- http://www.haaretz.com/jewish-world/holocaust-remembrance-day/1.652054
- http://time.com/3813714/holocaust-remembrance-day-warsaw/
- http://www.jpost.com/Diaspora/Obama-condemns-anti-Semitism-in-Holocaust-Remembrance-Day-message-398331
- http://www.ushmm.org/remember/days-of-remembrance
- https://www.facebook.com/CincyCHHE
related story about preserving Auschwitz
*new* 14Apr15 A Project to Turn Corpses Into Compost - NYTimes.com
10 April 15. Lauren Hill has died
• http://local12.com/m/news/features/top-stories/stories/Lauren-Hill-1995-2015-113450.shtml#.VSe1O4r3anN
• http://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/college/othercolleges/2015/04/10/lauren-hill-dead/25564669/
* http://www.ncaa.org/about/resources/media-center/news/mark-emmert-statement-lauren-hill
6April15 Studying Buddhism has good benefits
http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2015/04/study-unconscious-reminders-of-buddhism-reduce-prejudice-even-among-christians/
A Right to Die? - Video - NYTimes.com
Stigma Around Physician-Assisted Dying Lingers - NYTimes.com
http://mobile.nytimes.com/2015/03/23/us/stigma-around-physician-assisted-dying-lingers.html?referrer=
The Medicaid bill that doesn't go away when you die
NYTimes: Bearing Witness
As a clown working in children’s hospitals, I spent a lot
of time with terminally ill people. But the view is different when it is your
loved one in the bed.
i recently watched "Patch Adams" on neflix. for those of you who haven't seen it its about a man who decides to become a doctor and use humor to cheer up dying patients. i cannot imagine working as a hospital clown especially in a children's hospital. while I'm sure it gets easier as the days go on, i imagine that all of that falls out the window when its one of your own in that bed. but i love what he says at the end of the article. "if you feel compelled, called, and really, really want to be there as someone is dying, go all in. Because you will carry with you the imprint of those final weeks or days or moments, someone else’s breaths, and you’ll remember the gifts, eventually". you never know what you might mean to someone, or to their family.
ReplyDeleteI 100% agree with the author of this article who spent time working with children as a clown in a hospital. The most random and silly things you do for someone at the end of their life can make the biggest impacts on them. When someone is dying, be there for them, night and day; those are the last moments where we can be there for them on Earth. I also really love the quote he used at the end of his article, "if you feel compelled, called, and really, really want to be there as someone is dying, go all in. Because you will carry with you the imprint of those final weeks or days or moments, someone else’s breaths, and you’ll remember the gifts, eventually". As Rebecca said, It would be difficult at first working with such sick and vulnerable people, but in the end the time spent with them would be worth it.
ReplyDeleteStigma Around Physician-Assisted Dying Lingers - NYTimes.com: I found this article and video to be very interesting. I have thought about the concepts of physician assisted suicide and euthanasia, but I never really considered them as options to end one's life.I have always believed that one should die when it comes naturally, without pills, lethal injections, or deliberate actions to cause one's death. In the beginning of the video on Jack, the man who "killed" and help kill hundreds of people, he was eery and the ways he killed seemed wrong. When he took people's lives, that is when I believe he went too far. People can easily fall into peer pressure, and so he could have easily pressured those people into an early death and therefore I find that to be murder. This can be related to the recent story of the teenage girl who convinced a teenage boy to commit suicide. (http://kxan.com/2015/03/02/teen-girl-charged-with-manslaughter-for-encouraging-friend-to-commit-suicide/ ). I believe the only way assisted suicide can be ok, is when the patient is terminally ill. I found Brittany's story to be compelling and a good example of one who could commit suicide. I also don't think it is right that people would rather starve to death than try to live out the next couple of weeks in their lives. PAS and euthanasia are very difficult topics to draw a line where they are good or whether they are bad. I think that each individual case has to be taken into account to decide what the best option for the patient would be.
