Life's Too Short

Lisa and Jason enjoy a cup of coffee from Strictly Organic while interviewing Dr. Jenny Blechman, Palliative Care Physician for Partners In Care.  Jenny discusses acclimating to the West Coast, the emergence of Palliative Care, her role in the Central Oregon healthcare community, and why Palliative Care can ultimately be a cost-savings for healthcare.  

Erin Collins, Certified Hospice and Palliative Care Nurse and End of Life Doula, joins Lisa and Jason over Zoom to discuss the emerging role of Death Doulas in end of life care.  Erin is the founder of The Peaceful Presence Project, a Central Oregon non-profit organization whose mission is to help communities reimagine  the way we talk about, plan for and experience  the last stage of life.  

Dr. Stephen Kornfield has served as a Central Oregon Oncologist for over 30 years.  Lisa and Jason sit down with him over Zoom to discuss how he ended up in Oncology, having tough conversations with patients and families, what hope can look like, and how bird watching all over the globe balances out his work. 

Lisa also enjoys her coffee from Looney Bean during this episode.  Jason is just boring.  

Lisa and Jason have the distinct pleasure of interviewing Deborah Grassman, author of Peace At Last and founder of Opus Peace.  Deborah talks about her work with Veterans, how they became her teachers, Soul Injury, and how we can be present to others who have a Soul Injury.

Click here to view Deborah Grassman's Ted Talk.

Our local featured coffee house - Kennedy's Coffee House

Brett Edgerly, President and Owner of Prineville Funeral Home, joins Lisa and Jason to discuss the ins and outs of operating a funeral home in Central Oregon. Brett discusses the changes he has witnessed in the funeral industry over the years, the wisdom of pre-planning, and the joy he has serving the Central Oregon community. 

Lisa enjoyed a wonderful beverage from Thump Coffee during this episode. 

Most people know Partners In Care for their Hospice or Home Health services, but most are unfamiliar with the Transitions program.
Lisa and Jason are joined by Laurie Slye and Bethany Benefield, two of the five Partners In Care Transitions Coordinators, to discuss the Transitions program, how the program benefits many in our community, and the amazing people they get to serve.  

Lisa and Jason are joined by Kendall Brownrigg for an honest conversation about taking care of a loved one with Alzheimer's disease.  Kendall's father, Richard Brownrigg, moved to Central Oregon in the mid-1960s and owned Cascade Disposal for four  decades.  After selling the business, he began displaying signs of memory loss, including going missing for a couple of days.   Kendall shares her honest and painful story of caring for her dad and having him admitted to hospice during his final days. 

Kendall makes mention of Kaitlyn as being a support.  Kaitlyn Bertholet is the Central Oregon Regional Coordinator for the Alzheimer's Association. 

The 24/7 Alzheimer's helpline is: 800.272.3900

Coffee enjoyed was picked up at Lone Pine.  

Claire B. Willis, co-author of the book Opening to Grief, joins Lisa and Jason to discuss grief, our evolving cultural acknowledgement of grief, being mindful of our grief, being present for others in their grief, and how the pandemic has shaped our grief. 

Claire is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Buddhist Chaplain, having spent twenty years serving people in oncology and hospice.  She is the author of two books: Lasting Words: A Guide to Finding Meaning Toward the Close of Life, and Opening to Grief: Finding Your Way From Loss to Peace.  She is also the founder of the non-profit Facing Cancer Together.  She resides in Massachusetts.  

Alison Perry, Founder and Executive Director of the Central Oregon Veterans Ranch, sits down via Zoom with Lisa and Jason to discuss her experience working for Veterans Affairs, her desire for a different therapeutic model to serve our Veterans, and the dream of the Central Oregon Veterans Ranch. 

Lisa and Jason enjoyed Joe'Mamas coffee during this episode. 

To explore more of the topics and places mentioned in conversation with Alison:
Moral Injury
Sacred Art of Living
Vet Center
Kefi Fresh Restaurant

This episode is dedicated to the memory of Marjorie Lussier. 

Her husband (and former CEO of St. Charles Health System) Jim Lussier, along with Carol  Pfeil, Central Oregon Coordinator for the Parkinson's Resources of Oregon, join Lisa and Jason to discuss Parkinson's Disease.    Jim and Carol provide personal and supportive perspectives on how Parkinson's is diagnosed, treatment options, and the support available for patients and families. 
The  Enormè coffees enjoyed on this episode were crafted by Brewed Awakenings. 

Some helpful support and services mentioned in the episode:
Central Oregon Parkinson's Council
Parkinson's Resources of Oregon
The Prevalence Project
Bottle Drop - Blue Bag Program