All Oregonians who support our first of a kind in the nation Death with Dignity Act once again have reason to be proud. This documentary which follows several terminally Oregonians to their peaceful deaths has received accolades at the Sundance Film Festival. Peter Richardson richly deserves praise for his producing and directing this compassionate film. In addition, a huge thanks to all of you who made this film possible by volunteering your time and talents to guide clients through the aid-in-dying process. You have given a gift to thousands of dying Oregonians and their families.

Two Compassion & Choices volunteers, Linda and Rob, are at the Sundance Festival and saw Peter Richardson's documentary. Linda said the audience of 400 gave the film a standing ovation--a rarity. More than a dozen attendees asked questions after the showing, most giving their personal stories and praising Peter for his heroic efforts in producing the film. Linda, who is in the film in her role as a volunteer from Compassion & Choices of Oregon, said people came up to her afterward to thank her for the work she does. Dozens of Compassion & Choices of Oregon volunteers were involved in the making of the documentary and although not shown deserve recognition. This film will have a huge positive impact on the "right to die with dignity movement."

George Eighmey
Former Executive Director
Compassion & Choices of Oregon

Dear George,

I am so grateful you gave Peter access so this film could be made. After meeting the folks at HBO, it seems they are well aware they have a very powerful film in their hands. I had several requests (not that I have any say) to have this film shown at teaching hospitals, political events and other venues across the country. It will have an emormous impact long after it's shown at Film Festivals or on HBO (Aug/Sept). I can only imagine the impact it will have at the Big Sky Documentary Film Festival in Montana as the Legislature is voting whether to pass this Law. Peter has created a film that offers an extraordinary contribution to our cause.

I must admit I was very upset when Peter first showed me the film. I was angry watching it remembering my husband's horrible death and seeing Cody in the film experiencing a better death. A friend reminded me that's exactly why this law is so important and why I worked so hard to get it passed in Washington State. Randy's ugly death still haunts me.

A film critic said in her review, "It is with unparalleled compassion that this film makes the case for enacting Death with Dignity laws throughout the country. To witness these people's journeys first-hand, as we see the joy and/or relief that this choice gives to those who had been suffering.......is inspiring. And ironically, far more life-affirming than we'd expect."

At the Sundance Q&A, a woman approached me identifying herself as a retired nurse. The film made her realize what she wanted to do in her retirement. She wants to volunteer for C&C. Unfortunately I don't think there are chapters, yet, in Michigan. Others asked about donating to C&C.

How to Die In Oregon won the Sundance Film Festival Documentary Grand Jury Prize Award. That is a huge accomplishment! I feel honored to have been a part of the film. Peter has made an enormous contribution to this cause.

I am a retired public interest attorney who has specialized in elder law and health law, now a resident at Pilgrim Place retirement community. We here at Pilgrim Place would be very interested in borrowing the film, How to Die in Oregon, for showing to the residents. We'd be grateful if you could send a loan copy to me. I would get it back to you within a few days. Many thanks--Donna Ambrogi

Thank you, George, Nancy, and Donna for your wonderful comments about Peter's extraordinary film. Here at the Death with Dignity National Center, we're thrilled this documentary won such a prestigious award and is shedding more light on this important subject.

And a special thank you to George and Nancy for working with Peter to help people all over the county understand why well-crafted Death with Dignity laws are a necessary option in end-of-life care when faced with a terminal illness.

Donna, thank you for your request. Like Nancy, we too have been flooded with requests to show the film in care facilities, political events, teaching hospitals and many other venues. Unfortunately, this decision is out of our hands. The film is completely independent from our organization and owned by HBO. The good news is it'll be accessible on television when it airs on HBO's documentary channel later this year.

All my best,
Melissa

Melissa Barber
Electronic Communications Specialist
Death with Dignity National Center

To Melissa,

At the HBO party we attended after the premiere in Sundance, there were many requests to show the film at political and teaching events across the country. I imagine HBO will find a way to accommodate people but it might have to wait until after it airs on TV (Aug/Sep). When I see Peter, I'll ask about that.

Great to hear, Nancy. Thanks for sharing.

