Marlton, NJ – For most people, it’s difficult to talk about how to prepare for death. Samaritan Healthcare & Hospice, along with co-sponsors the Courier Post and The Perkins Center for the Arts, aim to make the conversation about a person’s needs, wishes and “bucket list” for life’s final chapter a little easier by hosting #BeforeIDie, a day-long interactive experience on October 29 at The Perkins Center for the Arts in Collingswood.
The only event of its kind in South Jersey, the third annual #BeforeIDie event will feature music, food and resources in addition to opportunities for attendees to take part in presentations that explain how to break down the barriers of talking about planning for the end of life.
“Talking about death is usually at the bottom of someone’s bucket list while it really should be at the top,” explains Christine Corti, communications specialist for Samaritan. “Once you dabble in conversations about end-of-life wishes with family and friends, you learn about yourself and your loved ones. These discussions build closer connections and eliminate any question or doubt when you have to make healthcare decisions for your family members.”
Individuals will be able to explore these issues at their own pace at #BeforeIDie. From 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., families and children can enjoy age-appropriate activities, and a presentation by nationally-renowned storyteller and artist Queen Nur of Willingboro, N.J. Queen Nur’s captivating live performances showcase cultures’ shared humanity through folklore and interactive storytelling.
Starting at 2:00 PM, there will also be adults-only sessions on death, caregiving and illnesses, including another Queen Nur presentation especially for adults, and special presentation from local pathologist’s assistant Nicole Angemi, who has built a huge Instagram fanbase (1.3 million followers and counting) by sharing insightful, educational shots of bodily injuries and diseases. Adults age 21 and older are invited to visit vendors, listen to live music from area performers and enjoy food and drinks from local establishments.
About Samaritan Healthcare & Hospice
Samaritan Healthcare & Hospice is a not-for-profit, non-sectarian, independent organization locally founded in Moorestown, New Jersey in 1980. Samaritan is the regional leader for hospice care, palliative (comfort) medicine, grief support and counseling, end-of-life education, and advocacy. Samaritan serves people in Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Gloucester, and Mercer counties who are coping with the stresses of aging, serious illness or grief in their homes, assisted-living, or nursing home communities and through two inpatient hospice centers: The Samaritan Center at Mt. Holly and The Samaritan Center at Voorhees. Two thrift shops, in Westmont and Pitman, support Samaritan services and programs. Samaritan is accredited by The Joint Commission, a member of the Home Care & Hospice Association of New Jersey, and a four-star-level hospice in NHPCO’s We Honor Veterans program, created in collaboration with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). For more information, visit www.SamaritanNJ.org
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