The Last Acts Writers Project

[Guest guest]

Hello,

There is another national educational project I think you should know about.

That is the Last Acts Writers Project whose purpose is to recruit stories from

persons with advanced chronic illness, hospice care, and from those who are

in bereavement that can share about the reality many of the issues surrounding

death in modern America.

I am currently working on a PAI Bereavement Project with several members who

lost their spouses or friends from Pancreatitis. I definitely encourage anyone

who has lost a loved one from Pancreatitis to submit their stories. I would

also encourage anyone who has not been diagnosed as " terminal " or placed under

" hospice " care to submit their story, as well, if you feel that you are in an

end of life stage. Most of us lived with Pancreatitis for years without a

diagnosis,; we don't need a diagnosis to tell us we are dying;

My first introduction to Pancreatitis was through a friend. (I remember

saying, " Gosh, I hope I never get that disease) She and her husband had to get a

divorce for her to obtain medical coverage and qualify for Medicaid, Though they

were married in their heart, no one should have to die going through this. I

am going to submit a story about my friend, Laurie (with her husband's

permission) in hopes that this type of tragedy can change. Someone can survive

physical challenges of end stage disease for a long time, but the subsequent

financial consequences can quickly put a dagger in the human spirit. When that

happens, a part of all of us dies.

Here is information about this project.

Karyn E. , RN,

Exec. Director, PAI

*http://www.pancassociation.org

THE LAST ACTS WRITER'S PROJECT

A NATIONAL COALITION TO IMPROVE CARE AND CARING NEAR THE END OF LIFE

WHO WE ARE

The Last Acts Writers Project was founded to help the entertainment media

produce accurate, compelling stories that touch on the many issues surrounding

death in modern America. We're funded by the prestigious Wood

Foundation as part of a growing national movement to change the pattern of care

given terminally ill people; to create a better match between the care people

say they want and what they often receive.

We're here because we believe writers, producers and directors can be key

players in helping people prepare for and cope with terminal illness--their own

or their loved one's--in the age of medical miracles.

We're here to offer information and referral to medical, psychological,

legal, financial and other experts in end-of life care. Free of charge or

obligation.

OUR PURPOSE

To improve the accuracy of depiction of terminal illness and death in film

and television because it's important to millions of viewers that you get it

right!

It's Important To depict Life's Most Dramatic Episode Accurately

Why?

Because accurate and sensitive depiction of terminal illness and death can

help you produce compelling drama while communicating important messages to

millions. For example, a recent study of regular ER viewers showed that almost

half not only enjoyed the series but learned important lessons and one-third of

them reported taking some personal action as a result.

What you write about end of life is what people expect to happen to them or

their loved one when the time comes!

The American population is aging. Fear of modern high-tech death is growing.

Practically anyone you talk to these days has a story about a parent or a

neighbor or a friend who died alone or in a nursing home or in a hospital ICU

instead of in their own bed at home--poorly medicated, in unnecessary pain,

hooked

up to machines. Accurate depiction in film and television of how the end of

life is treated can encourage people to search for more humane options. People

respond to what they see on the screen. Your fictional characters can show

viewers why it's important for families to discuss death and dying; to help them

prepare for life's most dramatic episode. Your scripts can provide powerful

lessons on how to be sensitive and caring when faced with a loved one's terminal

illness. You get the picture!

Their website is <A HREF= " http://www.lastacts.org " >http://www.lastacts.org</A>