Advocacy – Compassion & Choices

They tried to co-opt her story. Her family refused to let them.

lukej May 14, 2026 No Comments

At the age of 24, Ana Nelson was dying from ALS. For years, she’d taken advantage of all medical treatments available, doing everything she could to stay alive. But as…

Jeremy Boal’s fight for medical aid in dying in New York

lukej March 18, 2026 No Comments

Jeremy Boal spent his career caring for people. As a palliative care physician and former chief clinical officer at Mount Sinai Health System, he watched patients suffer in ways that…

National Healthcare Decisions Day

lukej March 17, 2026 No Comments

Start the conversation on National Healthcare Decisions Day Celebrated annually on April 16, National Healthcare Decisions Day is the perfect time to initiate advance care planning conversations with the people…

Honoring Alan Eason: Volunteer, advocate, and friend

lukej February 23, 2026 No Comments

Alan Eason embodied what it means to be an advocate—deeply committed and relational, generous with his time and talents, and guided by both intellect and empathy. For over a decade,…

New York’s Next Chapter: Ensuring Access to Medical Aid in Dying

lukej February 20, 2026 No Comments

On February 6, New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed the amended Medical Aid in Dying Act, making New York the 14th U.S. jurisdiction (13 states and Washington, D.C.) to authorize…

After a Decade of Advocacy, Medical Aid in Dying Is On the Precipice of Becoming Law in New York

lukej December 17, 2025 No Comments

Governor Kathy Hochul’s announcement today, that she intends to sign the Medical Aid in Dying Act (A.136/S.138) – subject to chapter amendments – next month, will make New York the…

Canada’s Medical Assistance in Dying vs. U.S. Medical Aid-in-Dying Laws

lukej November 14, 2025 No Comments

Medical aid-in-dying laws in the U.S. and Canada’s national medical assistance in dying framework both offer end-of-life options, but they operate under distinct legal and healthcare structures with different eligibility…

Your Friendly Neighborhood Notary

lukej November 4, 2025 No Comments

By Steph Routh When I became a notary public a few years ago, I didn’t appreciate at the time what a meaningful journey I was embarking on. I just thought…

Advocate spotlight: Annie Gurnett Bander

lukej October 27, 2025 No Comments

Annie spent her career as a scientist in infectious diseases, someone who devoted her life to helping others live longer, healthier lives. She and her husband Jon embraced every adventure…

subject: Advocacy