Safeguarding a Fundamental Civil Liberty
Medical aid in dying is a life-giving treatment that honors our personal freedom of self-determination and gives serious substance to the idea that we have the right to choose all, some, or no medical treatment toward the end of life.
Every month we receive notes of gratitude for the work we have done together. Please consider what value you place on knowing that you or someone you love will have access to medical aid in dying.
Every month we receive notes of gratitude for the work we have done together. Please consider what value you place on knowing that you or someone you love will have access to medical aid in dying.
Stimulus for Thoughtful and Compassionate Policy - a note from PCV President Betsy Walkerman, 3/22/21
This morning when I saw that my $1,400 stimulus check had landed in my bank account, I decided to be thoughtful about these funds, rather than just considering them to be found money. Here’s what I’m thinking – I'll donate half the windfall to provide critical support for those in need, and half to organizations that work to advance equity, access and social policy. I hope that when you consider how to apply your $1,400, if you have the latitude to do so, you will conclude that PCV’s work merits a meaningful contribution. This year as we work with legislators to make important improvements to Act 39, our budget reflects the cost of this intensive effort. Your support drives our ability to be successful. So go ahead – Take the $1,400 divide by two and give $700 to two organizations, or divide by five and give $280 to five organizations. Or keep a chunk of it, and split the rest into donations… whatever is right for you. Just know that every donation to PCV helps us serve patients and families, educate communities and medical professionals, and safeguard Act 39. Creative Ways to Donate:
Donate Stock:
By giving appreciated securities you can avoid paying capital gains taxes, receive a tax deduction on the full value of the gift, and support Patient Choices Vermont at a lower cost to you than if you made a cash gift. If you would like to make a stock donation, please contact us for transfer instructions. Give From Your IRA: People age 70½ and older can donate up to $100,000 directly to Patient Choices Vermont from their individual retirement accounts (IRAs) without it being counted as taxable income. The gift can be used as your required minimum distribution. Your financial institution needs to issue the check directly to PCV, and the gift must be made by December 31 of the tax year. Contact your provider or visit their website to obtain a simple form to fill out. Honor Donations: We were honored to receive donations in memory of John Hennessey, former PCV board member, who requested that donations in lieu of flowers be made to Patient Choices Vermont. If we each do the same, we will be informing others about medical aid in dying and helping ensure that end-of-life choice is available for the long-term. Leave a Legacy: You can leave a lasting legacy in support of end-of-life choice by naming Patient Choices Vermont as a beneficiary in your will or living trust, life insurance or retirement account. You don't have to be wealthy to do this. A donation of any amount can be designated. Further Information: Our 501(c)(3) status is listed under our official corporate name: Vermont End of Life Choices, Inc. Please contact us if you would like a copy of our organization's IRS determination letter confirming our tax status. |
Donate to Patient Choices Vermont
Secure Online Giving: Or Send a Check to: Patient Choices Vermont P.O. Box 671 Shelburne, VT 05482 
To Friends of John (Bumble) Young --
Thank you to John and his family and friends who designated Patient Choices Vermont to receive donations in his honor. We remember John as being full of compassion and laughter and deeply appreciated his commitment to end-of-life choice. Bequest Received --
PCV is grateful for the bequest left to our organization by Richard (Terry) Jeroloman. We had a number of engaging conversations with Richard in the months before he used medical aid in dying. Little did we know that he would make this generous last gesture. To his friends and family, our sympathies. From grateful supporters:
"Keep up the GREAT work - we need the right to die in peace and with freedom." From Melinda Moulton. "When you are a busy, vital person who has a full life that is interrupted by a debilitating, terminal disease, and day by day your very sense of self is stripped away, you reach a point where you start to wonder what your next step might be. Act 39 provides one choice. For some of us, the choice about how we live our life is of utmost importance. For my sister Maggie, that was always at the top of her list. When her cancer returned and little by little she lost the ability to live her life, pain became unbearable, breathing was limited, she chose to use Act 39 to hasten her death. My family is grateful every day that Maggie's death was like her life; one of powerful personal choice." From Katy Lesser |