ReplyDeletei agree with you about the importance of taking into account individual circumstances. This is such a serious topic that it is hard to claim one side or the other. Making one rule for all situations does not help because a compelling opposing argument can always be made against your own.
DeleteThe Medicaid video was astonishing to watch. This Medicaid is a contradiction and how does the government expect those who are living in poverty to come up with 54K as in one of the examples. I mean really?? Do they honestly think the recovery of those funds are realistic? Medicaid was put into place to help those in need and it is a slap in the face to say... alright we will cover your healthcare for free with a few minor items but the bill that the government has to pay for will be due in FULL by your family once you are deceased. So in reality you are not paying up front for healthcare but the burden is passed on. This may cause life insurance policies to increase to cover the additional cost in the future. In comparison to Medicare, they government has been dipping into the current fund such as my benefits that I have worked hard for to pay for the current population. It is a cascade that will never end and the government needs to realize the harm and long term damage it is causing.
ReplyDeleteLauren Hill exceeded all expectations with her illness. Her doctors never imagined she would make it past Christmas. I think she was a huge advocate for those who are considering assisted suicide prematurely knowing the end result. She helped so many the best way she knew how and was selfless in nature. She gave those inspiration that you can achieve what you wish even in the midst of a terminal disease. Of course she could of moped around and feeling sorry for herself but she embraced her last months with dignity and hope for those in the future. Her legacy will live forever and just think of all she did in just 6 months. Most of us cant do that in a lifetime. Lauren never allowed her disease to be a crutch or a way to gain sympathy for herself. It was about others who may benefit from research that may not of been possible. Her parents must be at peace knowing what their daughter did and that is the best gift a parent could ever have.
DeleteEnd of life decisions for teens?
ReplyDeletehttp://mobile.nytimes.com/blogs/well/2015/03/28/teen-advance-directive-end-of-life-care/?smid=tw-nytimes&_r=0&referrer=
Watching this video gave me peace and joy. Death does not discriminate and takes the lives of those unborn to those in their 90's. This family had the unfortunate case of 2 daughters with the rare genetic disease. I commend the other daughter in taking the footsteps of her sister and learn what she truly wanted for herself. She continued her life and never once complained. Most of the videos I watch on death and dying patients preset them being so happy and full of joy when under all of that I know the fear, anger and depression is hard to suppress. I like the idea of the book to write down what you want now , before and after death. Adults could also benefit from this.
DeleteThis is definitely a topic that needs to be approached. i think it is great to approach these teens and be upfront with them. I'm pretty sure that is what they want: they can see through the B.S and want someone to be straight with them. In doing so, not only is the ice broken about the possibility of dying, but it opens up the possibility of making the end of said life as good as possible. Teens are young but they're not dumb. They know at least in part what they want for themselves.
DeleteIf you had a teenager that was about to die, wouldn't you want to broach the subject now and make sure they get what they want rather than putting it off because it makes you feel uncomfortable or sad or scared?
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After watching this video, it reinforces why I want to work in pediatrics. The outlook that kids have on their illnesses helps those around them look at life a little differently. Although it is very sad to watch the young struggle with life from such an early time, it is also comforting by watching them take a stance for what they want before they die.
DeleteI think this topic needs to be approached by more than just the teens. The younger kids may be too young to know what all the medical talk might mean, but they are still able to voice their opinions on what they want. Involving the patient in their care is one of the most comforting things that they can can experience in a time like this.
After watching the Medicaid video, I realize how greedy and "schemey" these companies can. I understand that they need to be able to profit, but there is not any benefit to the people receiving this "aid". It gives them false hope at insurance and persuades, for example, the daughter who takes care of her mother, to feel comfortable leaving her mother at an Alzheimer day care facility. The way they portray it is not straight forward and works in Medicaid's favor, hiding behind the excitement of giving healthcare provided to their recipients, when in reality they are being charged in full. Also in most of these cases this type of situation is exactly what the individual does not want, their family to be burdened with their situation. These companies need to be highly looked into, because there is no aid being provided, as they said in the video, it is just adding to the viscous cycle of poverty.
