Talbot Hospice will present “Death is But a Dream” featuring Dr. Christopher Kerr, on Thursday, June 20, 6 p.m. at the Avalon Theatre in Easton. This 4th annual outreach event is free of charge and open to the public.
Kerr, a hospice and palliative care physician and CEO and Chief Medical Officer at The Center for Hospice & Palliative Care in Buffalo, NY, is producing the documentary Death is but a Dream based on research he is conducting about the dreams of terminally ill patients. Kerr will share what he’s learned about the dreams and visions experienced by patients who are nearing the end of their lives. Event organizers say that Kerr and his team of clinicians and researchers are seeking to demystify these experiences and understand their role and importance in supporting a peaceful transition for the patient and the bereaved. The documentary is scheduled for release in 2020. Dr. Kerr’s work will also be published in a book by Penguin Random House in 2020.
Dr. Christopher Kerr
According to Kerr’s findings, people who are close to death often report dreams or visions of loved ones who have passed at their death beds, usually “invisible” to others in the room. Seventy-two percent of end-of-life dreams & visions tend to consist of seeing deceased relatives and pets with most receiving loving reassurance or guidance of some kind. Thirty-nine percent of visions have themes of travel or preparing to travel somewhere with a loved one.
Kerr’s initial study was conducted from January 2011 to July 2012 in partnership with James P. Donnelly, PhD, Department of Counseling and Human Services, Canisius College, Buffalo, NY, and Cheryl Nosek, DNS, RN, Professor, Undergraduate Programs Director, Nursing Department, Daemen College, Amherst, NY. The resulting scientific articles drew national and international attention. A large scale follow-up study was conducted and completed in 2015.
“We are thrilled to share Dr. Kerr’s groundbreaking research with our community,” said Talbot Hospice Executive Director Vivian Dodge. “The end of life journey encompasses so much more than one realizes. Individuals find closure and meaning through dreams. Death is but a Dream will offer insight into the emotions, feelings and values our loved ones experience during this passage.”
Registration for Dr. Kerr’s talk is required and can be made by visiting TalbotHospice.org/Events or calling 410-822-6681. Talbot Hospice, founded in 1981, is the premier resource for hospice, palliative care, and grief support in Talbot County.
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