Tue, Jun 20, 2017 at 05:00 AM

Why It's Crucial to Plan Ahead

No one wants to think about the end of life, but everyone should.

“This is planning that everyone should at least give some thought to,” said Norma McCord Wells, of the Turning Point Legal Firm. 

In addition to a will, people can prepare an advanced directive and a ‘Do not resuscitate or DNR. 

And be sure to let someone know where you put the documents. 

“If you put them in a safe deposit box and nobody knows they are there, you might as well not have done anything,” she said. 

Just as important is to carefully choose a healthcare proxy to make your sure your wishes are carried out. 

‘Other directions’ are things you can specify, such as funeral wishes or cremation. 

“These are legal as long as you put them in writing and have it witnessed,” Wells said. 

Marshall Cancer Care sponsors the monthly meeting for the survivor support group called L.I.F.E. – Lean In For Encouragement. It meets on the second Tuesday of each month at noon in the classroom of the Professional Center next door to the Marshall Cancer Care Center, just south of Cracker Barrel in Guntersville. Lunch is provided and there is no charge. A reservation is required, and can be made by calling (256)571-8000.