Dawn after Ken floated into the Universe
In 2023, CTAC is looking forward to highlighting the patient and caregiver stories that have not been given a voice.
These stories are what connect us to the work we do in changing the serious illness landscape to bring about person-centered care. Each patient is unique and has their own wants and needs. Each person has their own vision of dignity and end-of-life care. We all share a vision in respecting the choice of the individual.
“It’s critical to have people who communicate with you honestly about what you’re going through and what you can expect and how you’re going to cope with all of this.”– Jane Conrad (C-TAC Member)
We all have a why to share and a reason for doing the work we all do in serious illness care. Hear her why and hear her husband Ken’s story of leadership for his vision of care.
“I’m the captain of this ship, not Jane, not you, this is my decision. I’m not taking pills; I’m not going through all of that again and there will be no finger-pointing. You can learn from this, we’re all going to die sometime, and I’ll be the one to decide when to lie down my sword and my shield, these are my choices, and you have to respect them.” – Ken Payment
When we talk to Jane, she always brings us back to our mission and reminds us of our why. The strength of her family is an evident theme in overcoming hurdles to unite behind their leader when faced with serious illness. Ken’s vision for what’s important at the end of life was his decision and they honored that. Stories like Ken’s uplift and inspire our movement.
Her family’s journey in search of a good death is the why to the work we do every day to ensure the voices of patients and caregivers are heard and their needs are understood.
The why we do what we all do is so important. These stories connect us all to a shared mission.
Ken Payment and Jane Conrad
The stories of healthcare changemakers. The tireless work of Faith and Community leaders. The unheard stories of patients and caregivers who demand dignified, person-centered care that respects our choices at the end of life.
“Everybody should have a chance to have a team that helps them understand their prognosis, understand the choices they face at every fork in the road and what are the ramifications of those choices and what are their personal preferences and priorities so that their care matches their values and I’m hoping that CTAC and other advocates are going to continue to advocate and lobby for more help for caregivers and families and patients.”
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Now’s the time to start a Patient and Caregiver Movement!
In honor of Shirley and the 12 million individuals across America who are impacted by serious illness, we are launching The Blue Chair Fund to ensure that every person’s voice – especially those who are underserved and under-resourced – is heard and respected.
Join us in championing Patient and Caregivers across America – Donate here!
Stories are what connect us to our work. Do you have a patient or caregiver story that needs to be shared? We’d love to connect to help share it!
Email Jim McGuire at JMcGuire@theCTAC.org
