"At a time when a person with serious, debilitating illness and their loved ones are often ostracized, lonely, and feeling helpless, this kind of outreach felt – ironically – like a lifeline." -- Beverly Thorn
What if we viewed death not as a fear, but as a part of life, finding freedom in accepting our limits and living fully?
A significant new chapter is unfolding at Final Exit Network (FEN) as the organization proudly announces the appointment of Michelle Witte as its new Executive Director. Bringing a powerful and unique blend of personal lived experience, invaluable nonprofit leadership, and tireless advocacy, Witte is exceptionally positioned to guide FEN and its critical mission forward with renewed vision and empathy.
Imagine attending a funeral where the person who has died speaks directly to you, answering your questions and sharing memories. This happened at the funeral of Marina Smith, a Holocaust educator who died in 2022.
A society's evolving cultures and codes—moral, ethical, and legal—reflect its changing needs and experiences, particularly in how it approaches death, dying, and the decision to assist in the dying process.
"Some part of us, deep in our hearts, has known this truth. If not, we would not long for a return to it." -- Frank Ostaseski
Human beings experience two deaths: The first occurs when life leaves our bodies, and the second happens when our names are no longer spoken, and we fade from memory.
My husband died suddenly. It was, quite literally, an accident. There was no warning, no pre-planning, no build-up. He left for work one morning, and then didn’t come home.
Here's a list of eight ways you can increase your chances of dying with dignity.
"If medicine can justify one method for the humane ending of life, then all methods should be justified, inclusive of PAD, for it is as dignifying and compassionate as withdrawing a treatment from a patient who no longer wants to prolong their suffering." -- Jenna Khoja