Stepping Stone Hospice marks one year of its Children’s Unit with tribute to young lives
A heartfelt tribute and balloon release marked the first anniversary of Stepping Stone Hospice’s Children’s Unit in Raceview, named in honour of Martelise Meaker.
Stepping Stone Hospice hosted a moving celebration on July 29 at its facility at 12 Glen Albyn Street, Raceview, to mark the first anniversary of its Children’s Unit.
The unit, established to care for young patients facing life-limiting conditions, has become a place of dignity, comfort and compassion for children and their families.
The event featured a special tribute to patients who had recently passed away. In their honour, guests released balloons filled with forget-me-not seeds, a symbol of love, remembrance and the enduring legacy these children leave behind.
Named in honour of Martelise Meaker
The Children’s Unit is named after Martelise Meaker, the first child cared for by the hospice. Diagnosed with osteosarcoma at the age of 12, Martelise touched the hearts of everyone around her with her bravery and spirit. Her story is the reason the unit exists today.
Her father, Helgaard Meaker, spoke at the celebration and shared their family’s journey.
“Eleven years ago, we had the perfect family,” he said. “Then on June 2, 2014, Martelise was diagnosed with osteosarcoma. It was a rare diagnosis. One in two million. When something like that happens, it is worse than anything you can imagine. But you also find strength through faith, through people who carry you.”
He described the experience as painful but shaping.
“It is like walking with a small stone in your shoe. Sometimes it hurts, sometimes it does not, but you learn to live with it. It reminds you every day of the love and the loss.”
A legacy of love and support
Martelise passed away at home at the age of 12 years and eight months. Her family chose to honour her life by helping others. They began fundraising and worked closely with Stepping Stone Hospice to support the creation of a paediatric unit.
“There was not a unit for children at the time,” Helgaard said. “We asked how we could help. Eventually, when the unit opened, Tersia said it would be named after Martelise. We were so proud.”
Since opening a year ago, the Martelise Meaker Children’s Unit has welcomed and cared for several young patients. The hospice remains a self-funded organisation and relies heavily on community support to sustain its services.
The balloon release and the power of symbolism
The anniversary included a balloon release ceremony to honour not only the children who recently passed but all young lives touched by the hospice.
“For me, it is symbolic,” Helgaard said. “It represents the shift from life on earth to eternity. I have done it every year since Martelise passed. I know balloon releases are technically not allowed, but to be honest, I do not care. I will continue doing it. It is my way of connecting.”
Tersia Burger, founder and CEO of Stepping Stone Hospice, also paid tribute to the children cared for by the unit.
“Some suggested white balloons, and I thought that was more appropriate than blue or pink. They represent the pure little souls we look after.
“Our babies are incapable of sin or malice or anything and it’s such a privilege to do the work we do. We thank everybody who’s here, who supported us over the past year. It’s really been rough; it’s hard when we lose a baby, no matter how old they are. We think of them and we honour them today, their lives.”
A plea to the community
As the event came to a close, Helgaard urged the public to support the work of the hospice in any way they can.
“This is not a government-funded unit. They rely on donations, whether it is money, time or services. The children here cannot speak for themselves. Some are even abandoned. The hospice team steps in to care for them at the end of their journey on earth. That is something worth supporting.”