ReplyDeleteI love the article about the man who was a clown in hospitals and helped his dad almost to rest. He has a very valid point. At the end of someone's life, it is such small things that could make their day. Quality over quantity will always be important when it comes to the end of someone's laugh. The fact that his man was able to ease the girl by singing and just give her something to distract her even a little bit is amazing. As scary as many of us think it is to sit next to a dying person, I think it would be a little intimidating but absolutely incredible. Some people need the comfort of someone being there for them as they move on and want to just enjoy their time as much as possible. This article was such a great one.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you, that the little things matter. As long as your life is full of happiness, I feel you are living, instead of going through the motions. Simply putting someone at ease while they are going through a hard time, could change their outlook.
DeleteLawrenceburg having been the biggest city near the town I grew up, I recall when her story was published in the local town news. Very slowly it was picked up in Cincinnati and then all over the nation. I am deeply saddened to hear that such an extraordinary young girl has passed on. I found her story very interesting, because of the accomplishments she made even though her ultimate end was near.
ReplyDeleteGiven that, it is interesting to observe the human reaction to being faced with death. I do feel that Lauren died happy, and this can be connected to aristotles idea of the ultimate fulfillment of human life to be happiness, however that might be obtained.
ReplyDeleteI agree I believe she died happy and very accomplished. What she has done for cancer and the community is unbelievable with the time that she had. If I get to go as fulfilled as she was, I will consider myself to be lucky.
DeleteI agree with Maggie and Stef. I think that Lauren died happy. She was able to accomplish more than she ever thought was possible. She raised an insane amount of money along with a significant amount of awareness for cancer. It is so sad that she was taken from us at the age of 19, but I think she fully obtained her happiness before she passed away.
DeleteLauren Hill took on the curse she was given head on and showed how even a young person with a short amount of time can be a real inspiration to us all. I can only hope that when I go, now or later, I can help others along the way as she did. She died with more dignity than the majority of the world.
ReplyDeleteI agree with your view point on Lauren's death; she turned all of the pain and suffering into a positive outcome. She lived a life of unselfishness and humility, and in the end helped raise money for others who were suffering and who were going to suffer with her type of cancer. Her life will always be remembered, and in my perspective she did die with dignity.
DeleteI also watched the clown video and it really struck me as important. I think sometimes we get caught up in our busy lives and forget what is really important. I have never been to the point where I am so ill that I might die, but I assume you have a lot of time to think about the important things and all of the things you should have been doing. I think we take for granted the small things in life. I read a post up above and it said quality over quantity and I know for me I always forget that. I volunteered at the Shrines Hospital for burned kids. I literally just pushed around a snack cart and the kids could pick anything they wanted off of it. When I came around with the cart, these kid's faces would light up the entire room, for a snack! I remember always leaving the hospital with a sense of an overwhelming sadness and happiness. Sadness because it is the little things that are making these kids fight for their life. Most of the kids had 90% skin loss and some had more. They were in pain 24/7 but still managed to smile when they saw me pushing a snack cart. When you look at their little helpless faces it feels like such an accomplishment to have an impact, even though it was a little one, to make their day a little happier. It's hard for me to remember to step back and realize that my life really is not so bad and to start appreciating the things that I do have.
ReplyDeleteAlthough it is devastating that someone had to die so young, I feel that there are great things that came from Lauren Hill's condition. In the short time after she was told she had this terminal illness she touched so many people's lives. The amount of awareness that she and her family raised for her rare type of cancer is inspirational to say the least. One of my good friends graduated and was very close friends with Lauren and she said told me nothing but wonderful things about her. I wish I would have been able to meet Lauren before she passed but I cannot imagine how blessed her friends and family must feel to have had her in their lives.
