 pond properties in the Greater Hamilton area.

The event takes place on July 10 and 11 from 10 a. m. to 6 p. m. The properties stretch as far east as Grimsby and west to Waterdown. Five properties are located within the Ancaster area, two are in Dundas and eight are located in Hamilton. Other areas include Brantford and Haldimand County.

All proceeds from the Pond Tour will benefit the hospice, and Sperling hopes to raise $25,000. Donations and third-party fundraising are vital to the continued existence of the hospice, which celebrates its third anniversary on Hamilton Mountain later this summer.

Tickets for the Pond Tour are available locally at Harper’s Garden Centre, 1039 Wilson St. E., Ancaster, Connon Nurseries at 383 Dundas St. E, Waterdown and Decor on a Dime, 1205 Rymal Rd. E., Hamilton. Guests have a chance to win one of 17 door prizes, including the grand prize, a pond kit donated by primary sponsor, Clearwater Ponds, valued at $1,100.

Sperling said the Pond Tour is spread across a wide area in order to give everyone in the Hamilton area a chance to view the sites.

“The objective is to make it do-able for everyone, no matter where they live,” said Sperling.

Jan Nichols, director of development for the Dr. Bob Kemp Hospice, said the hospice receives only 39 per cent of its funding from the provincial government, leaving a monthly funding shortfall of $130,000. The hospice holds five major fundraisers annually, as well as several third-party fundraisers, such as the Pond Tour.

The next major fundraiser for the Dr. Bob Kemp Hospice is the fifth annual golf tournament on Sept. 28 at the Club Link Course Heron Point. The Tinsel, Tuxedos and Tapas event on Oct. 13 is the ultimate girls’ night out, featuring a fashion show with some of Hamilton’s finest “men in uniform.” The Holiday Home Tour for Hospice is the last major fundraiser for 2010, featuring specially decorated homes of friends, staff and volunteers of the Dr. Bob Kemp Hospice. The tour runs during the weekend of Nov. 20 and 21.

The 10-bed Dr. Bob Kemp Centre for Hospice Palliative Care is a dignified alternative to hospital end-of-life care. The hospice provides a home-like environment with round-the-clock nursing care, all provided at no cost to clients and their families. Hospice programs include residential hospice stays, day hospice services, bereavement support programs for both youth and adults, community volunteer visiting and education.

For more on the Pond Tour for the Dr. Bob Kemp Hospice, visit www.pondtourforthehospice.ca For general information on the Dr. Bob Kemp Hospice visit www.kemphospice.org