Going it Alone with MAiD
My husband’s strong will to live led to his belief that the next round of chemo would be the one that was successful… By Christine Lynch My husband’s strong will […]
When Someone “Has No One”: A Volunteer’s Reflections on Supporting a MAiD Client
By Antonia Kao NOTE: Names and some details in this article have been changed to ensure confidentiality. On September 29, 2025, End of Life Choices California (EOLCCA) received an uncommon […]
Lessons in How – and How Not To Die
This story about one woman’s experience of both best and worst at life’s end is being told for the dual messages it brings. Resources on our website can help you […]
The Dying Process Can Be Peaceful
…If you know what to expect. By Fran Johns When my husband Bud died I knew a lot about what was happening. I had attended medically- aided deaths as a […]
A Determined Team Helps Ensure a Peaceful End
By Fran Johns It takes a village to navigate life. To end it best, it takes a team. Recently I had the privilege, and delight, of being on the team […]
A Dementia Patient Chooses VSED
I felt seen and loved by him in that moment, as I had always felt. “There were many beautiful exchanges,” says Julie. “We shared memories, talked about how much we loved each other, and gave our regrets permission to wash away.”
How We Help Our Clients
When I first joined EOLCCA’s Board of Directors, I decided to go through the volunteer training so I could get a handle on our core work: to help Californians learn […]
Why I Do This Work
I’ll call her Hazel – because she didn’t give me permission to tell her story. If I had asked, though, I’m satisfied that she would have happily agreed. Hazel was […]
A Volunteer’s Story
Our client, and my friend, “Anne” died Friday, December 10. She was the mother of my best friend and the most fun-loving, bubbly, vivacious, down-to-earth woman I have ever known. […]
Looking for answers about EOL? We can help.
I hope that everyone in California who has ALS or any terminal illness and wants to exercise their right to die on their own terms is lucky enough to give […]
My First Death
I don’t mean that I saw the bright light at the end of the tunnel and came back to the big metal table. I’m not writing about my childhood dog, […]
Cycles of Living and Dying…
Originally published March 4, 2020 and reprinted with permission Sebastian entered the world eight weeks ahead of schedule, weighing all of two pounds. His lineage is Korean/African American/German, which may […]