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Common Questions About Facing Death and Loss

My father has been getting cancer treatment for some time now. We’ve been told there’s really nothing more to try. What do people do in this situation?
How You May Feel When Time Is Limited Advanced Cancer: Living Each Day - National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Cancer Overview: If Treatment Stops Working - People Living With Cancer
Nearing the End of Life - American Cancer Society (ACS)

It's hard talking about treatment when I don't feel well. I can't get a straight answer from anyone. Is there anything to help guide me or my family through this?
Talking About Your Final Wishes - American Association of Retired Persons (AARP)
A Dying Person's Guide to Dying - American College of Physicians & American Society of Internal Medicine

Is there an organization that grants wishes to people who are terminally ill?
Dream Foundation - When research and medicine can no longer help – we can.
Make-A-Wish Foundation - Gramts wishes to children who are ill.

Do you have any prayers for those whose loved one is dying?
Readings, Prayers and Spiritual Resources for Those Keeping Vigil and Giving Care - Hospice Net

What is different about hospice care than other types of care? And when should I consider this as an option?
Cancer Overview: Hospice Care - People Living With Cancer
Fact or Fiction: Learning the Truth About Hospice - American Hospice Association

How can I help a child who is grieving?
Loss, Grief and Bereavement - National Cancer Institute (NCI)
When a Brother or Sister Dies - Compassionate Friends
Ways Parents Can Help Bereaved Children and More - The Garden - a center for grieving children and teens
Guidelines for Planning a Children's Funeral - American Hospice Foundation
Grief and Kids - American Hospice Foundation

How can I help when someone I know is grieving?
How Can I Help When a Child Dies? - Compassionate Friends
What You Can Do To Help a Grieving Friend - The Garden - a center for grieving children and teens

How can I take care of myself while grieving?
Helping Yourself Through Grief - American Hospice Foundation
Bereavement - National Cancer Institute
Coping With Grief - ACS

Is there any information on funerals?
Funerals: a Consumer's Guide - Federal Trade Commission

Do you have a list of websites, books, and other resources on facing death and loss?
Information Finder on Facing Death and Loss

Revised 2008

Harvard Medical School - Teaching Affiliate  
Treadwell Library | Blum Learning Center