In This Issue
A Word From Our 
Executive Director
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.

frosty-branches-header.jpg

With warm gratitude, 
Susan Plummer, Exec. Director

Upcoming Free 
Advance Care Planning Workshops

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 
Event Recap
Advance Care Planning Symposium II 2019
 
Dr. Fred Kass, Keynote Speaker

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." 
Dr. Deborah Meyers, Sansum Clinic, Palliative Care Physician


Adriana Marroquin, Hospice of Santa Barbara, Community Initiatives Manager

New Tool Helps Start Conversations About End of Life

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.
Community Events

           

           Angels Among Us 2019
 

angel_statue_with_wings.jpg
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.
Light Up A Life 2019

blue_star.jpg
Light Up A Life Ceremonies

 
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.

For more information about Alliance For Living and Dying Well, 
visit our website.
Alliance for Living 
and Dying Well
2040 Alameda Padre Serra, 
Suite 110
Santa Barbara, CA  93103
(805) 845-5314
The Alliance for Living and Dying Well is a collaboration of Santa Barbara area agencies that seek a seamless, compassionate continuum of end-of-life care, including:  
The Alliance for Living and Dying Well is 100% privately funded, and all services are provided to the Santa Barbara community free of charge. Your donation will help make our community healthier. Support the Alliance today.    Click here    to learn more!