Category Archives: als

Train Wrecks and Being Bushwacked in the Land of Oz – Bill Peace, Danny Robert and Nadina LaSpina report on the Oz Show

als, assisted suicide, blog recommendations, Danny Robert, Dr. Oz, infotainment, ira byock, media coverage, media issues, Nadina LaSpina, Our News & Commentary Blog, ventilator, william peace

As we reported last week, several NDYers and other disability activists went to the taping of the “Dr. Oz” show on assisted suicide.  We were able to share the impressions of a disabled man who is part of the Final Exit Network (FEN) who came away feeling that the staff of the show was dishonest … Continue reading Train Wrecks and Being Bushwacked in the Land of Oz – Bill Peace, Danny Robert and Nadina LaSpina report on the Oz Show →

Follow-up: Writer with ALS Who Penned “The Good Short Life” Considers Hanging Around Longer

als, choices, Dudley Clendinen, living well, Our News & Commentary Blog, suicide

Just last week, this blog discussed the NY Times essay by Dudley Clendinen about living with ALS (aka amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or Lou Gehrig’s Disease) and his plans for his death.  Clendinen’s definition of what constituted a meaningful life and his plans to end his life at a certain point moved columnist David Brooks to … Continue reading Follow-up: Writer with ALS Who Penned “The Good Short Life” Considers Hanging Around Longer →

News on Minna Mettinen-Kekalainen: Home Care Resumed, But Problems Remain

als, aspergers, Canada, long term care, Our News & Commentary Blog, palliative care

Like many bloggers/advocates/activists, I have been awaiting word that Minna Mettinen-Kekalainen’s home care had actually resumed. The last news story about her situation was published when the first day of resumed care was still several days away. Northern Life.ca has an update on Minna, a mixed bag of good news and progress still to be … Continue reading News on Minna Mettinen-Kekalainen: Home Care Resumed, But Problems Remain →

Great News: Minna Mettinen-Kekalainen’s Home Care to Resume Monday (Feb. 2, 2009)

activism, advocacy, als, Canada, Our News & Commentary Blog, palliative care, policy

Several news sources, including the Canadian Press and CTV.ca, are reporting that Minna Mettinen-Kekalainen’s home care will resume this coming Monday (February 2, 2009). As I said, there are several reports, but it’s only fitting to highlight the Sudbury Star article by Carol Mulligan. Mulligan originally broke this story and continued to push it into … Continue reading Great News: Minna Mettinen-Kekalainen’s Home Care to Resume Monday (Feb. 2, 2009) →

Canada: MPP Gelinas Hopeful Help is on the Way for Minna Mettinen-Kekalainen (Sudbury Star)

advocacy, als, aspergers, Canada, neglect, Our News & Commentary Blog, palliative care

The latest on Minna Mettinen-Kekalainen: MPP hopeful help is on way From the story: For the last three weeks, Mettinen-Kekalainen has taken her fight with the CCAC public in media interviews — even going as far as staging a brief hunger strike to protest the fact she has not been receiving home care. The CCAC … Continue reading Canada: MPP Gelinas Hopeful Help is on the Way for Minna Mettinen-Kekalainen (Sudbury Star) →