Still from "The Last Ecstatic Days," of Ethan and Aditi Sethi, M.D., end-of-life doula, founder and executive director of The Center for Conscious Living & Dying in Asheville, North Carolina.Death is a universal experience, yet few people talk about how they will prepare for it.
On Thursday, Sept. 12, University of Alabama at Birmingham Arts in Medicine will host a special event with palliative care experts who will share insights and answer questions on how to honor these profound moments. A screening of the powerful documentary “The Last Ecstatic Days” will be at 6 p.m., followed by a panel discussion at 7:30 p.m., in UAB’s Alys Stephens Performing Arts Center. Register for the screening and discussion at AlysStephens.org.
“The Last Ecstatic Days” tells the story of one person’s determination to live every moment as fully as possible, and to die surrounded by love. The film follows Ethan, a man diagnosed with glioblastoma, who bravely allowed his final days to be filmed to inspire audiences with a vision of what is possible when death is embraced with preparation and intention. It offers an intimate and unflinching look at how Ethan navigated the end of his life with grace, acceptance and deep spiritual reflection.
Following the screening, there will be a panel discussion, “End of Life Care: Cultural and Spiritual Considerations.” Research shows that addressing these needs can greatly improve patient satisfaction and well-being and provide critical support for families. Special guest will be Aditi Sethi, M.D., end-of-life doula and founder and executive director of The Center for Conscious Living & Dying in Asheville, North Carolina, who is featured in the film.
Speakers from the UAB Marnix E. Heersink School of Medicine will include:
- Rushil Patel, M.D., assistant professor in the Division of Hematology and Oncology, who is board certified in hospice and palliative care.
- Director of Psychology and Counseling Programs in the Center for Palliative and Supportive Care Chao-Hui Sylvia Huang, Ph.D., associate professor in the Division of Gerontology, Geriatrics and Palliative Care.
- Moneka Thompson, spiritual care manager, Center for Palliative and Supportive Care.
Guest artist Manjari Sharma, who documented her mother’s decade-long battle with frontotemporal dementia, will join the discussion. This fall, Sharma will be in residence with UAB Arts in Medicine and Abroms-Engel Institute for the Visual Arts with two exhibitions of works. Read more about Sharma’s residency.
The discussion will be moderated by Rev. Julie Conrady of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Birmingham, Alabama.
The event, open to the public, is pay what you can, with all proceeds supporting end-of-life doula education in Birmingham to help foster a community that is compassionate and well-prepared to care for those transitioning. UAB Arts in Medicine’s partner for this event is the Birmingham Community Collective, in support of The Center for Conscious Living & Dying.
This event will be streamed online. Register online and receive an email with a Zoom link. Email artsinmedicine@uab.edu for more information.