The Community Showed Up!

Live How You Like, Leave How You Like

Dear Friends,

Thank you for joining us at our recent fundraiser dedicated to advancing the implementation of medical aid in dying. The Completed Life graciously hosted the event in our honor and we cannot thank them enough for their kindness. Your presence, generosity, and heartfelt commitment made the evening truly meaningful. It was inspiring to see so many individuals come together, united by a shared belief in dignity, autonomy, and thoughtful end-of-life care.

Throughout the event, we were reminded of the strength and resilience of this small community. Medical aid in dying may not yet be widely known, but for those who need it, its availability brings profound comfort and gratitude. Your support truly makes a difference—especially because this is an area that often receives less attention than more visible causes. By standing behind it, you help ensure that compassionate, end-of-life choices remain accessible to those who rely on them most. One supporter shared, “What struck me most tonight is how powerful this support is, even though it comes from a relatively small group of people who truly understand the need for this law. So many people will want this option one day, but most don’t think about it until it’s too late. Being here reminded me how important it is to keep raising awareness and standing up for this cause now.”

Because of your support, we are one step closer to ensuring that individuals facing serious illness have access to compassionate options and the care they deserve. Your contributions directly help expand awareness, education, and implementation efforts, bringing us closer to a future where choice and dignity are accessible to all. If you did not make your donation at the event, or were unable to attend, it is not too late! You can make a donation here and make sure that patients have the access to this end of life care when they need it.

We are deeply grateful for your partnership and belief in this mission. Together, we are making a lasting difference.

Sincerely,
Mandi Zucker
Executive Director

Recent Events & Updates

Upcoming Events

We have several upcoming events that we encourage you to join. Find one, or several, options that you connect to and join us!

• Legacy League April 9th from 10-11:30 AM. Join us for a no-agenda hang out to talk about death and dying. Bring your questions, worries and fears, and curiosities as we get together to demystify and de-taboo death. And don’t worry, if it gets quiet we’ll play a fun game! This Legacy League is online through Zoom. To join our Legacy League, please click here to get your ticket!
• Online Meet-n-Greet April 13th from 3-4 PM. Join us for a free one-hour introduction to End of Life Choices New York. You’ll get to know us, and we will get to know you in a small group, virtual setting. We will share what we are up to and give you a taste for the kind of education and death-positivity we share in the community. We will also tell you about ways to get involved with our organization and mission! Register for this free event here.
• In-person Legacy League April 23rd from 10-11:30 AM at The Completed Life Initiative, 10 Grand Central Station (GPS address is 155 E. 44th St, New York). Join us for a no-agenda hang out to talk about death and dying. Bring your questions, worries and fears, and curiosities as we get together to demystify and de-taboo death. And don’t worry, if it gets quiet we’ll play a fun game! Register for this free event here.
• Preparing for End of Life for Dummies… And You Too! April 23 at 12:00 PM. “End of life” can be a daunting, intimidating, and even scary phrase. But it doesn’t have to overwhelm you. You have the power to make decisions about your future that help secure the well-being of your loved ones and bring a sense of comfort. And that’s a great thing! Come join us for a talk with Dr. Virginia Chang of Till The Last to discuss her new book Preparing For End of Life For Dummies. In her book, Dr. Chang offers a positive and meaningful approach to end-of-life planning that helps you make the most of the time you and your loved ones are granted. Register for this free event here.
• Talking About Death Won’t Kill You! April 25 from 1-4 PM. No registration required. Join us for an information fair where you can learn about advance care planning, patient rights, palliative care, hospice, funeral planning, green burial and more! In addition to End of Life Choices New York, there will be tables staffed by local organizations including Hospicare, the Funeral Consumers Alliance of the Finger Lakes, On Dying Well, and Greensprings Natural Cemetery Preserve. There will also be mini-talks (10-15 minutes) on each topic starting at 2:00 in the Sanctuary next to the event space. Refreshments will be provided. First Unitarian Society of Ithaca, 306 N. Aurora St, Ithaca.
• How We Love: A family’s Journey Through Medical Aid in Dying. April 28 from 6:30-8:30 PM online. Join End of Life Choices New York (EOLCNY) as we share the story of a family whose father utilized MAiD and how this option at the end of his life made for beautiful moments together. Following this presentation, EOLCNY will share MAiD implementation updates for New York State. Register for this free event here.

Ask Us Anything

Q: Can I write that I want medical aid in dying in my advance care plan?

A: You cannot rely on an advance care plan to access medical aid in dying. Even if you document your wishes in advance, they will only be honored if you meet the legal eligibility criteria at the time you choose to take the medication. This means you must be mentally competent and physically able to self-administer the medication at that moment. Including a request in your advance care plan for medical aid in dying if you later become ineligible does not override these requirements.

If you have a question you’d like answered, send it here!