Thanksgiving. Giving Thanks. Giving. Thanks.

There are so many inspirational quotes and phrases about Thanksgiving focusing on gratitude and thanks, one quote from Erma Bombeck stands out to me: “I come from a family where gravy is considered a beverage.”

Ok, maybe not the most consequential thought, but as we at End of Life Choices California (EOLCCA) consider our work around the weighty (Thanksgiving meal pun alert!) issues surrounding death and dying, living and dying with dignity, and controlling our own fate, it’s important to remember that sometimes humor –  puns, physical humor, even gallows humor – is something that can sustain us during difficult times.

Particularly during the holiday season, as our thoughts often turn to loved ones no longer with us (family, friends, Dick Clark on New Year’s Eve…), we encourage you to take a moment to recall a heart-warming and humorous memory of a loved one and appreciate the smiles and joy shared.

Thankful

We are thankful for the many people associated with EOLCCA:

    • the hundreds of Californians who have reached out to us this year for information, guidance, and support as they or a close friend or family member seek control and dignity at the end of their lives.
    • the over 45 Client Volunteers throughout the state who are there every day to answer questions, guide people through their end-of-life journey, and even be present at their bedside as a knowledgeable and calming influence on the day of a planned death.
daughter and father
    • the health care, hospice, and medical professionals who refer their patients and clients to us for additional information and support.
    • our donors, who allow us to keep the lights on, raise awareness, and continue to provide these important services, all provided at no cost to the client.
    • our board members who work hard to keep us on track and all contribute their time and talent serving on one committee or another. 

The pyramid falls without the strength, compassion, and support from each of these groups.
A collective THANK YOU to all of you!

Looking Ahead

In giving thanks for what has transpired over the last year, we also turn an eye to the future. For us, that means:

  • developing and offering an Advanced Training to certified Doulas from anywhere in the country on all the end-of-life options, including Medical Aid-in-Dying
  • recruiting and training more volunteers to serve the increasing demand for our services in more rural and medically underserved areas of California
  • expanding our speaker program to hospice staff and to the community at large
  • screenings of relevant movies to provide education and information to the general public about medical aid in dying.

During this season of Thanks, we also ask you to consider Giving.

We are a small but growing organization so every donation counts and is impactful!  You can make a secure online donation here or you can send a check to 153 S Sierra Ave #30, Solana Beach, CA 92075.  We can also accept donations of stock (a good tax strategy if applicable to you) or from your Donor Advised Fund.  We are a 501c3 nonprofit organization, Certified GuideStar Gold, EIN 83-3560210.

Thank you

One final Thank You to YOU for reading!

On behalf of the Board and Staff of EOLCCA, we all wish you a peaceful and fulfilling holiday season, however you choose to observe,

Judy Epstein
Executive Director


EOLCCA supports a strong team of experienced volunteers throughout the state, ready to help anyone, anywhere in California free of charge with information and support regarding all end-of-life planning and choices, including aid in dying through the California End of Life Option Act. You can find comprehensive information on our user-friendly website. EOLCCA is a 501(c)(3) non profit organization and we rely on donations from individuals and foundations. To support our work, or request an educational presentation, please visit Ways to Help.  Thank you!

University Village: End of Life Option Act

January 18, 3 PM.  Private presentation for residents of University Village

Retirement center

Lynne Calkins, Founding Director of End of Life Choices California (EOLCCA), will provide the latest information on services provided by our organization with the goal to help ensure Californians are able to receive the information and support they need to advocate for and experience the death they wish.  The main focus of this presentation will cover California’s End of Life Option Act (2016), a law that is also referred to as Medical Aid in Dying (MAiD).  The background, overview, and specifics of this law such as who is eligible, the process for obtaining the prescription from your physician, and ingestion guidelines will be outlined.  Time will be available for Q & A.
Questions Contact: Speaker@endoflifechoicesca.org
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End of Life Choices CaliforniaEnd of Life Choices California’s mission is to provide Californians the information and support to successfully navigate their legal end-of-life options.  Relevant topics include Advance Care Planning; the California End of Life Option Act (EOLA); eligibility requirements for Medical Aid in Dying (MAiD); and Voluntary Stopping Eating and Drinking (VSED)–a legal option in all 50 states. Our volunteers are very knowledgeable about both hospice and palliative care and can explain the differences between the two services.