ReplyDeleteA Project to Turn Corpses Into Compost is a fantastic idea and when it comes to science there are no limitations to what scientists will research. This parallels with cremation but it is just another way to learn about what the human body has to offer the earth. Just imagine of no one donated themselves for medicine and the research needed to advance medical care and the discovery of treatments. We would not be as advanced as we are today without the generosity of the dead. My grandfather donated his brain to UC when he died of Parkinson's. He wanted to help advance the knowledge of the disease and to teach new doctors about it. This is just the tip of the iceberg and it is exciting to see what the future holds for medicine.
ReplyDeleteI disagree with this idea of turning corpses into compost, because personally I find that to be disrespecting the dead bodies. I also don't believe in cremation; a mix of fear and also the idea that our bodies are being burnt and ruined makes me have a negative outlook on it. Looking at this project without religious bias and comparing it to people donating their bodies to science shows in that perspective to be fine in my opinion. My outlook on this topic will probably change with age.
Deletei was just reading this article and find it to be a fascinating idea. It is pretty dismal and almost seems evil but that is only because of the attachment we as humans make to each other. Animals and plants dies all the time and decompose into the earth; this is not weird for us whatsoever. If we can get past the initial "grossness" of it, its actually a really cool idea. you get to become a part of the cycle of life; instead of being stuffed up in a box and filled with formaldehyde, you get to contribute to new life on earth and help decrease the impact you had on this earth.
DeleteMichael I agree completely! Although I will most likely end up in a coffin, I feel this is a very real and interesting option to consider. Eventually we will all end up in the dirt and I feel there is no disrespect in being laid to rest in the dirt rather than in a coffin. Either way the coffin will eventually turn to compost as well, the process may be slower, but it will happen. Also if these individuals decide to go about their burial this way then I feel there is no harm done. Alexa, If you feel it is disrespectful to the dead bodies, then do you feel that the individuals before coffins were disrespected by being buried in the ground? I'm just curious to see why you feel this is disrespectful. I understand your concern with cremation, the body actually being burned into ash, which I also would not opt to do. This also leads to the discussion of can the dead be harmed or disrespected, and I feel that they cannot, especially if it is their wish.
DeleteThe Right to Die segment was touching to watch. Society places a stigma on any type of suicide as killing and the doctor is always in the forefront to blame. I personally do not agree with any form of killing but it is not my place to take away the choice of another person. I do on the other hand believe terminal sedation is the best way to manage severe pain when all other options have been exhausted. This allows the person to rest in a drug induced coma and die naturally. Most of the american public are ignorant to the differences and I do believe that is where the controversy comes into play. We all need to educate each other on this ever growing topic.
ReplyDeleteI fully agree with your opinions on this topic of suicide. I don't believe that any kind of suicide is o.k. I do see terminal sedation as a great option for those in unfixable pain and who are terminally ill.
Deletehttp://www.cincinnati.com/story/news/local/anderson-township/2015/04/22/anderson-residents-asking-man/26185437/
ReplyDeleteHere is an article you all should check out. i dont know where else to post it, but it is extremely relevant to class discussions and what not.
its a hospice campaign to try to bring light to and improve upon end of life care in Cincinnati. what do you guys think? i live in anderson and saw one of these guys last week..
Michael, I think this campaign is awesome. I saw a person standing on the corner of Beechmont and Five Mile on my way home from class today holding one of these signs. I love it because they aren't advertising anything, just simply holding up signs with meaningful messages that provoke thought. Having an end of life conversation is important (as we've learned in class), and its cool to see others taking action.
ReplyDeleteIn regards to the medicare bill video I have mixed feelings. I sympathize with the families who have lost loved ones and now are left with their enormous medical bills. I feel that this program is something the government should consider doing away with. They forced these families to have this medical coverage, and when they are forced to use it, they accrue debt. Rather, if they did not have this, there would be no debt. What should be done is to educate these low income families on the programs and allow them to make their own decision, or simply modify or get rid of the government intervention. This is a fine example of a program that is meant to aid families, but in reality keeps the poor poor.
