The kblivewell.ca Project has launched in Kootenay Boundary with the goal of improving how patients, families, and healthcare providers approach conversations about serious illness and end-of-life care.
The initiative promotes earlier, more open dialogue and provides tools to help individuals navigate these challenging topics with greater clarity and compassion.
The project emphasizes the importance of communication in the face of life-limiting illness.
Dr. Kelly Mieske, a physician and cancer survivor, underscores the personal significance of the project.
“When you’re facing a serious illness, having open and honest conversations with loved ones and your care team is one of the most important things you can do," Mieske shared. "It gives you a sense of control, clarity, and connection, so you can focus on what truly matters.”
Developed under the provincial Shared Care initiative, the project is the result of collaboration between family physicians, specialists, and community organizations, including Nav-CARE and local hospice services.
This coordinated approach aims to enhance palliative care in the region by strengthening support networks and equipping individuals and families with accessible, practical resources.
“Palliative care isn’t just about the final days or weeks, it’s about supporting people in living well for as long as possible,” explained Dr. Lilli Kerby, physician lead for the kblivewell.ca Project.
“These conversations can be difficult, but they’re also incredibly important. Our goal is to give patients, families, and practitioners the tools to approach them with more confidence and a clearer sense of what matters most.”
As part of its launch, the project introduced a short film titled “Death Gets a Tattoo”, which premiered at the KB Medicine Conference.
Created by local comedian and artistic director Lucas Myers in partnership with the Shared Care team, the video features a fictional portrayal of Death reflecting on the human experience while getting a tattoo.
The piece uses humour and insight to prompt reflection on how society approaches dying, and how better support can improve that experience.
The video served as a conversation-starter among physicians and nurse practitioners attending the conference, prompting discussion on how healthcare professionals can more effectively support patients facing life-limiting diagnoses.
At its core, the kblivewell.ca Project is focused on enabling better communication and care planning through a suite of resources, including:
• “Questions to kblivewell.ca By” – A conversation tool to help individuals reflect on personal values and priorities;
• “When You Are Facing a Life-Limiting Diagnosis” – A guidebook designed to assist patients and families with planning and navigating care.
• Nav-CARE, hospice and caregiver support services – community-based supports offering emotional, social, and practical assistance for individuals with serious illness and those caring for them.
The project encourages early, proactive conversations that honour individual preferences and promote dignity throughout the care journey.
More information and access to all resources are available at kblivewell.ca.
