CSUN Interior Design & Theatre Students Present a Reading of "One Day."

Critically Acclaimed Play About Hope

ONE DAY, written by Doris Baizley, is a play based on life stories,

hopes, dreams and fantasies of residents at Sarah House, a

pioneering hospice home in Santa Barbara serving homeless

and low-income community members.

Our Community House of Hope intends to establish this

type of loving alternative for an end-of-life care home here

in Ventura or Northwestern L. A. County.

Q&A and light refreshments to follow the play.

CSU student artwork will be for sale prior to and after the

performance, all proceeds will directly support OCHH.

TICKETS SOLD THROUGH CSUN BOX OFFICE

General Admission $10 • Students/Seniors $8

For Ticket Information Please Call 818-677-2488

See parking information on left side of screen.

Inquiries about the hospice can be made directly to

Our Community House of Hope, info@ourhouseofhope.org

Photos from Dr. Horton Lecture, March 15th in the CSUN Sequoia Hall

OCHH Sample House

 OCHH Introduction Poster

 

Host of the Lecture

OCHH Staff

Main Lecturer: Dr. Horton

 

Listener's Question Section

Prof. Thakur(CSUN FCS Faculty) is communicating with Dr. Horton

Students are having hot communication with OCHH Staff

Dr. Horton March 15th lecture

Dr. Horton is a general medicine practitioner who presented a lecture at CSUN to students, faculty, and the general public about the role of a hospice in our community. He is the author of “Adventures at the End of Life: from Stress to Wisdom,” which was the topic of discussion. He has a unique approach when working with patients who are near death. Working with people who have had near death experiences had described him similar stories; peoples’ experience enlighten his view during the last days of a persons’ life. At the beginning of the lecture, his statement “death doesn’t need to be scary” was impacting since people exhibit negative stresses when it comes to dealing with death. When people think, hear, speak, and even write the word death negative anxiety come upon them which will makes it more difficult coping with death. He reminded us that we need not to show fear, intimidation, or be terrified for it is just as natural as giving birth. The role of a hospice is to provide a dignified death and help individuals and their families cope with coming of an end of life. Studied in Japan, Dr. Horton gained in-depth understanding about human life and evolution. Understanding the basics and primitive reactions and emotions gave him the ability to work with people and help them accept death if physicians had no other survival option. Wisdom is described by Dr. Horton as experiential and not belief. There are principles that were discussed which are the components to this end of life wisdom. The first principle of departure is to let the person die their way. If patient chooses to end their life through starvation rejecting medical and attention or drugs then those people close to them should fulfill their needs. It is important to let someone choose a way to end their life for it can lead to more severe cases like using some weapon of choice and have a painful, miserable, sad death.  Family and friends of a dying person can sometimes be hurtful by keeping from moving on with life; that is why the next principle discussed by Dr. Horton is when it is time to leave, it is time to leave. Let the person choose a day if possible and give them the gift of a peaceful ending. Finding inner peace before death is important, therefore, the next principle is having no regrets. Accomplishing goals, being charitable, or anything that causes pleasure is also important for those who are ready to leave life. Approaching death with regrets causes negative stresses that will prevent from fining peace and accepting the very last step of life. This also poses a problem for those around since they will experience the personal turmoil their loved one is going through during their last stages. Keeping a simple death also provides peace for patients and family members. The last of the principles discusses by Dr. Horton is be reminded what a person can take with them. Material objects stay on earth and ultimately become memorabilia for those who are alive. Applying the principles will help build memories and even bring back wonderful moments from the past so that a dying patient can be reminded of the fulfilling life they once lived and can take that with them in the afterlife. The role of a hospice provides these important elements for patients who have a terminal illness and have a few months left to live. At home, cared by loved ones may get the care they need, but will not prepare them for a peaceful exit. They will not as mentally prepared and will not accept death to the full extent like Dr. Horton discussed during his entire lecture. One person asked him what advice he would give to family members and those who are dying. His answer was hope. There is always hope to survive an illness, to live successfully in the shadows of sickness and still be happy and have a peaceful death, and to live gracefully. Most importantly, make the effort to live with hope.