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AZELO message reaches millions

With the cooperation of KPNX Channel 12 in Phoenix, essential information about medical aid in dying (MAID) was delivered to an estimated three million Arizona households earlier this week.
          Under the guidance of Chief Anchor Mark Curtis, Arizonans were able to tune in to two back-to-back evening news segments focused on the final weeks and peaceful passing of a woman from Washington, where aid in dying has been legal since 2008. Tempra Jones, the subject of Curtis' interviews was battling terminal cancer and chose MAID to end her life because "I'm not going to let cancer dictate when I die." In addition to the two broadcast segments on Feb. 10 and 11, Curtis also hosted a Feb. 11 panel discussion that included both "pro" and "con" points of view. Serving on the panel in support of MAID were Dr. Tom Fitch, MD, and Dr Dwight Moore, PhD. Representing the "con" side of the discussion was Dr. Mohamed Zuhdi Jasser, MD. Cathi Herrod, president of the Center for Arizona Policy also was scheduled to take part, but unexpectedly cancelled her appearance.
          The panel discussion was live-streamed on Facebook and is still available for viewing on your computer. It's not necessary to have a Facebook account or password to view the program. Simply click this link     https://www.facebook.com/12news/videos/470465823831582/  If you have difficulty viewing the program on your computer, please contact Stu Burge at Stu@BurgeTeam.net.   
Contributing to the televised discussion were (l-r) Reverend Doctor Michele Whittington, AZELO Chairman Ron Fischler, and long-time aid-in-dying advocate and volunteer Carla Wykoff.
Diane Rehm coming to Phoenix to offer her personal perspectives on medical aid-in-dying
          This beloved former NPR host became an outspoken advocate for aid-in-dying laws after losing her husband of 54 years to Parkinson's disease.
          They lived in Maryland where access to end-of-life drugs wasn’t an option. When her husband, John Rehm, decided he wanted to die, Diane stayed with him for 10 days as he stopped eating, drinking and taking medication.
          Her newest book, “When My Time Comes” features interviews with doctors, patients, advocates and critics of end-of-life medication. The interviews were also video recorded and will be turned into a documentary for PBS. It includes conversations with supporters like Dan Diaz, whose wife, 29-year-old Brittany Maynard, moved from California to Oregon to access end-of-life drugs. Maynard had terminal brain cancer and end-of-life medication wasn’t legal in California.
          Diane also interviewed faith leaders and doctors who expressed a variety of support and concerns with the laws. The Rev. William Lamar, of the Metropolitan African Methodist Episcopal Church in Washington, D.C., raised criticisms that were unrelated to his faith. He explained the distrust among many African Americans with institutional medicine in the United States, citing a dark history of medical experimentation and abuse. 
          Diane will be in Phoenix Sunday, March 1 for an appearance at the Orpheum Theatre. Her event comes as Arizona lawmakers once again consider the issue. Ticket purchasers will receive a signed copy of her book. For tickets and full details, refer to:              https://www.changinghands.com/event/march2020/diane-rehm
 
Arizona End-of-Life Options will be participating in the 7th Annual Secular Day at the State Capitol on Monday, February 24. The event will provide opportunities to learn about current issues affecting our community and how to become a better advocate. Meet with lawmakers and hear a keynote delivered by David Tamayo, Founder and President of Hispanic American Freethinkers. Lunch and a t-shirt included.
Get much more information and Register online for free here. 
AZELO's Dwight Moore and Ron Fischler will be telling the the story of medical aid-in-dying Sunday afternoon, Feb. 23 at Temple Chai as part of a unique program called "The Next Chapter." Temple
Chai is located at 4645 E Marilyn Rd, Phoenix, AZ 85032.
See flyer below for full details or call 602-971-1234.
 
Administrative Assistant
to the Chair of Arizona End-of-Life-Options:
  • work from home 2-4 hours per week
  • use our Google drive spreadsheet (we’ll show you how-similar to Excel).
  • phone in to biweekly Steering Committee meetings, record minutes
  • send group emails as requested by Chair
  • help set up meetings/appts. with legislators, volunteers, etc.
    For more information, contact Chairman Ron Fischler at: Ronfischler1@gmail.com

Media Relations Coordinator:
  • work from home 3-4 hours per week
  • maintain directory of targeted Arizona radio,
    TV and print media outlets
  • strong computer proficiency required
  • distribute press releases & white papers to media contacts via email
  • solicit key media for opportunities for live interviews with subject matter experts from Arizona End-of-Life Options 
    For more information, contact Communications Lead Stu Burge at: Stu@BurgeTeam.net

Special Events Coordinator
  • Key member of Education Committee
  • Help plan 3-4 recurring AZELO events annually
  • Secure event venues and negotiate rental fees, if any
  • Identify state/city/community events appropriate for AZELO participation
  • Work from home 2-4 hours per week, plus longer during events
  • Manage logistics of room set-up, materials, A/V and refreshments
  • Supervise AZELO volunteers at events
  • For more information, contact Education Lead Dwight Moore at: d.moore@azendoflifeoptions.org

Arizona End-of-Life Options
Feb. 14, 2020

Our mailing address is:
c/o 15786 W. Merrell Street, Goodyear, AZ 85395