By Belinda Nolan
ANNIE Hyde will never forget the day she visited the Werribee Zoo.
The 87-year-old still smiles when she remembers how special she felt on that memorable day three years ago.
To most people, it may sound like a simple outing but for Annie it meant the world.
The Point Cook resident has had a tough few years.
In 2004, she was diagnosed with bowel cancer and has been in and out of hospital ever since.
“As you can imagine it was a very scary time,” daughter Deb Hyde said.
“She had pretty much never been sick her whole life.
“She’d never even had a cold and all of a sudden she had cancer.
“It was a pretty big shock for us.”
Despite her illness, Annie has managed to keep her spirits high.
Once a week, the pensioner visits Sunshine Hospital to take part in the day hospice program, which runs activities for palliative care patients.
The program aims to give terminally ill patients a distraction from their condition, while providing their carers with much-needed time out.
“I enjoy going there,” Annie said.
“We do a lot of fun activities and I have a really good time.”
Her time at the hospice has also given Annie the chance to fulfil a life-long dream.
In 2007 she was granted a special wish as part of the hospital’s Make-A-Wish program, which gives seriously ill patients a chance to make their dreams a reality.
As part of her wish, Annie chose to visit Werribee Zoo for the day.
“I had always wanted to go there, so it was wonderful to be able to go,” Annie said.
“I had a great day and I’ll always remember it.”
Ms Hyde said the Make-A-Wish program had given her mother something to smile about.
“It was just a beautiful day for her and it gave her something positive to think about.
“It was very special for her.”
The Make-A-Wish program relies on public donations and support to make patients’ last wishes come true.
The program has been running since 2008 and provides a ray of sunshine for palliative care patients whose lives can often be filled with sadness.
For more information on the Day Hospice or Make-A-Wish program, or to make a donation call 8345 7380.
