I recently traveled to the Mediterranean, and while I was in Barcelona, I was reminded why persevering and believing in our vision is so important — and how supporting those who are dying is pivotal to our identity as human beings.

While I was overseas, the Dr. Phil show aired a segment on medical aid in dying that I had the privilege of participating in, along with Brittany Maynard’s husband Dan Diaz, board member Dr. Chandana Banerjee, and Compassion & Choices storyteller advocate Ciera Fuentes. In case you missed it, here’s a link to the full broadcast.

While in Barcelona, I visited the Basilica de la Sagrada Família, the spectacular cathedral designed by the modernist architect Antoni Gaudí. When Gaudí took over the project at age 31, he developed a bold vision for the basilica. While he knew that he would not be able to complete his vision in his lifetime, that didn’t stop him from working all his life toward it, carefully documenting his vision. He also made sure other craftsmen, builders and patrons of the arts would continue his work and ultimately see the structure through to completion. When he died, the basilica was still only 25% finished. Today, 140 years after the laying of the cornerstone, construction continues. Stone by stone.

What a lesson in leadership! And I couldn’t help but immediately draw parallels to the end-of-life autonomy movement. Like Gaudí, we have a bold, clear vision that we have been advancing for decades:

We envision a society that affirms life and accepts the inevitability of death, embraces expanded options for compassionate dying, and empowers everyone to choose end-of-life care that reflects their values, priorities, and beliefs.

And over the years, countless movement and organizational leaders (staff, volunteers, donors) have worked to realize this vision state by state.

In fact, our supporters’ willingness to embrace the inevitability of death — and engage in legacy planning — is one of our biggest strategic advantages as a movement. While our opponents shy away from acknowledging death, our supporters address mortality directly and face it with candor and courage. What does this mean? I’m guessing, we are far more likely to receive legacy gifts! It is, in fact, the increase in our legacy gifts that is fueling much of our recent progress and expansion.

I came back home with a renewed recognition of the importance of doing everything I can to advance our vision. As Gaudí demonstrated, this includes inspiring as many people as possible to participate in the vision during my lifetime, making sure that the next generation of leaders are prepared to carry on the torch, and ensuring that the organization and movement have the resources we need to continue carrying on this critical work into the future.

Thank you for your partnership in this movement. I hope that you will join me in doing everything we can to ensure this vision is carried out now and beyond our lifetime.

Warmly,

Kim

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