Best,
Melissa

Melissa Barber
Electronic Communications Specialist
Death with Dignity National Center

as a campaigner for assisted suicide since 1975 i am delighted to hear of this film and would very much like a copy of it on DVD asap can anyone help me to get apriority copy to me in Scotland any reasonable expence wil be paid in advance or by return.

Like the above mentioned sender, I am a member of the association in our country, RTVD, Sweden, which is trying to change the law here to allow people to die with dignity. This film might help our cause. Me too I would appreciate a copy of this film on DVD or VHS asap. - Could you inform me of the costs? - Sincerely, Berit H

For those who are interested in showing the film, it will be available after HBO airs it on TV. You can contact the filmmaker, Peter Richardson, regarding your interest in using the film. His email is clearcutfilms@gmail.com.

[Blog editor note: Due to the high volume of emails Peter's receiving, he may not be able to respond to every request over email, but he's working hard to keep the events area of his Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/pages/How-to-Die-in-Oregon/165107443524923?v=app_2344061033) up-to-date with film festival information.]

I hope it is shown over and over again across the world so that we can change the world one screening at a time.

Thank you, everyone, for your interest in seeing Peter's film. In the last week and a half, his documentary has played a big part in reinvigorating an international debate about what it means to die with dignity. We're very grateful for his contribution and can't wait to see the film.

Due to the high volume of emails Peter's receiving, he may not be able to respond to every request over email, but he's working hard to keep the events area of his Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/pages/How-to-Die-in-Oregon/165107443524923?v=app_2344061033) up-to-date with film festival information.

I love seeing all of the comments on this blog piece. One word of caution: Please don't include personal contact information in your comment. When you submit a comment you include your email address which I can see only when I log in as a site administrator. I'll be happy to send an email directly to you to keep the conversation going.

Thanks in advance,
Melissa

Melissa Barber
Electronic Communications Specialist
Death with Dignity National Center

Could you pleaase help me? I've just learned that I have terminal lung cancer. I'm 57. Two years ago my mother buried my younger sister after taking care of her for 14 years until she passed away from lupus. It was a horrible death and I cannot do this to my mother. I'm fine with physician assisted suicide, but it's not legal in Florida. I have family and friends in Montana, lived there for years, but am not a resident. Please help me find a doctor who will help me go in peace and pain free. My mother has said she'll help me anyway she can even if it means having to go to another state. The pain is starting and I wish to die with the dignity and calmness I still possess. Thank you.

Marilyn Gardner

Thank you for your comment, Marilyn. I'm so sorry to hear about your recent diagnosis; my thoughts are with you. I'll write a personal email to you as well.

I've found locating an excellent hospice and palliative care doctor a great source of comfort for people facing a terminal illness both in states with and without Death with Dignity laws. Please visit the following links for more information:

Locate a certified hospice and palliative care physician near you:
http://www.association-office.com/ABHPM/etools/publicdir/search.cfm
Further information about hospice and end-of-life planning:
http://www.nhpco.org/i4a/pages/Index.cfm?pageID=3254

Best,
Melissa

Melissa Barber
Electronic Communications Specialist
Death with Dignity National Center

Dear Melissa:

I did not receive your email - please repost.

I am not interested in hospice and palliative care. In fact, my sister who took 8 years to die was a registered nurse with a local hospice.

Since diagnosed, I literally lost myself, my lifestyle, my energy, my plans, my future. I have purchased my gravesite, stone, and saved for cremation.

The only thing I want control of is how I die and I refuse to do it in a bed gorked on pain medication after the cancer has gone to my brain (like my father who died of lung cancer).

I wish to sit in the sun or look at the stars, with a family member and my best friend. I have a fear of committing suicide in some remote Florida area, or having strangers hold down my hands while a plastic bag is placed over my hand, or starving myself to death. In no way do any of these methods represent death with dignity. They're terrifying!

There has to be some way, something I can do to change the rights of those who are terminally ill and whose home state adherew to archaic mores to appease religious groups.

I had a lobectomy and one round of chemo. I am unable to tolerate more chemo...thus, I'm just waiting.

Anyone with suggestions - please advise.

Best, Marilyn

Good to hear from you again, Marilyn. I'm sorry you didn't get my original message. I just sent another one to your email address. Please let me know if you didn't receive it.

Best,
Melissa

Melissa Barber
Electronic Communications Specialist
Death with Dignity National Center