Dying to Know

Sept 27th, 2025

Dying To Know - 2025 Event

On behalf of Hospice Waterloo Region and our partner St Andrews Presbyterian Church, thank you to the Waiting Room Revolution team – Doctors Hsien Seow & Samantha Winemaker as well as their assistant Maggie Civak for an outstanding workshop “Be in the Know ” on September 27th. We were thrilled by the packed attendance, the incredible expertise, compassion, and humour that our presenters shared with us and, at the end of the day, the inspiration and knowledge that we all walked away with. It was an incredible day. Thanks to our speakers, our volunteers, and our eager audience!

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Dying To Know - 2025 Event

Hope For The Best Plan For The Rest

Photos from the 2025 Event

This year we are focusing on a topic that keeps coming up – navigating the health care system and advocating for oneself or a loved one with a serious illness . To this end we ware partnering with the best and are thrilled to announce the return of the very popular and engaging duo, Dr Hsien Seow and Dr Samantha Winemaker, authors of the very successful book “Hope for the Best, Plan for the Rest” .

On September 27th they will be returning to our Dying to Know event with a brand new workbook and their shared passion to help all of us move from “in the dark to In the know” when it comes to navigating our health care journey. With their clever banter as presenters , these health care experts, Hsien and Sammy, will walk us through the key elements of the workbook, exploring actionable and practical steps that can empower us to navigate with confidence, make informed decisions and have more choice and control.

Registration will include a copy of the new workbook and lunch. Copies of the book Hope for the Best, Plan for the Rest will also be available for purchase .

Included with Registration

Available for Purchase

Participants will leave with more knowledge and confidence to change the way they interact with health care providers and the health system.

Hsien and Sammy will guide you through the actionable steps that can help you make informed decisions and have more choice. In this workshop you will learn how to do the following: take control, advocate for yourself, communicate better, express priorities clearly, personalize your illness journey and ask meaningful questions to healthcare providers.

Livestreaming: Due to the very interactive nature of this workshop we will NOT be providing a recording nor the option of livestreaming the event.

Meet the Authors

Dr. Hsien Seow is the Canada Research Chair in Palliative Care and Health System Innovation and a professor in the Department of Oncology at McMaster University. He publishes health care research focused on improving the patient and family experience for those facing serious illness.

Dr. Sammy Winemaker is a palliative care physician who cares for patients with serious illness and their families in the home. She is a clinical professor at McMaster University in the Department of Family Medicine, Division of Palliative Care. She has won numerous awards for her leadership and palliative care education for health care professionals

About Dying To Know

Dying to Know is a series of thought-provoking presentations exploring the often-taboo subject of death. These events are hosted in partnership with Hospice Waterloo Region and St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church. DTK is a safe space for meaningful conversations about the natural stages of dying and the impact death and preparing for death have on our lives. Attendees can learn more about death, how to support someone through illness, walk through grief, and ultimately find a supportive community during times of need.

About Hospice Waterloo Region

Hospice Waterloo Region is committed to creating a community where no one experiences an end-of-life journey alone. Over the past 30 years, Hospice Waterloo Region (HWR) has served the community with compassion, inclusion, and professionalism. Our team of staff and volunteers strive to always centre their services, programs and initiatives around the needs of their clients and their families while also providing learning and leadership opportunities. Over the past several years, HWR has expanded the scope of hospice palliative care and bereavement services to better support individuals and their families directly affected by a life-threatening illness. Hospice Waterloo Region has also broadened efforts to engage the community through education, partnership and conversation with the goal of building the capacity of our own communities, wherever we live, work, pray and gather, to support each other in times of serious illness and death.

About St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church

Kitchener

St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church is a vibrant congregation that strives to live out the teachings and example of Jesus. St. Andrew’s is focused on creating meaningful relationships and connections with God, each other, and the local community. They are passionate about creating a welcoming and inclusive environment where everyone is accepted, valued, and embraced.

Find out more on their website: standrewskw.com

Thanks to Knox Presbyterian Church Burlington

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St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church was awarded The Rev. Mark Hoogsteen Memorial Trust Fund Award from Knox Presbyterian Church Burlington to support the 2025 Dying to Know conference. This fund provides an on-going testament to Mark’s involvement and passion for mission and outreach within the framework of a Christian setting. St. Andrew’s is greatly appreciative of this generous award and give our most sincere thanks and gratitude to Knox Burlington.

We’re Here to Help

Do you have questions about the Dying to Know event, Be in The Know? Please contact us. We’d be happy to speak with you.

Contact Sheli at [email protected]