Who We Are

For over 14 years, C&C volunteers have counseled patients and families to access effective pain and symptom management and be vigorous in their pursuit of pain relief. When even the best symptom management cannot control a mentally competent, terminally ill adult's intolerable suffering, we provide - under certain strict guidelines and safeguards - information, counseling, and emotional support for a hastened death.

C&C is recognized nationally for its advocacy of choice for the terminally ill and its commitment to improved treatment of pain and other symptoms. C&C's unique service includes the ongoing relationships we develop between our case managers and those who want to explore end-of-life choices. Each year we provide information and consultation to hundreds of patients and families. Two of our primary concerns: no one dies in pain and no one dies alone.

We have a well-documented record of working with the healthcare community for changes in medical care for the terminally ill. While we believe meaningful reform must include legalization of physician aid in dying to avoid intolerable suffering, we do not suggest, encourage, or promote suicide or euthanasia. We do advocate for better pain management, patient-directed end-of-life care, and expanded choice for the terminally ill.

Our board includes two physicians (including a prominent HIV/AIDS physician), a hospice RN, a prominent attorney who has served on several medical center and hospital ethics committees, two MSWs with hospice experience, and a PhD psychologist and clinical professor of psychology.

Our case management team includes two physicians, a psychiatrist, an RN, and two MSWs. Our medical advisory team and advisory committee include several prominent Seattle physicians, a past president of the Washington State Medical Association, a Seattle University ethics professor emeritus, a medical director of a palliative care program, two oncologists, a bereavement specialist, a home health and hospice nurse, and spiritual leaders.

Eighty percent of our revenues are devoted to client services. There is never a fee for any service provided by C&C.