An education series about dying and death, facilitated by industry professionals.
Treading Above Water is a series of virtual education sessions to learn how to process difficult information and plan the best options for you or your loved ones during a period of time when life’s waters are calm, so that you will be able to keep your head above water when life becomes more turbulent, and the water gets deep. Treading Above Water is a free virtual program and open to the public.
For further information, please get in touch with us at 416-214-9898 or email us at info@gildasclubtoronto.org
Sound as Support: Gentle Sound Healing for Grief, Stress, and Emotional Overwhelm Wednesday, March 4th, 2026 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. This session offers an introduction to sound healing as a gentle and supportive practice for people navigating cancer, caregiving, grief, and emotional overwhelm. Participants will learn and experience how sound can support the nervous system, reduce stress, and create moments of rest during times of uncertainty and loss. Presenter: Montana Skurka, MT, E-CYT Learn more and register today | ||||||
When Mourning Comes: Strategies to Help You Cope with Grief Wednesday, March 11th, 2026 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. This session explores what mourning may look and feel like, and offers practical, compassionate strategies to help individuals cope with death and dying in their lives. Participants will gain insight into the grieving process, learn healthy ways to navigate emotional pain, and discover supportive tools. Presenter: Gloria Laus, RSSW Learn more and register today | ||||||
Accessing Spiritual Care in the Hospital Wednesday, March 18th, 2026 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. This session will provide an overview of what spiritual care has to offer hospital patients as they navigate the uncertainty medical treatment brings to their lives. How spiritual care providers help patients and their families connect to their beliefs and values through learning to assess what is scared to them in the face of illness, treatment, and death. Presenter: Justin Appler, BA, MA, MPS Learn more and register today | ||||||
Supporting Children & Families Through a Parent’s Advanced Cancer and End of Life Wednesday, March 25th, 2026 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. This moderated, panel‑style education session offers a supportive space for parents, guardians, professionals, and other caring adults who are helping children and families navigate a parent’s advanced cancer. Through guided conversation with our panel, the session will focus on communication and connection through diagnosis, disease progression, and end‑of‑life. Topics include: – How to share honest, developmentally‑appropriate information with children. – Common questions and concerns that arise during a parent’s advanced illness. – Challenges and emotional themes seen in children, teens, and caregivers. – How to discuss hospice, medical assistance in dying (MAiD), and end‑of‑life with clarity and care. – Supporting families through conversations about dying and death. – Ways to support meaningful connection and communication within the family. Grounded in evidence-based practices in child development, grief theory, and family-centered care, this interactive session offers reflection and practical strategies. Participants will also receive a follow‑up email with additional resources, tools, and activities to support continued learning. Presenters: Darian Rogers-Sysak MSc., CCLS, RECE, Amber Jellema MSc CLS Student Intern, Latoya Hillson MSc., CCLS Learn more and register today | ||||||