Be sure to check our Resources page for Q/A; information on books, films, and organizations; sign up for our blog; see upcoming events; and so much more.  To request a speaker for your group or organization, click here.

Castro Valley Library: End of Life Option Act

 Castro Valley Library, Thursday, Jan 11, 11 AM. Open to the Public/Seniors

The January meeting of Savvy Seniors will explore California’s End of Life Option Act (2016), a law that is also referred to as Medical Aid in Dying (MAiD). This presentation will be provided by Adrian Byram, a volunteer with End of Life Choices California, and will explore the background, overview, and specifics of this law to cover who is eligible, the process for obtaining the prescription from your physician, and other relevant aspects.  Voluntary Stopping Eating and Drinking (VSED) will also be discussed, a legal option in all 50 states. Time will be available for Q & A.  
Questions Contact: Speaker@endoflifechoicesca.org
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End of Life Choices CaliforniaEnd of Life Choices California’s mission is to provide Californians the information and support to successfully navigate their legal end-of-life options.  Relevant topics include Advance Care Planning; the California End of Life Option Act (EOLA); eligibility requirements for Medical Aid in Dying (MAiD); and Voluntary Stopping Eating and Drinking (VSED)–a legal option in all 50 states. Our volunteers are very knowledgeable about both hospice and palliative care and can explain the differences between the two services.

Be sure to check our Resources page for Q/A; information on books, films, and organizations; sign up for our blog; see upcoming events; and so much more.  To request a speaker for your group or organization, click here.

Anchor Hospice and Palliative Care


End of Life Options Act: In-Service Virtual Presentation for Staff — Private meeting

Susan Gess, PharmD, a volunteer with and member of the Advisory Council for End of Life Choices California (EOLCCA), will introduce our organization and the free services of personal support and education provided through a dedicated team of volunteers.  Her presentation will highlight the End of Life Options Act (2016), also known as Medical Aid in Dying (MAiD).
The background, overview, and specifics of this law such as who is eligible, the process for obtaining the prescription from the patient’s physician, and ingestion guidelines will be outlined. 
 
For more information contact: Speaker@endoflifechoicesca.org

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End of Life Choices CaliforniaEnd of Life Choices California’s mission is to provide Californians the information and support to successfully navigate their legal end-of-life options.  Relevant topics include Advance Care Planning; the California End of Life Option Act (EOLA); eligibility requirements for Medical Aid in Dying (MAiD); and Voluntary Stopping Eating and Drinking (VSED)–a legal option in all 50 states. Our volunteers are very knowledgeable about both hospice and palliative care and can explain the differences between the two services.

Be sure to check our Resources page for Q/A; information on books, films, and organizations; sign up for our blog; see upcoming events; and so much more.  To request a speaker for your group or organization, click here.

“Jack Has A Plan” Film Screening and Panel Discussion 2-18

Resource Center for Nonviolence, February 18, 2024, 2-5:30 PM

Jack Has A Plan is the story of Jack Tuller whose career as a budding San Francisco musician was altered in 1994, when he was diagnosed with a terminal condition and given six months to live. This documentary tells the story of the following 24 years as Jack dodges one bullet after the next.  But Jack somehow turns his predicament into a left Coast art-performance project, complete with experimental movies, diaries, and funky dance moves. Finally, Jack engineers a graceful exit from life’s stage. San Francisco Examiner says “As joyous, thrilling and funny as any film about death could be.”

The film will be followed by a Q&A/panel discussion including Bradley Berman, director of the film; Jim Van Buskirk; Final Exit Network, FEN Regional Director; and Judy Epstein, End of Life Choices California, Executive Director.

Please share this information with your family and friends!

For more information, call: 831-454-8467

 


End of Life Choices CaliforniaEnd of Life Choices California’s mission is to provide Californians the information and support to successfully navigate their legal end-of-life options.  Relevant topics include Advance Care Planning; the California End of Life Option Act (EOLA); eligibility requirements for Medical Aid in Dying (MAiD); and Voluntary Stopping Eating and Drinking (VSED)–a legal option in all 50 states. Our volunteers are very knowledgeable about both hospice and palliative care and can explain the differences between the two services.

Be sure to check our Resources page for Q/A; information on books, films, and organizations; sign up for our blog; see upcoming events; and so much more.  To request a speaker for your group or organization, click here.