National Healthcare Decisions Day in Tucson a Big Success

By Mary Ganapol, AZELO Southern Arizona Lead

Thanks to all who attended the first “Before I Die” event in Tucson April 16th at the Loft Cinema. Considering we were talking about end-of-life decisions, a good time was had by all. It was free and open to the public yet raised almost $400 in donations to AZELO. Our national partners helped make this a success: Death with Dignity sponsored the event covering expenses and Compassion and Choices did an excellent presentation about advance directives for dementia.

In a “Ted Talk” format, the audience learned what other non-profits do in Arizona. For example, Roots and Roads Community Hospice Foundation presented their new resource tool called The Crosswalk, and Donate Life Arizona encouraged tissue and organ donations  — and included their dancing 9-ft saguaro cactus mascot to greet attendees!  In the spirit of collaboration, other Southern Arizona events for National Health Care Decisions Day were promoted including Southern Arizona Senior Pride’s “Death and Taxes Over Lunch” and the play “Porter’s Will” which will donate a portion of the box office to AZELO. Stay tuned for other Southern Arizona events that aim to normalize talking about end-of-life options.