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World of Wonder? (WOW)

Does that mean “world of wonder?”

So many things coming together at the same time and we seemingly have the right politicians coming to the field at the right time to provide leadership (now that’s a world of wonder). We have the Truchon & Gladu case from Quebec and the wonderful promise of the Prime Minister “to not appeal .. and study the legislation to remove other restrictive practices.”

The door is opening. Take a look:

https://www.dyingwithdignity.ca/quebec_plans_advance_requests

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/medical-assistance-in-death-report-1.5377890

https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-from-dementia-to-medically-assisted-death-a-canadian-womans-journey

In spite of my optimism, I realize it’s not a straight course. There are gaps. Look at this news piece from CTV on December 8, 2019…

https://www.ctvnews.ca/video?clipId=1849846&jwsource=cl

Obviously, we have a way to go .. but you and I can play a role in this evolution of Canadian medical history. Here’s what I wrote .. and I’m going to write more to every MP and MPP for whom I can find an email address. Please join in and help “kick the ball” down the field. The goal posts are wide open.

Good News – August 1, 2019

Really good news, the Alzheimer’s Society for Canada(ASC) is revising its policy regarding MAID. Pending ratification by the Board of Directors in September, the ASC will post its new policy on their website. Now we can move forward with programmes that truly provide a “Beacon of Hope” for many people living with dementia. And now, more importantly, we can actively support Dying With Dignity Canada(DWDC) in its attempts to rectify the shortfalls of MAID. See the ASC’s stated intention as of August 1, 2019.

London Morning with Rebecca Zandbergen – March 25, 2019: Dementia Awareness

Public Education Coordinator Susan Oster and Ron Posno, who was diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment, tell London Morning about a series of workshops aimed at dissolving the stigma around dementia.

https://www.cbc.ca/listen/live-radio/1-158-london-morning/clip/15681505-dementia-awareness

Serenity Prayer

I have closed this website with the Serenity Prayer – first offered to me by a close friend and mentor more than fifty years ago. It’s provided me with comfort and guidance. I wish the same for you.

Sunday Edition with Michael Enright on September 30, 2018

Ontario Man with dementia is on a crusade to plan his own death.

“A London, Ont. man in the early stages of dementia wants the right to end his life with medical assistance when his condition gets worse. But current laws make no provision for advanced requests – effectively excluding people with Alzheimer’s and dementia.”
CBC Radio

Ron’s Purpose Regarding MAID

WARNING: THE FOLLOWING COMMENTS ABOUT MEDICAL ASSISTANCE IN DYING(MAID) MAY BE OFFENSIVE TO SOME. MY INTENTION IS NOT TO OFFEND, BUT TO INFORM THOSE WHO CHOOSE TO BECOME INFORMED.

The most compelling health legislation in this country – the Canada Health Act – was offered to Canadians in 1967. Highly regarded and anticipated by many and feared by others, MAID was offered to some Canadians in June, 2016 after direction from the Supreme Court of Canada a year and a half earlier. Unfortunately, MAID is a failure in design: it deliberately excludes many Canadians undertaking a grievous and hurtful existence leading to death – including all of us facing a future with dementia – from even consideration of MAID.