We will discuss VSED: Voluntary Stopping of Eating and Drinking, which is a legal option for any mentally capable, determined, well-informed person as a means advance the time of their death. VSED requires significant caregiving and support, which we will discuss further.

Short Film: Dying Wish: A Dying Doctor’s Decision to Stop Eating and Drinking and Die with Grace

Retired surgeon, Michael Miller is dying of end-stage cancer and is determined to avoid the hospital at all costs. He’s researched the dying process and believes that stopping eating and drinking will ease his suffering and result in a peaceful, more natural death. During his fast, Michael suffers neither thirst nor hunger. Buoyed by the legacy of this film, he enjoys a last meal, surrounds himself with art and music, and takes leave of his family. Medical ethicists speak about patients’ rights, and hospice staff share their own, similar experiences of others who have mase this choice. (29 minutes)
*Individually wrapped, homemade skull cakelets will be provided.

Die Well Death Education

We're all going to die, so why don't we talk about it? I'm not saying talk about it so incessantly that people generally avoid you, (although you can if you want - I usually do) but rather talk about what we would like our end-of-life experience, our death, and our disposition to look and be like. With clear and concise communication and preparation, you can - and will - create the strongest possibility that you will experience a "good death." 

About DWDE

Leona Oceania has always been passionate and curious about end-of-life issues. Motivated by this, she trained to become a Home Funeral Guide, End of Life Doula, and Life Legacy Facilitator. She is also a Hospice volunteer, Funeral Consumer Advocate, Death Cafe Facilitator, and Death Educator. Leona's primary focus is to educate and motivate people to simply start the conversation. Once we can talk more openly about death and normalize the conversati, the better we will be able to connect with our own mortality and be proactive about creating a "good death" for ourselves and others. 

***NEW LOCATION!*** NO REGISTRATION REQUIRED

This program is held at Piper Shores in partnership with Scarborough Public Library and OPEN TO ALL. 

Piper Shores “Founders Room” at the Oceanside campus, just inside the Main Entrance. Staff will be there to steer attendees in the right direction. Park anywhere labeled “Employee” or “Visitor." Piper Shores is located at 15 Piper Rd, Scarborough, Maine 04074