Laura Stuetzer
Thanks for the Memories
St. Anthony's Life Review Program benefits both
hospice patients and bereaved families.
Laura Stuetzer remembers watching a video of her father talking about his life shortly before he died. “It was nice to be able to review the tape and remember the wonderful qualities my father had, especially hearing his own voice after he died,” she says. “I think hearing the voice of the person is very special.”
Life Review Through Video
Stuetzer was the first person to benefit from an effort to help hospice patients or those grieving the loss of a loved one. Her father's video was made in 2004, as he grieved the loss of his wife and then reflected upon his own life, while in hospice care. Stuetzer was so grateful to have the video, that in 2007 she helped organize what has become St. Anthony's Life Review Program, a project that enables those with a terminal illness or family members who are grieving to talk about their lives on camera. The interview is then edited with favorite family photos and music added, so that a life story can be shared with others. “We've created more than 50 DVDs since Life Review began,” says Lisa Wagner-Daegling, St. Anthony's bereavement coordinator. The end result is a legacy that can be shared with other family members and passed down to other generations.”
Creating The Videos
A team of eight volunteers helps to create the videos. “It has enriched my life beyond any expectation,” says volunteer Larry Belgeri, who travels from St. Peters. “These are heartfelt, emotional moments, when people give voice to their final thoughts — and final goodbyes — that, through the magic of technology, can be viewed generations from now. I always have the sensation of time standing still during these moments; and we enter a sacred space, where life is quietly distilled to its very core of love, goodwill and eternal connectedness. It's such a privilege to share those moving experiences.”
How You Can Help
If you'd like to support the Life Review Program with a donation or are interested in volunteering (we will train you!), please call 314-525-7330 or visit the St. Anthony's Charitable Foundation website at www.sacf-giving.org.
For information, please call our Health Access Line at 314-ANTHONY (268-4669) or 800-554-9550 or visit find a physician online.
At St. Anthony's, our vision is to be the area's premier health care organization
— and your first choice for health care services.
