THE HEART OF HOSPICE PODCAST
Filmmaker Serene Meshel-Dillman Focuses on End of Life Options in a new Documentary Series
You’ve Only Got One Death to Live
Serene Meshel-Dillman Turned a Doc Series About Dying Into a Streaming Sensation
Click HERE to Read Article from CULTURE WAG.
OUR DOGS A story by Dr. John McGeehan, Professor of Clinical Medicine Core Faculty, Center for Humanism
Our Dogs
Growing up I never had a dog. My wife always did. I never wanted one. As with most things in a good marriage we arrived at a compromise and got our first dog as a puppy a number of years into our marriage – after our three children were old enough. She was a golden retriever. She was smart and happy and playful and a bit mischievous. Autumn quickly became a part of our family and changed our lives for the better. At age 10 she suddenly fell over without any prior warning. We took her to the Vet who told us to take her to a teaching hospital and I was shocked when I faced the reality of what we would do for a dog. Autumn had become more than a dog to us over those ten years. At the hospital we learned she had a cancer of her heart which had bled suddenly. We were given options and told what might happen. The options were not good and they recommended we take her home and make her comfortable. We decided to create a “doggy hospice” for her! She was now allowed in the pool. She could eat ice cream and all kinds of “people food”. She was happy and was not suffering.
After a few weeks she was acting normally. We knew that did not change the fact that she had a cancer and we took every day as a gift. We got another puppy – Madison - a golden retriever and with her new friend she became even more energetic and they played daily. One day, six months later, while in the yard Autumn fell over again and died. For many weeks Madison would sit exactly where she died and look around for long periods of time. There is so much we do not know. We all missed Autumn. Doggie hospice was a brilliant idea.
Madison enriched our lives for many years and eventually died as well. We were both working and very busy but agreed that there was a void in our lives worsened by the departure of children to college. My wife came up with the brilliant idea of adopting an adult golden retriever and found one not far from our home who was used as a breeder dog. We went to meet her and out of many happy dogs and puppies at this wonderful home in the country Sierra came right to us and jumped up on my wife. Love at first sight in all directions and she was soon in the car heading home. She was amazing - seventy pounds of pure love. She never barked and never begged and followed us everywhere even without needing a leash.
At age 13 she suddenly became weak and we knew immediately what was wrong. It was a horrible déjà vu. She could not walk and was breathing heavy. The Vet took blood from her heart sack and confirmed that she had the same heart tumor. This is apparently not unusual in this breed. She improved dramatically but days later it happened again. She did not die as had Autumn but was clearly suffering. She looked at us with such sadness. We knew what the right thing to do was for someone we loved.
The staff at the Vet knew her and they greeted us at the door. I carried her in and the seventy pounds proved not an issue with emotions fueling adrenaline. We put her on the floor and got down on the floor next to her. The Vet was nothing short of amazing and spent more time comforting us than I ever expected. Sierra kept her eyes focused on us and did not move. We both pet her as an IV was started and she did not flinch. Perhaps we read into what a dog thinks but after years one gets to know their pet and it was clear she was not anxious and knew we were there for her. The medication was administered and she closed her eyes and shortly after stopped breathing. It was so beautiful. It was so comfortable for her. It was so sad for us. It was so right. She was a special dog and is missed every day. She left this world without pain and surrounded by those she loved.
I have been a primary care physician for decades and have seen many people die. I have lost parents and one in Hospice. I know first-hand that we cannot relieve all suffering even with the advances in palliative care. I know that those dying do not want to be alone and they do not want to suffer. In only a few states in this country do we allow the dying to have the option of assisted suicide. The current expressed concerns will eventually give way to the fact that the dying deserve better. When my time comes I would hope to leave this world as did Sierra – with my dignity, without suffering, and surrounded by those I love.
Dr. John McGeehan being interviewed for season 2 of Take Me Out Feet First
Arizona End of Life Options by Mark Savan
In last month’s newsletter I wrote about the increasing visibility of the Medical Aid in Dying (MAID) movement in mainstream media. Another example of this trend is a program titled “Take Me Out Feet First” – a six-part series that is directed by a woman whose parents both separately chose MAID.
