Beverly Thorn, a psychologist and certified End-Of-Life Doula will discuss her new book, Before I Lose My Own Mind: Navigating Life as a Dementia Caregiver, telling her own personal story of caring for her husband with dementia, from the lens of a psychologist and death doula. The book is aimed at caring for the caregiver, who often gets overlooked in terms of their own care needs. Knowledge about the disorder provides a coping base, and planning and ongoing conversation provides the glue to hold the caregiver together during this long trajectory.

The crisis of a dementia diagnosis is sobering, but also an opportunity. Since dementia is not an all or nothing thing, there is time before one loses decisional capacity to consider and talk about their life values, healthcare and dementia care preferences along the dementia trajectory, and their end-of-life wishes. Planning and communication are key in a society where no one wants to talk about dementia or death. Loved ones and potential caregivers also need to be in the know so that they can make life-altering decisions once the person with dementia is no longer able to do so.

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Reserve your place for just $35 to cover the cost of lunch. Get your tickets

Are you overwhelmed by the complexities we face in the final chapter of life? Do you have personal questions and concerns about your end-of-life options? Are you seeking expert guidance for planning a peaceful death and making the right decisions for yourself and your loved ones? We want to learn what’s on your mind and how we can support you. And we want to give you the best possible information for choice, dignity, and control at the end of life.

Join us for this unique gathering with end-of-life authorities who will offer advice, guide your decision-making, and address your specific needs. You’ll receive the most recent facts based on their education and experience. The experts will not be delivering formal talks or presentations. Instead, our audience will steer the discussion with their questions. We’ll do this over a delicious Chinese lunch among caring friends in a casual, fun environment.

Seating is limited! Please check back later for details on the experts and menu.

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Hear about the powerful and poignant journeys of those who have faced end-of-life decisions with dignity and the compassionate volunteers who have guided them.

This program celebrates the publication of There at the End: Voices from Final Exit Network—A Celebration of 20 Years. 

This unique anthology, published in fall 2024 to commemorate FEN’s two decades of service, offers a deeply moving collection of first-person accounts that delve into the emotions and processes of Final Exit Network (FEN) clients as they navigate end-of-life decisions.

You’ll also hear the compelling stories of FEN’s trained volunteers, who serve as coordinators, guides, and confidants during these pivotal moments.

Jim Van Buskirk, the anthology’s editor, will be joined by Jenne Mowry, a senior exit guide and anthology contributor, for an insightful conversation. Together, they will discuss their essays, their roles within FEN, and share readings from the book.

This event promises to be a reflective and informative exploration of the critical work of this national nonprofit organization.

Jim Van Buskirk, a retired librarian, writer, editor, and public speaker, has co-hosted Death Cafés for many years, and currently volunteers with FEN as a regional coordinator counseling callers on end of life options, reviewing relevant books and films for FEN’s quarterly newsmagazine, and making presentations as a member of FEN’s speaker’s bureau. For more information on Jim, please visit: jimvanbuskirk.com