When the idea of joining Bendigo Health’s Specialist Palliative Care Activity Group was first suggested to MND patient Lorraine Clarkson, she thought, “no way”. The last thing Lorraine wanted to do was sit and talk about dying in their last few months of life. That all changed the day she put a paintbrush in her mouth.
Lorraine was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) 12 months ago. A lifelong creative, she lost the use of her arms six months ago and with them, her will to live. The weekly activity group has provided her with emotional, social and clinical support in a fun and safe space.
“I live on my own and this group has become my outing for the week. It gives me something to look forward to—a chance to connect with others and rediscover parts of myself that I thought were lost,” Lorraine said.
“I’ve always been creative. I’ve been an artist, a gardener, and a hairdresser for 53 years. When I lost the use of my arms, I thought that was the end of my creativity and I was ready to give up.”
Fortunately for Lorraine that wasn’t the case, when during a group art activity, coordinator Liz Whelan suggested Lorraine try painting with her mouth.
“The moment I put that paintbrush in my mouth, I felt like a piece of me was still here. My brain still knew what to do, and I realised I could keep going, just in a different way,” Lorraine said.
“This group is more than just an activity; it’s my lifeline. It’s given me back my purpose. Even when I get down, putting a paintbrush in my mouth pulls me out of it. This isn’t just about end of life—it’s about living.”
Group coordinator Liz Whelan said most people will go through the palliative cycle of life, which is where the palliative care team can help.
“Being referred to palliative care in some ways is not the end, it’s just the beginning of the next process.
“It’s about finding ways to keep living—whether that’s for weeks, months, or even years. This group isn’t about death and dying; it’s about living,” she said
Fellow group coordinator Jayne Lahtz said helping Lorraine back to painting was life changing.
“There is a real lightness and brightness to her - she is an inspiration,” Jayne said.
“We are a community in here and participants connect on their journeys together.
“It’s not sad or depressing. We laugh and have fun and give them the joy they are looking for.”