The series provides an intimate look into the lives and deaths of several people who have chosen to pursue MAID. It can be purchased or rented by clicking here and is also currently available on Amazon Prime Video.
For me, the first episode was particularly powerful. It follows a husband and wife as they (at separate times) utilized MAID. It is hard for me to image a more intimate view into this process than is provided in this 90-minute program. The viewer is along for the entire MAID process—including the consulting physician video call, last goodbyes with friends and family, and the actual moment of death. This is a very graphic and very powerful program.
I’ve been watching this series at the same time as one of our fantastic AZELO supporters—Jean Owen from Prescott. I asked Jean to provide her thoughts on the series:
Click here to read entire article.
Join me and Kim Callinan, for a webinar discussion about TAKE ME OUT FEET FIRST Monday July 29th 12:00 - 1:00 PM PT
In the first of our National Summer Arts & Culture Series webinars, Kim Callinan and Filmmaker Serene Meshel-Dillman will have a dialogue about Serene's 2024 documentary Take Me Out Feet First, which chronicles the journey of 25 terminally ill individuals and their loved ones as they confront sensitive and complex end-of-life decisions.
Sign up HERE.
Glowing Older Episode 19:1 Serene Meshel-Dillman on her docu-series Take Me Out Feet First
A conversation with Nancy Griffin from “Glowing Older” podcast about the genesis of my documentary series “Take Me Out Feet First”. Listen here.
MAID to become legal in 12th state of Delaware
On June 25th, Delaware’s Senate passed the Ron Silverio/Heather Block End of Life Options Act. Governor John Carney’s signature on the bill will/would make Delaware the 12th U.S. jurisdiction to authorize medical aid in dying. GO DELAWARE!!! As Jimmy Buffet said before he passed last year….”No funeral, no memorial, just keep the party going”.
PEOPLE.COM
Filmmaker's Parents Choose Medical Aid in Dying, End Their Lives in Emotional Docuseries: Editing 'Was Hell' (Exclusive)
Click HERE to read.
End Of Life Options New Mexico “A New Series About End of Life on Amazon Prime”
Click HERE to read article.
Director, Serene Meshel-Dillman in Episode 23 of the Death With Dignity Podcast with Andrew Flack
Click HERE to listen to Episode 23 of the Death With Dignity Podcast with Andrew Flack.
The University of Vermont Alumni Spotlight: Serene Meshel-Dillman ‘85
Written by Lisa Wartenberg Velez
Click HERE to read article
Andrew Flack’s mother, Suzy, continues his legacy advocating for medical aid in dying in Illinois as legislature considers law
Andrew’s mom, Suzy Flack co-wrote a Chicago Tribune OpEd with Nilsa Centeno, another mother whose son, Miguelito, died of cancer. They are advocating for upcoming medical aid in dying legislation in Illinois. A law neither of their sons was able to access. Miguelito suffered at the end of his life. He recorded videos in English and Spanish to urge fellow Latinos to support future MAID legislation. Conversely, rather than return to Illinois to be with his family, Andrew stayed in California to access the End of Life Option Act. His family flew to him months before he chose to end his suffering. They were able to spend quality time together and surround him with their love as he passed.
You can read their article here. (Sorry, it’s behind a paywall)
Illinois End of Life Options for Terminally Ill Patients Act
Ginger Fairchild (Matt’s widow) pens an opinion article for CNN
Ginger Fairchild pens an opinion article for CNN about medical aid in dying.
Opinion: Medical aiding dying was a blessing for my husband. But a federal law makes it inaccessible for millions of Americans.
Click here to watch her video and read the article.
An email…
Hi Serene,
This is Irena, I'm Julia xxxxs' daughter. We were speaking with you two years ago, when we thought my mom was dying and she was going to use the end of life medication.
Well, she survived and lived (mostly) happily for another two years, but her cancer was advancing and she developed a pulmonary embolism. She decided to take the "last drink", as she called it, and passed peacefully last Friday.
