Newspapers / Iredell Citizen (Statesville, N.C.) / Dec. 4, 2003, edition 1 / Page 12
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To the Editor: By now, most of your readers are familiar with the tragic story of Teni Schiavo, the young Florida woman suddenly incapacitated in the prime of life, who is at die cen ter of a bitter family and court bat tle about whether or not to keep her alive by artificial means. The case has cast great attention on the need to have conversations with our loved ones, prompted by many Americans asking them selves, “If I was in her position, what would I want?” or even more importantly, “How would anyone else know what I want?” In the Schiavo case, Terri’s feeding tube was removed on October 15th by court order, on the request of her husband, Michael. Then, in an unprecedented move, the Florida legislature passed a law, customized to her situation, which allowed Governor Jeb Bush to issue a one-time stay, which he immedi ately did. The tube was re-inserted, and the court battle rages on. As reported in the Nov. 3, Time Magazine, “As judges attempt to untangle the thorny medical, ethical and now constitutional questions that swirl around her, the only certain outcome is that those closest to Terri will continue to tear each other apart." Husband Michael recalls Terri say- ] ing she would never want to be ] kept alive on anything “artificial". I Her parents counter by recalling ; comments they heard Terri make t about removing Karen Ann I Quinlan’s respirator-" How did t they know they would want this?,” c and “How did they know she i wouldn’t want to go on?” ' 1 The missing piece is that they (Terri, her husband, and her parents) never \ had the conversation with each h other about their wishes for care if a similar condition ever happened. L Nancy and Michael’s 19th wedding anniversary was Saturday, Nov. 8. At tins point in their marriage, mnrh like otter couples still in the prime of life, making life-and-death deci sions was never a consideration All too often, we lull ourselves into complacency, thinking death or serious illness is something for old age...never now. It is estimat ed that 50% of us will not be able to make our health care decisions when the time comes at the end of life. Yet, only 24% of Americans have executed a Living Will or Health Care Power of Attorney, to place those wishes in writing Of those who do prepare some type of written document, 35% of these documents cannot be located when they are needed. As the holidays approach, perhaps the best gift you can give to those you love (and to yourself) is to think and talk about your future health care wishes. Is it an easy conversation? No! Sharing your thoughts- and letting your loved ones know what kind of care you would like if you became seriously ill- can give great peace of mind to those you love. It will also help to assure that you will receive the kind of care you want as you approach the end of life. rhe goal of doing so is for you to ive well, in a way that is meaning iil to you, as long as you live. lospice of Iredell County has created i community program on this very opic- known as “Advanced Care ’(aiming.'' We welcome the opportuni y to come speak to your group, hurch, or organization about this mportant subject. Please call us at 04-873-4719 or 704-663-0051 to ;am more. Vie also have available a compre ensive 23-page planning guide, Isn’t It Time We Talk?”, which ikes you step-by-step through the for War* Winter Footwear For Work and Leisure Boots & Shoes for Your Whole Family Hiking • Hunting •Western Work • Casual • rant Nu-Way Shoe Shop " INCORPORATED* 114 E. Broad St • Statesville, NC 873-6621 1 \ 1 1 U many decisions you want to con sider before a time of crisis or seri ous illness. To cover our expenses, a $2 donation per booklet is sug gested, but not required. We encourage you to obtain one, or call to learn more. You may also download a copy of either a NC Living Will or NC Healthcare Power of Attorney by visiting our website at www.hoic.oig. May I close with a challenge to your readers: Pledge to have this conversa tion with your loved ones before year’s end. It may be the kindest gift you give this holiday season! Ron D. Thompson Executive Director Hospice of Iredell County, Inc. Collecting Angel Items Once again this year Churchill Assisted Living of Moorcsviile will be collecting any Angel items for Lake Norman Regional Hospital for Christmas until Dec. 24. The agency will either pick up or can drop off the Angels. will out to people in Hospital. For more information call 704-658-1200. 'ftr9 704-871 -1 999 • M-F 8 to 5;3Q • Sat 8 to 1 2 on Recliners Priced from iOO $299 Excellent Choice of Sizes, Styles, Fabrics & Colors Shop early while selection is best! BEST CHAIRS our name says it all wcr
Iredell Citizen (Statesville, N.C.)
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Dec. 4, 2003, edition 1
12
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