ReplyDeleteCORPSES INTO COMPOST article
ReplyDeleteThis article outlines the research on crazy lady is doing: attempting to start facilities where people come and turn their loved ones into compost. Despite the possible health risks that come with this and mad cow and pathogens and what not, i think this has potential. If they figure out how to make it totally legit, this oculd changed the way the world works.
Think about it: we, as humans, cannot go on filling up graveyards for the rest of humanity's existence. We will run out of room! that coupled with the outrageous costs of funerals mean its time to make a change. we need to find some alternative to this space wasting tradition that we have all come to accept. One a person is dead, they are gone and all that remains is organic flesh, ready to return to earth and become dust in the wind.
Holocaust Remembrance day
ReplyDeleteThe holocaust was a bad time for our civilization when millions of innocent people were killed because of their ethnicity. In remembrance of all the loved ones lost, Israel has the Holocaust Remebernce day. Everyone stops what they are doing when they hear the siren. I think that the fact that everyone stops to commemorate loved ones that were lost is chilling in a good way that they come together to never forget.
Preserving Auschwitz
ReplyDeleteWorking in a place with such a grim history would give an eerie feeling and would make it hard to not focus on all the death that occurred there in the past. The people who are working to preserve Auschwitz are not doing it to make money, they are doing it out of respect and with a sense of responsibility to keep this historical place authentic and alive rather than demolishing it and making a history book the only place that speaks for the mass genocide that occurred during the time of its function. The article gave me chills when reading about the objects that were recovered from the camp "110,000 shoes; 3,800 suitcases; 470 prostheses and orthopedic braces; more than 88 pounds of eyeglasses,hundreds of hairbrushes and toothbrushes; 379 striped uniforms; 246 prayer shawls; more than 12,000 pots and pans carried by Jews who believed that they were simply bound for resettlement" These items were the individuals who were executed and destroying isn't an option. I feel they made the right decision in preserving these items as well as the buildings as a place of remembrance and respect for those whose lives were taken.
I strongly agree with Derek. Preserving these items was definitely a good decision because it is showing respect to those lives that were lost in Auschwitz. This article gave me the chills while reading it. When I was in the eighth grade, my class took a trip to Washington DC and while we were there, we had the opportunity to visit the Holocaust Museum and they had some of the preserved shoes on display and there were hundreds…I had chills running up and down my spine. The thought that those shoes belonged to innocent individuals that had their lives taken for no reason is horrible.
DeleteStudy: Reminders of Buddhism reduce prejudice — even among Christians
ReplyDeleteThis article was very interesting because between both the east and west, Buddhism proved to reduce the feelings of prejudice increasing the openness and acceptance overall when compared to Christians and other monotheistic religions. I can see this because Buddhism spells out what a moral life consists of and also values wisdom and understanding which I feel is the difference, that prejudice comes from misunderstanding, assumptions and stereotyping.
I will comment on Lauren Hill and her death, as well as her life. We have talked about what we want our legacies to be after we die and how we want people to remember us. I think Lauren Hill is a perfect example of how she took actions to leave a legacy that will last forever, although her life was ended much too early. The awareness and money that she raised to go to cancer research and many people who have this awful disease is so honorable, especially since it was done while she herself was dying. It shows how selfless she was and how even though she knew her illness was terminal, she was not going to mope and waste the precious time that she did have. She made every minute of her life count and I think this is such a great example to live by. She is a hero and I have no doubt that her hard work will contribute to a possible cure for cancer.
ReplyDeleteI commend Lauren Hill for the impact that she's made not just on the community, but the world. I think that she has shown us that it doesn't matter what circumstances you have, you must keep living your life and make the most out of the time that you have. There are too many people out there afraid to go for what they really want in life. People are too afraid to explore and make mistake, so they play it safe, they try to preserve life. But is that really living? I don't think so. Lauren has taught us all a valuable lesson.
ReplyDelete