I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for sharing your mom's story and video with us, It made my moms decision enormously easier and relieved her fear. She was steadfast in her wish to leave before the suffering began and went without pain or discomfort, surrounded by family.
Several of her friends, who have been increasingly ill, have been asking me for more information and I have forwarded them your movie clip.
I hope your movie gets out into the world and educates everyone about this option. As hard as it is on the family to anticipate and watch a loved one die, the alternative–pain and suffering–is far worse.
I wish you much happiness, great health and unending success,
Irena
1 year after her death, Mimi’s husband, Jesse, reflects on her choice to utilize MAID
By Jesse Ankerholz
I have traveled thousands of miles across the U.S. sharing the story of my wife Andrea Ankerholz, who died on August 6, 2021. After exhausting all treatment options for the terminal cancer she lived with, she chose to utilize the Colorado End-of-Life Options Act and died peacefully at home surrounded by love. With the first anniversary of her death just passed, I cannot fathom what those final weeks would have looked like without this choice.
I met Andrea in 2010, on a job site in Denver. She worked at the salon next door, and after correcting the haircut another stylist botched, Andrea stole my number from the contact sheet and asked me out. She always knew what she wanted, and was never afraid to tell me how she felt; that was part of what made our marriage so loving and our bond so special.
In the summer of 2020, four years after a double mastectomy, Andrea found out her cancer was back and had spread. Her oncologist gave her six to 12 months. She agreed to treatment that could give us a bit more time together, which she endured with grueling side effects.
Andrea feared spending her last days in a hospital. A few months into treatment, Andrea researched her end-of-life options, and she learned about medical aid in dying. She wanted to pursue the option, and I supported her as she told her doctors and loved ones.
The Colorado End-of-Life Options Act allows terminally ill adults the opportunity to, following a lengthy process, request a prescription they may take to end their suffering peacefully. This medical practice is authorized in Colorado, alongside nine states and the District of Columbia. Sadly, Andrea discovered that even with policy in place, patients may struggle to access care.
In early 2021, both of Andrea’s doctors, who previously agreed to write her prescription, suddenly changed their minds with no explanation. This decision was devastating and especially cruel for a person so close to the end. Now fearful of prolonged suffering, she tried to focus on saying her goodbyes, enjoying her last days and choosing mementos to leave loved ones.
Andrea was overwhelmed by fear and frustration until she connected with a representative from the End of Life Options Consultation program at Compassion & Choices, a national end-of-life options nonprofit. They compiled a list of providers in Colorado for Andrea to contact, and she found a physician at Denver Health to support her. As soon as she got the medication, Andrea felt incredible relief. That relief allowed her to focus on enjoying the life she had left.
When August came, Andrea knew it was time.
Though the mosquitoes made our yard uncomfortable, Andrea wanted to watch the sunset together on her last day. I happily endured the bites to watch the sun go down from our rocking swing. Andrea ingested her medication at 9:30 p.m. on August 5th, and was asleep within a couple of minutes. She passed away four hours later at 1:30 a.m. on August 6th, 2021.
Soon, I embarked on a 17-day road trip across the U.S. to deliver the mementos Andrea left behind, and spread some of her ashes — just as I promised. Since the day she died, I have shared Andrea’s story with anyone who will listen. I want other people to know their options, be direct with their doctors and talk to their loved ones about their wishes.
In just a few months I will be in Loch Skeen, Scotland — a location Andrea dreamed of visiting — where I will hike an hour into the sky, bringing her with me.
I miss Andrea every day but am so proud of the way she lived her life and the vulnerability she shared before her death. Having control over her last days made all the difference to Andrea. Everyone deserves not just this option, but clear information and quality care that honors their life.
Jesse Ankerholz is a business owner living in Silverthorne, Colorado.
“One Last Trip” by Marisa Gerber
One Last Trip by Marisa Gerber
Medical Aid in Dying is a subject getting a lot of press these days. Published this week in the LA Times, this article is a beautiful explanation of one woman’s story and her choice to use medical aid in dying to end her life on her own terms. Read article here.