Compassion & Choices  President & CEO Emerita Kim Callinan joins a group of talented authors in an empowering anthology and guide. In the book, Plan A Life You Love: A Women’s Guide to Health, Wealth and Happiness Without Limitation, authors walk you step-by-step how to craft a life filled with happiness and fulfillment.

Last Holiday: A Storyline Resonance

Picture this: It’s 2006, and Last Holiday graces the big screens, introducing us to Georgia Byrd, portrayed by Queen Latifah with charm and vibrancy. In this heartwarming romantic comedy, Georgia, a seemingly ordinary woman, is jolted by the news of  a terminal illness. Faced with a stark timeline, she embraces her limited time, embarking on a luxurious European adventure, living courageously and freely without inhibition.

Real-Life Inspirations: Our Terminally Ill Advocates 

While a fictional tale, aspects of this cinematic journey resonate deeply with me in my role at Compassion & Choices, America’s leading nonprofit organization championing improved care and expanded options at life’s end. As CEO, I’ve met many individuals like Georgia at the crucial crossroads of their imminent mortality. These real-life heroes, our terminally ill advocates, choose to live their lives fully in the face of devastating diagnoses, demonstrating remarkable resilience. They organize their affairs, let go of grudges, say the unsaid, and forge unforgettable memories with family and friends. While some, with the resources and energy, embark on vacations and travels like Georgia, most simply live with increased clarity and intention, being discerning with their time and ensuring that their encounters are meaningful.

Their commitment extends beyond personal spheres; they strive for meaning, spending their remaining time advocating for societal change. They collaborate with us to educate the public and lawmakers about end-of-life care and choice, using their unfortunate experiences to advocate for much-needed end-of-life policy changes. Many understand that their efforts may not benefit them directly, yet they persist, wanting to do whatever they can to leave a lasting impact on the world, and they do. 

The resilience and conviction displayed by our advocates with terminal illnesses are both inspir-ing and profoundly impactful. With their rare clarity and conviction, some have an effect that defies the odds and transcends the impossible. Take Brittany Maynard, the courageous 29-year-old who moved from California to Oregon to access medical aid in dying. …