“Being Mortal” Screening and Discussion on Tuesday, June 27
Published on 6/2/2017
Yancey Hospice and Palliative Care and Neighbors Helping Neighbors are holding a free
community screening of the documentary “Being Mortal” on Tuesday, June 27, 2017 at 6:00
p.m. at the First Baptist Church, 11 Town Square, Burnsville, NC 28714, with the assistance of
Reverend Tommy James and the First Baptist Church congregation. The screening will begin
promptly at 6:00 p.m. in the sanctuary of First Baptist Church and will last approximately an
hour. After the screening (approximately 7:00 p.m.), we will have light refreshments and a
Question and Answer panel in the fellowship hall of the church. During this time, audience
members can participate in a guided conversation on how to take concrete steps to identify
and communicate wishes about end-of-life goals and preferences.
“Being Mortal” is adapted from a 2014 nationally bestselling book of the same name and
written and commentated by Dr. Atul Gawande, MD. (More information about the book can be
found at http://atulgawande.com/book/being-mortal/.) The documentary delves into the hopes
of patients and families facing terminal illness. The film investigates the practice of caring for
the dying and explores the relationships between patients and families that Dr. Gawande
encounters. When Dr. Gawande’s own father gets cancer, his search for answers about how
best to care for the dying becomes a personal quest. The film sheds light on how a medical
system focused on a cure often leaves out the sensitive conversations that need to happen so
a patient’s true wishes can be known and honored at the end. “Being Mortal” underscores the
importance of people planning ahead and talking with family members about end-of-life
decisions.
Seventy percent of Americans say they would prefer to die at home, but nearly seventy
percent die in hospitals and institutions. Ninety percent of Americans know they should have
conversations about end-of-life care, yet only thirty percent have done so. This film sheds light
on those issues that so many people do not wish to speak about but know they should deal
with for themselves and their families. Will you join us for such an important topic in each of
our lives?
For more information about the free screening, contact Jacob Willis, Bereavement Coordinator
at 828-682-9675 or jacobw@hospiceofyancey.org.
Special thanks to Reverend Tommy James and the First Baptist Church congregation for
hosting and assisting with this event.