A Community of
Givers and Supporters of ADEC's Legacy

Ron was an early and longtime member of ADEC, and in his quiet yet compelling way led and changed the organization in substantial ways. He was a voice to promote diversity, minority inclusiveness, and just…doing the right thing.

After Ron’s death, and through his estate, “The Ronald Keith Barrett, PhD. Scholarship for Diversity and Multicultural Presentations” was established.  The mission is to support and increase opportunities for presenters of color and persons whose work and presentations on diversity and multicultural rituals, traditions and concerns brings awareness and sensitivity to end-of-life caregiving.

 
Joy Berger

“I treasure ADEC’s depth, breadth, and immeasurable support for those we serve. I join our colleagues as we celebrate ADEC’s rich history, life-changing services, and future contributions to our world!”

"I have ADEC in my estate plans because it was the only organization that dealt with thanatology. It has been my professional home ever since.”  

“ADEC is in my will because in the early days of organ and tissue donation several members were instrumental in recognizing and supporting the importance of donor families in the donation process. ADEC has also been critical to my personal and professional growth and continues to educate professionals about the needs of bereaved individuals and families.”

Chuck and Donna Corr

“Donna and I are making a financial gift to ADEC as a small token of thanks for all ADEC and its members have meant to us, and we are surprised to realize it has been almost 50 years since I attended my first ADEC meeting as an eager neophyte in the field of death, dying, and bereavement.”

“ADEC has been a significant professional home for me for the past twenty years.  And I met some of my dearest friends through ADEC. I have included ADEC in my estate plans as I would like to give back to the organization that has given me so much.  It is my hope that others can learn from and enjoy the comradery of some of the most inspiring and compassionate people I have ever met.”

“Helping the dying and bereaved demands a lot from a person. Besides my incredible family and valued practice colleagues, ADEC has been for me a sustaining source of support and encouragement in this all-important work. That’s why I included ADEC in my estate. It’s all about gratitude.”       

“ADEC has become a second family to me throughout the many years of working in the field of death and dying. Members welcomed me as a newcomer and supported my growth as a professional. As I grew, and ADEC grew, I gained a wealth of like minded colleagues to share with, and deep and lasting friendships as well. The Living Legacy Program is my small way of giving back to ADEC everything this organization has given me . . . in the hopes this good work will continue through time.”

"Like in a hero’s journey, grieving is a rite of passage because it connects us with the potentiality of growth and transformation amid profound loss and suffering.  Even though we may feel isolated in our grief, we often don't walk that path alone.  In the human journeys of dying and death, there are many heroes to be found at the end-of-life, and in the lives of the bereaved.  Heroes in the lives of the dying and bereaved can play varying roles with differing acts - from large roles to small gestures.  ADEC is a Justice League of Grief - where professionals emerge from around the world to share in their common goal to provide the utmost of care to those at the end of life and the bereaved.  Most are unsung heroes, who are guided by their human powers of kindness, compassion, and empathy.  I choose to be part of the ADEC Legacy of Giving and name ADEC in my Will, so through my legacy, ADEC can continue to provide the training and education to all our unsung Thanatology heroes."

Phyllis Kosminsky,
PhD, FT

“For me, legacy is about building enduring relationships. ADEC is part of my estate planning because the relationships that brought me to ADEC, and those that I have made through ADEC, have been transformative. I want to know that those kinds of relationships continue to be developed and are being nourished long after I am gone.”   

After Ira’s death, and as a result of his significant donation to ADEC, the board of directors in 1994 established “The Ira Nerken International Speaker Award.”  The award provides funding annually for an international speaker at the ADEC conference.

“ADEC has been my professional home since I attended my first ADEC conference. Being in a community of scholars and practitioners who specialize in death, dying, loss, and grief, has served as an encouragement to me throughout my career. I have made vital professional connections through ADEC. I am happy to include ADEC in my estate planning.”

“My association with ADEC and with the friends I have made there has enriched my life and has been a blessing to me.  I would like to assure that blessing is there for others after me so I have chosen to include ADEC in my estate planning.  If you too sense that feeling of joy I hope that you will do likewise as well.  It is a painless gift but a significant one that will enhance the lives of those who are sensitive to grief and bereavement.”

 Sherry Schachter,
PhD, FT

“The colleagues I’ve met and friends I’ve made since my first ADEC conference in 1991 have enriched my professional and personal life far beyond my expectations. It’s an honor and a privilege to give back by including the association in my planned giving, so that those who follow will have the same opportunities!”

In 1977, Orlando Hospice was formed, the third hospice in the United States. Shirley was the first volunteer, then became their first full-time nurse.   As a nurse, as a counselor and as a widow, she shared her experiences with professionals and medical students.  At 85 years of age, Shirley co-authored with Peggy Sapphire the book, "The Disenfranchised: Stories of Love and Grief When an Ex-Spouse Dies."

Edie Stark
Died 2011

“As a Lifetime Member of ADEC, I am eternally grateful for the amazing educational opportunities and community support.  It is my pleasure to be able to give to help sustain an organization that has nourished and nurtured me professionally and personally.“

“Let me begin by saying, I love ADEC!  ADEC has provided an opportunity for me to create and further develop my life long 30 year career as a bereavement specialist.  This organization is extremely important in helping to train, support and inspire a variety of professionals to help heal people’s lives and this world.

“As a founding member of ADEC, I have always considered it my professional home. I am making a bequest in my will to ensure that the special blend of research, practice and friendly mentoring which is ADEC continues well into the future.”

“ADEC is in my will because it was critical to my professional development and growth, as well as the careers of some of my students. I also want to help fund the vital work ADEC does to support and educate professionals and through them, to aid people coping with dying and bereavement.”  

“Both of us have had ADEC in our wills for years, making sure a percentage of our estate will financially help continue ADEC’s mission and goals. Over the past thirty plus years, we have observed not only the organization’s growth and its ‘infectious impact’ on individuals, families and communities, but have also learned about ourselves and our opportunities. It’s our way of saying ....thanks, ADEC!”

“As a founder and former board member of ADEC, I am happy to leave the organization a legacy gift.  I have watched ADEC grow from our first meeting in a Maryland cow barn to a mature organization that is important in the training and development of death educators and bereavement counselors.” 

Melanie Wright 

 
Anonymous

Two persons have given anonymously.
We thank them for their gracious gifts.