Background Modern medicine provides many options. However, it is not always possible to find a cure for every illness. At times a physical cure may be possible but may involve treatments that are too burdensome. Each person's situation is different. An individual must contemplate his or her own needs and determine the limits of what they can endure when a physical cure is no longer an option. We believe that each person's life possesses a sacred dignity that commands our deepest reverence and respect. It is our sense that this is especially true as the mystery of life draws to a close. We are committed to fulfilling the wishes of individuals diagnosed with a terminal illness. Most individuals do not want extraordinary medical interventions that only prolong life, but without quality. Yet only a small percentage of these people have legally documented their wishes regarding the kind of medical care they desire in facing the end of life. As a result, the burden of these important decisions is left to others. The decisions of these surrogates may not meet the patient's spiritual, emotional and physical needs. Protracted and needless suffering may be experienced against the will of the patient. In the worst case, alternate decision makers may take actions in direct violation of the patient's wishes because of misunderstanding, conflict of interest, or their own fear of death. Because of the litigious nature of American society, patients who may have clearly indicated their intentions for facing the end of life may nevertheless find their wishes overridden by others. Through our project called Life with Dignity: Compassionate Care for the Dying, we seek to preserve each individual's absolute right to a dignity that is respected and fulfillment of that person's wishes until the moment of death.