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"My dad received VAD suffering from cancer"

About: Voluntary Assisted Dying Liaison Service

(as a relative),

My dad deteriorated pretty quickly and late December he decided he wanted to do voluntary assisted dying. He was supported by the family the whole time as we didn’t want him to suffer, even though this was a very difficult time.

Jess and the team of Doctors, Andrew and Francis began the process for dad and it took about 2 weeks to organise. At all times Jess was available to answer any questions and was even talking to us in the late evening and early mornings.

We went through this over the Christmas period and it was a tough time. Even though we wanted this for dad it was so hard as all we wanted to do was make him better, so we didn’t have to lose him. Finally for dad the day came in early January. Jess, Andrew and Francis were fantastic with us all, including my children. Everything was explained carefully and was never rushed.

On the hardest day of my life and my family’s life, the team from Voluntarily assisted dying were just like family to us all. I can’t praise or thank them enough for their support in such a difficult time.

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Responses

Response from Kathleen Boman, VAD Liaison Service Manager (Acting), Voluntary Assisted Dying Liaison Service, South Eastern Sydney Local Health District 4 weeks ago
Kathleen Boman
VAD Liaison Service Manager (Acting), Voluntary Assisted Dying Liaison Service,
South Eastern Sydney Local Health District
Submitted on 25/02/2026 at 12:13 PM
Published on Care Opinion Australia on 26/02/2026 at 9:32 AM


Thank you for your story,

We are reassured to know that the care provided to your father, yourself and family, provided support at such a difficult time.

I will ensure that it is shared with the VAD team.

Kind regards,

Kathleen Boman

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