A Word From Our
Executive Director
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Dear Friends,
Winter days provide a time for quiet contemplation, reflection, and gratitude for the things in life that bring us joy and fulfillment. May you find peace and unity as we conclude 2019, and may the desire to live well inspire you to live your best life.
The Alliance looks forward to offering you guidance and support through group workshops and one-on-one facilitation as we begin talking with loved ones about our wishes and invite our loved ones to do the same.
Please contact the Alliance at 805-845-5314 to find out more.
We wish you a blessed holiday season.
With warm gratitude,
Susan Plummer, Exec. Director
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Upcoming Free
Advance Care Planning Workshops
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December 2 Advance Care Planning Workshop, Congregation B'nai B'rith, 1000 San Antonio Creek Rd., 3-5 pm. To register, call the Alliance at (805) 845-5314 or
register online
December 9
Advance Care Planning Workshop, Sansum Clinic, 215 Pesetas Lane, 3rd floor conference room, 10 am - noon. Call Sansum Health Education (805) 681-8976 or register online
December 11 Advance Care Planning Workshop, VNA Health, 360 Olive St, 4-6 pm. To register, call the Alliance at (805) 845-5314 or
register online
December 17
Advance Care Planning Workshop,
Ridley-Tree Cancer Center, Tippy's Cove Multipurpose Room,
2nd Floor,
540 W. Pueblo Street,
1:30-3:00 pm.
To register, c
all Sansum Health Education at
(805) 681-8976
or
December 17 Advance Care Planning Workshop,
Valle Verde Retirement Community, 900 Calle De Los Amigos (Community Room), 3:30 - 5:30pm. To register, call the Alliance at (805) 845-5314 or
register online
December 18
Advance Care Planning Workshop, Unitarian Society of Santa Barbara, 1535 Santa Barbara St , 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm. To r
egister, call the Alliance at (805) 845-5314 or register online
December 18
Advance Care Planning Workshop, Garden Court, 1116 De La Vina St., 3:00 - 5:00 pm. To register, call the Alliance at (805) 845-5314 or
register online
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Event Recap
Advance Care Planning Symposium II 2019
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Dr. Fred Kass, Keynote Speaker
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Approximately 60 medical professionals, health care advocates, and volunteers attended The Alliance for Living and Dying Well's Advance Care Planning Symposium II on November 6, 2019. Dr. Fred Kass, Medical Oncologist, Ridley-Tree Cancer Center, spoke of advancements in cancer treatment and the importance of advance care planning for all patients, regardless of prognosis. Joining him at the podium was Dr. Deborah Meyers, a new addition to Sansum's palliative care team. Adriana Marroquin of Hospice of Santa Barbara spoke of challenges we face in the Latino community and the need for expansion in advance care planning. In addition to emceeing the event, Laurie Small, Executive Director of The Samarkand talked about the growth in ACP within her organization and Rabbi Cohen discussed a congregation-wide presentation recently held at B'nai B'rith in addition to the free monthly ACP workshops they host. Small
-group discussions around the tables finished out the program, resulting in a greater understanding of the needs and challenges of each organization as they attempt to put into practice the theme of the Symposium: "Weaving Advance Care Planning into the Fabric of Our Organizations."
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Dr. Deborah Meyers, Sansum Clinic, Palliative Care Physician |
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Adriana Marroquin, Hospice of Santa Barbara, Community Initiatives Manager |
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New Tool Helps Start Conversations About End of Life
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University of Alberta researchers developed a questionnaire to help people with terminal illnesses express their needs and wishes to loved ones and caregivers. A series of questions called the Life Conversation Tool is designed to help people with chronic, life-limiting illnesses gently make their wishes known, while they can still express them.
Click here to continue reading.
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Angels Among Us 2019
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Please join VNA Health for a special evening of remembrance |
As 2019 comes to a close and the Holiday Season approaches, the VNA Health Hospice and Bereavement teams are pleased to offer their annual Angels Among Us Remembrance services. This is a meaningful time for everyone in the community to join together and reflect on loved ones who have passed.
Their remembrance services provide a space for reflection and shared connection that is highlighted by beautiful music, a brief program, candle lighting ceremony and refreshments.
All family and friends are welcome.
VNA health offers three different ceremonies in two different locations, Santa Barbara and North County communities, in order to best accommodate as many guests as possible. We hope you can join us for one of these inspiring events.
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Light Up A Life 2019
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Light Up A Life Ceremonies
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Join Hospice of Santa Barbara for this beloved community tradition of remembering and honoring those you miss this holiday season. Each ceremony will feature speakers and special guests, entertainment, refreshments, and the lighting of a memorial tree. Please come to one or more Light Up A Life ceremonies, and hang a star in memory of a loved one who has died or in honor of someone living. They encourage you to personalize your star - often people like to include a photo or quote to commemorate memories shared.
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