Orange County Death Cafe DEC 17 2025

I’m really missing Anne, our scribe, but here’s a few things of note:

-First item discussed was the morphine shortage in this country (and actually around the world) and how that will surely affect patients under hospice care.

-The Medical Aid in Dying (MAID) bill was recently signed off by Governor Hochul in New York.

-We talked about the difference between PALLIATIVE and HOSPICE care.  With the former, a patient is still allowed to be undergoing treatment while not seeking a cure.  

-Books discussed/recommended:  “The VSED Handbook” by Kate Christie; “Remarkably Bright Creatures” by Shelby Van Pelt.

-Resources:  MOST form (obtain from your doctor); compassionandchoices.org website

-National Homeless Persons’ Memorial Day is Sunday, December 21st.  There will be a service in Chapel Hill at the old police station.  Details here:  https://www.thechapelofthecross.org/orange-county-homeless-memorial-vigil/

-Quote of the day:  “Love is inconvenient.”  (from Victor Sweeney’s book, “Now Departing”).

Next Orange County Death Cafe:  Wednesday, January 21st, 2026  6:00pm

• Sara Williams