Tuesday Keynote
Don’t Wait: Lessons on Living from the Dying
In the challenging and deeply rewarding field of hospice and palliative care, we often bear witness to the poignant regrets of those nearing the end of their lives. These experiences offer us profound insights, yet how often do we truly reflect on them in our own lives? This presentation invites you to pause, reflect, and consider how the lessons learned from our patients can help us live more intentionally, minimizing our own end-of-life regrets. Through a personal journey of nearly walking away from my business and a decade-long commitment to death work, I faced a crossroads that led me to rediscover the importance of living in alignment with my values. Drawing from my own experiences and the wisdom of those I’ve cared for, I embarked on a quest to understand death bed regrets and how to live a life that truly matters. In this keynote, we will explore the different types of regrets, with a special focus on those that linger longest—acts of omission. We will discuss evidence-based interventions and daily habits that can help us choose happiness, connection, fulfillment, and ultimately ourselves. You’ll also engage in an assessment I have created to help you identify your own potential regrets and proudest moments, with practical steps to help ensure your life reflects what’s most important to you! 
    

Rosie is a passionate and energetic clinical social worker with over a decade of experience dedicated to guiding individuals, families, communities, and fellow professionals through the intricate journey of end-of-life care. Her path began as a hospice volunteer, igniting her pursuit of a Master of Social Work degree to deepen her understanding of the experiences and needs of those facing life-limiting conditions, caregiving, grief, and bioethical dilemmas.

Throughout her career, Rosie has worked alongside exceptional interdisciplinary teams in diverse healthcare settings, specializing in oncology, palliative care, and hospice. She has also made significant contributions to the field through research and presentations at both local and national levels.

In 2022, Rosie established "A Better Ending," her own venture, driven by her three core passions: providing personalized support, community education, and fostering professional development in the end-of-life care domain.

With her unwavering dedication and entrepreneurial spirit, Rosie continually strives to make an impact on the lives of those preparing for end-of-life and those who care for them, ensuring they receive the compassionate care and informed guidance they deserve