St. Luke’s CEO L’Don Sawyer (pictured above) triggered substantial interest in end-of life planning with her February 15th presentation at the UA Department of Psychology Annual Conference on Successful Aging. With more than 250 attendees, feedback has been strong, and St. Luke’s response has been swift.
The feedback reflects a fact that Sawyer noted in her presentation: While 60% of people believe that ensuring family members are not burdened with tough end-of-life decisions is “extremely important,” a full 56% have not made known their end-of-life wishes.
In response, St. Luke’s has scheduled two public forums with plans to hold quarterly gatherings to address this vital topic. Up first:
March 20, 2 pm-3:30 pm: Rev. Karen McDonald, M.Div., Health Education Manager, Interfaith Community Services, Conversations of a Lifetime
April 11, 9:30 am-11 am: Ronald Zack, Udall Law Firm, Elder Law Specialist, Advanced Directives: Don’t Die Without One
Three recent deaths within the St. Luke’s community also underscore the need to increase education on end-of-life planning, Sawyer said. “I was deeply struck by these deaths,” Sawyer explained. “We can all learn a lot about what can happen when wishes are not made known,” she said.
Sawyer shared the details of how each of the men died.
Joseph (all names changed to protect privacy) died surrounded by his family, and had taken the time to make clear through advance directives the level of care he wanted when he died. His family was well aware of his wishes and as one of them noted, “He had a good death. It happened exactly as he wanted.”
Hector was hospitalized and told the social workers at the hospital he had a brother he had not seen for years. As Hector’s condition worsened, social workers tried to find his lost brother but had no concrete information to go on. Hospital doctors and administrators had no luck in finding his brother and had to guess about his dying wishes on treatment.
Samuel was an orphan adult with no family and no close friends. He died in surgery, leaving behind two bags with his belongings and no one to notify or claim his things.
“The circumstances of each of these deaths make clear just how important it is to take the time to talk with family, register directives with the state, and designate at least one person to be notified at death,” Sawyer said. She added, “If we all took more control of how we want to die, layers of stress about the dying process could be eased. Loved one’s can be more fully present when not agonizing about what the dying person might have wanted,” Sawyer said.
St. Luke’s Home has been selected as the nonprofit beneficiary of the Southern Arizona Home Builders Association (SAHBA) Charity Classic Golf Tournament, which takes place at the Omni Tucson National Resort on September 8, 2017.
“We are thrilled and deeply grateful that SAHBA has recognized the important work of St. Luke’s and has chosen to honor us as this year’s non-profit recipient,” said L’Don Sawyer, St. Luke’s CEO.
Matt Minder of Southwest Gas and Energy Solutions and chair of SAHBA’s Chairty Golf Tournament Committee, said that St. Luke’s was selected over four other nominated nonprofits.
“We have a committee of about 15 people, and we were interested in funding a smaller organization that is impacting the community, especially for under-served populations. We were all impressed with St. Luke’s,” Minder said.
According to Minder, last year’s beneficiary, Youth On Their Own, received $9000 from the Tournament. “I cannot guarantee what the amount will be this year,” Minder said, “but we are doubling the size of the tournament and if all goes as planned, we hope to double what we donated in past years.”
It is NOT Too Late for 2016 Tax Credit
You can still qualify for a tax credit on your 2016 taxes with a donation to St. Luke’s Homes. The Arizona State Legislature passed a new law in 2016 that doubles the tax credit donation for non-profits like St. Luke’s that serve low income families and it extended the deadline until April 15, 2017.
Married couples can donate up to $800 and an individual can now donate up to $400 and receive the Arizona Charitable Tax Credit.
This donation can be made in addition to any contributions to a school or veteran’s group. In other words, you can now significantly expand your ability to designate where your tax money is spent.
Contributions to St. Luke’s in the Desert, Inc. Contact your tax advisor on how to file. Donate at www.stlukeshometucson.org