Our Story
Our Beginning: A Shared Vision for End-of-Life Support
Motivated by the belief that everyone - of any age, at any time, under any roof - deserves a peaceful and respectful end-of-life experience, Tracey Robertson, Glen Burkholder, and Jeanne O’Kell founded Home Hospice Association (HHA) in 2014. Their professional backgrounds in end-of-life care exposed them to the harsh reality that most people facing death don't have the resources or support to die on their own terms. In fact, 84% of Canadians lack access to palliative care. The founders knew that needed to change.
Addressing a Critical Gap in Palliative Care
From the outset, HHA’s goal was clear: to fill the critical gaps in palliative care across Canada by reaching as many people as possible. To do this, Tracey, Glen, and Jeanne focused on equipping caregiving professionals and volunteers with the knowledge and resources to deliver end-of-life care directly into communities. By building partnerships with agencies and organizations, HHA makes compassionate care accessible to those who need it most.
Changing the Conversation About Death
As HHA grew, one challenge became increasingly apparent: our society’s reluctance to talk about death. The cultural taboo surrounding dying creates barriers for people seeking the care and support they need. HHA is dedicated to breaking this silence, fostering open conversations about death, and dismantling the stigma that surrounds it. Through our programs, we help people navigate the complexities of the end-of-life process with dignity and compassion.
Original drafts of the HHA logo drawn by Tracey, Glen, and Jeanne on a pizza box.
National Expansion and Leadership in Death Education
Since gaining charitable status in 2016, HHA has expanded nationally, forging partnerships with communities across Canada. We have become leaders in death education, offering a range of programs to support individuals and families through the end-of-life journey. Our offerings include the Death Doula Certificate Program, Infant & Pregnancy Loss Support Training, and the HHA Death Cafés - all designed to empower communities to face death with knowledge and confidence.
A Personal Mission to Revolutionize End-of-Life Care
The personal experiences of HHA’s founders - such as Tracey’s memories of her Grandpa Jim and her beloved dog Bello - fueled their commitment to revolutionizing society’s approach to death. These intimate experiences deepened their resolve to normalize compassionate, end-of-life care that meets the emotional, spiritual, and practical needs of individuals and families.
Looking Ahead: Our Commitment to Accessible Care
Today, HHA continues to grow, driven by our mission to make death education and end-of-life support accessible to everyone. We remain committed to ensuring that every person facing death is treated with respect and care, no matter their circumstances. Together, we are transforming how communities across Canada approach dying, death, loss, and grief.