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Compassion in Dying: Stories of Dignity and Choice
Since 1993 the nonprofit organization Compassion in Dying Federation has been advocating for a social revolution that seeks more humane and caring options for dying individuals---including end-of-life choice. From its inception, this group has worked to support and counsel individuals on how to achieve a peaceful and humane death. Many amazing stories have unfolded from individuals who have turned to Compassion in Dying, and specifically, those seeking end-of-life choice with Oregon’s Death with Dignity Act.
These stories are from individuals who sought to use the Death with Dignity Act. Most individuals have felt empowered by choice and control in how they die—whether or not they opt to use the prescribed meds to end their lives—and often experience renewed hope. Publication of this book is in conjunction with Compassion in Dying Federation’s 10th anniversary. NewSage Press also published former Oregon Governor Barbara Roberts’ book, Death Without Denial, Grief Without Apology, which includes some information on Oregon's unique Death with Dignity law.
These stories are from individuals who sought to use the Death with Dignity Act. Most individuals have felt empowered by choice and control in how they die—whether or not they opt to use the prescribed meds to end their lives—and often experience renewed hope. Publication of this book is in conjunction with Compassion in Dying Federation’s 10th anniversary. NewSage Press also published former Oregon Governor Barbara Roberts’ book, Death Without Denial, Grief Without Apology, which includes some information on Oregon's unique Death with Dignity law.
142 pages, Paperback
First published October 28, 2003
About the author
Barbara Coombs Lee
3 books4 followersAbout the new second edition
Finish Strong is for you, the healthcare consumer. It covers the tough issues around aging and dying other books shy away from.
This book was a long time in the making—a lifetime actually. It offers some of the fruits of my labors in medicine and healthcare advocacy. If you count the years I volunteered as a candy striper under the stern tutelage of the nursing nuns at St. Joseph Hospital in Joliet, Illinois, I’ve worked in healthcare almost fifty-five years. Dozens of clinical settings and assignments, countless patient encounters, years of advocacy in courtrooms and statehouses, decades of observation and experience—those are the seeds of the fruits borne by these pages.
In 2022, in creating the second edition of Finish Strong (https://www.amazon.com/dp/1732774463), I added a new chapter, “Race and Culture Matter.” It discusses the cultural differences, racial biases and institutional barriers that impact what the medical system offers people of diverse backgrounds, and the choices they make. My hope is that being aware of the cultural traditions and racial biases impacting healthcare can help people make choices that transcend those and reflect true, individual priorities at life’s end.
I dearly hope the stories, commentary and tips in Finish Strong will have a positive influence on your life and your healthcare choices.
Finish Strong is for you, the healthcare consumer. It covers the tough issues around aging and dying other books shy away from.
This book was a long time in the making—a lifetime actually. It offers some of the fruits of my labors in medicine and healthcare advocacy. If you count the years I volunteered as a candy striper under the stern tutelage of the nursing nuns at St. Joseph Hospital in Joliet, Illinois, I’ve worked in healthcare almost fifty-five years. Dozens of clinical settings and assignments, countless patient encounters, years of advocacy in courtrooms and statehouses, decades of observation and experience—those are the seeds of the fruits borne by these pages.
In 2022, in creating the second edition of Finish Strong (https://www.amazon.com/dp/1732774463), I added a new chapter, “Race and Culture Matter.” It discusses the cultural differences, racial biases and institutional barriers that impact what the medical system offers people of diverse backgrounds, and the choices they make. My hope is that being aware of the cultural traditions and racial biases impacting healthcare can help people make choices that transcend those and reflect true, individual priorities at life’s end.
I dearly hope the stories, commentary and tips in Finish Strong will have a positive influence on your life and your healthcare choices.
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
April 2, 2013
What a lovely compilation of good end of life stories by the President of the nation's oldest and largest end of life choice consumer advocacy organization - Compassion & Choices. It is informative and inspirational - positive for any one who wants to ensure that their wishes around end of life are honored and respected. It was very comforting to me to see that we mortals must be intentional that have peaceful and dignified deaths. These experiences can be so beautiful and meaningful for not only the dying person but for their family and close friends as well. Highly recommended for healthy people and essential for people facing life limiting or threatening illnesses.
April 3, 2019
Excellent compilation of end-of-life stories from a seasoned caregiver and law maker. I highly recommend it. Also, she just put out another book, "Finish Strong", which is equally impressive. And for lighter reading about having end of life conversations, I recommend Roz Chast's illustrated book,"Can't We Talk About Something More Pleasant?"
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews