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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 them (End of Life Choices California) a call. The Right to Access MAID Dear Readers, This blog is devoted to...
Advance Care Planning and the Role of Hospice
"The peace of mind that results from that rich conversation improves the mental and social well-being of patients and reassures them that their family won’t experience the suffering of not knowing what they would have wanted if they became unable to participate in...
Making COVID Lemonade
As I contemplate life on my porch in late-May 2020, I feel many different emotions. As a nursing home and hospice physician, I mostly feel sad that so many of the people I care for are dying—often without the basic comfort of a family member at the bedside....
Gentle Tips on Death and Dying
I have never died, so this entire book is a fool’s advice. Book Review On the first page of her new book, Sallie Tisdale writes: “I have never died, so this entire book is a fool’s advice.” But with her knowledge, experience and kind Buddhist heart she explores...
Our Favorite Music
Dear Friends, In this continuing and unprecedented time of disruption and uncertainty, we wanted to share some of our favorite music with you. Music has been known for centuries to be a healing balm for the heart and soul in times of need, just as it can be...
COVID-19 and MAID
This KQED (San Francisco) story by April Dembosky offers a wealth of accurate information for anyone thinking about using the California End of Life Option Act (EOLOA) to access MedicalA id In Dying (MAID). The story is a concise discussion for those...
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, Brandy. I’m not referring to my first funeral. I mean the woman in her 70’s who took her last breath with me by her...
On COVID-19, Flexibility and Compassion
We share this thoughtful blog by EOLCCA Board member Fran Johns, a prolific thinker and writer. While much has changed in the mere 11 days since she wrote this piece, we wanted to share her calming perspective as we go about the hard work of isolating ourselves...
Diane Rehm’s new book: When My Time Comes
Editor's note: We know that focusing on helping our families and supporting our communities in the effort to prevent the spread of the coronavirus is of the utmost importance. During this time, we will continue to share with you, dear readers, our blogs and other...
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 offer an insight into how determined, individualistic...