Stepping Stone Hospice celebrates 12 years of touching lives
Since its establishment, Stepping Stone Palliative Care Services has prided itself on providing personalised care tailored to the unique needs of each patient, and, over the years, it has expanded its reach to serve over 3000 patients.
The beginning of the new year marked a significant milestone for Stepping Stone Palliative Care Services as it celebrated its 12th anniversary of providing palliative care and support to the community.
Tersia Burger, the founder and CEO of Stepping Stone Hospice, lost her only child, Vicky, at the age of 38 after a horrific battle with osteogenesis imperfecta (OI). She suffered a lifetime of pain because her pain wasn’t controlled.
In keeping with her promise to Vicky, Tersia vowed to provide compassionate, palliative, and holistic care to patients and their families. Through blood, sweat, and tears, Stepping Stone Hospice has grown tremendously over the years, expanding its reach to serve over 3 000 patients, excluding their families.
On January 1, 2013, Stepping Stone opened its doors from Tersia’s home with just one nurse, one wheelchair, a car, and the late Vicky as their first patient.
Over the years, the dedicated staff and volunteers have touched countless lives, offering not only medical care but also emotional and spiritual support to patients and their families.
The hospice’s interdisciplinary team, comprising doctors, nurses, social workers, and volunteers, works collaboratively to ensure that patients receive not only physical care but also emotional and spiritual support during their final days.
As Stepping Stone enters its 12th year, it remains steadfast in its commitment to delivering high-quality care and fostering a sense of community for patients and their families.
Community rallies behind Stepping Stone
Since its establishment, Stepping Stone has been a beacon of hope and compassion for both young and old patients facing life-limiting illnesses.
One of its key achievements has been its holistic approach to care, ensuring that patients receive individualised attention and dignity during their final days.
“On January 1, 2013, we started Stepping Stone Hospice out of our home. Vicky was our first patient and our first death. She died pain-free and with dignity on January 18, 2013. Every single day since her passing, we have honoured her dying wish to not allow anyone to suffer the way she did,” Tersia said.
The hospice has been instrumental in raising awareness about the importance of palliative care and advocating for improving the quality of life.
“We have also introduced innovative programmes such as grief counselling for families and companion training, a volunteer programme designed to recruit and train community members to offer companionship to patients. This initiative aims to enhance the hospice experience for patients and families who may feel isolated and in need of support,” she explained.
Community support has been crucial to Stepping Stone’s growth and success. Last year, the Accreditation for Palliative Care Centres (APCC) recognised the hospice as the only 5-star accredited hospice in Gauteng. They also opened doors to their children’s in-patient unit at 12 Glen Albyn Street in Raceview.
“Not only did we build an eight-bed in-patient unit in our New Market premises, but we also started a Quality Council for Trades and Occupations (QCTO) training centre, and just last year we opened a children’s in-patient unit thanks to the unwavering support of our community. This vital facility provides specialised care and support for young patients facing life-limiting illnesses,” said Tersia.
The NPO’s 12th anniversary is not just a testament to the dedication and hard work of its staff but also a reflection of the love and support of the community that has rallied behind it.
Thanks to local support, Stepping Stone has also opened doors to its charity shop based at Shop 4, Stats Building, Fore Street in New Redruth, allowing it to offer services to patients regardless of their ability to pay and to help keep their doors open.
“We are incredibly grateful for the unwavering support from our staff, community, donors, and volunteers over the years. Your support has made it possible for us to continue driving our vision and mission. May your 2025 be blessed with good health, joy, peace, and love,” she said.
For more information about Stepping Stone and to find out how you can show your support, contact 010 442 5059 or email them at info@steppingstonehospice.co.za
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