Create a living legacy after cancer diagnosis
By Mayo Clinic staffOriginal Article: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/living-legacy/MY01996
- With Mayo Clinic nurse educator
Sheryl M. Ness, R.N.
read biographyclose windowBiography of
Sheryl M. Ness, R.N.
Sheryl M. Ness
Sheryl Ness, R.N., O.C.N., is a nurse educator for the Cancer Education Program at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. She helps inform patients, families and caregivers about services and resources to help them through the cancer journey.
She has a master's degree in nursing from Augsburg College. In addition, she is an assistant professor of oncology at the College of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, and is certified as a specialist in oncology nursing. Sheryl has worked for more than 20 years at Mayo Clinic as an educator. She has a keen interest in the importance of the quality of life and concerns of people living with cancer.
Latest entries
- Preventive mastectomy — a personal choice
May 25, 2013
- Share your story about living with cancer
May 18, 2013
- Gratitude for a mother's care and love
May 10, 2013
- Celebrate National Cancer Survivors Day
May 3, 2013
- Practice mindful eating during, after cancer treatment
April 27, 2013
Free
E-newsletter
Subscribe to Housecall
Our weekly general interest
e-newsletter keeps you up to date
on a wide variety of health topics.
Mayo Clinic Housecall
Stay up to date on the latest health information.
What you get
- Free weekly e-newsletter
- Mayo Clinic expertise
- Recipes, tools and other helpful information
- We do not share your e-mail address
Living with cancer blog
-
Jan. 28, 2012
Create a living legacy after cancer diagnosis
By Sheryl M. Ness, R.N.
This week, I thought it might be interesting to talk about creating an ethical will, or living legacy. A diagnosis of cancer can be the turning point in your life that brings forward many thoughts and emotions about your personal life experience.
You may want to consider creating a document (letter, video or journal) that reflects your personal story and wishes so that your family and friends can understand your life purpose and your current (and future) wishes and desires. It's an ancient tradition of passing one's story, values and beliefs on to future generations.
An ethical will is something that reflects your principles and values and expresses the things that are important to you and will be there to guide your family when you're no longer with them.
You may have items of personal or sentimental value that you want to give to specific family members or friends. These items may not be included in your legal will, but still have important value, so documenting who you would like to have these things will help your family honor your wishes.
A few things to consider when creating your ethical will:
- Write your personal life story for your family. This can be simple or complex, however you would like to present the information. Tell about the important events in your life and the values that are most important to you.
- Reflect on your family history and how it shaped your life.
- Write about your hopes for the future (for example family traditions that you'd love to see continue).
- Thank the people who influenced you in positive ways.
- Create a photo book to go along with some of your favorite memories.
- Share any wishes that you have for your family members and friends. List who you would like to receive cherished personal items.
Remember that future generations will want to know who you were ... that connection is so important. I'd love to hear from those of you who have created an ethical will. Share your experiences with each other.
Follow me on Twitter @SherylNess1. Join the discussion at #livingwithcancer.
28 comments posted
Share on:
28 comments posted