Placer County Partners Honor Life and Prepare for Loss     06-02-2008

Sun City Roseville resident Carol Roden knows that the passing of a loved one is one of life's most traumatic experiences. Whether the death is sudden or the result of a long illness, survivors are likely to find they are unprepared for the loss and even less prepared for life as the survivors.

"There are so many things you don't think about unless you sit down, talk about it and write it down. When you lose someone like I lost my husband, you simply float. This program gives people a checklist and a place to put it all in writing. It helps the person left behind become a survivor," said Roden.

Two years ago, the Sun City Roseville Foundation, sponsored by Sutter Roseville Medical Center, launched the ongoing Survivor's Planning Program to help Sun City residents prepare for the loss of a loved one. Now the guide is going electronic, thanks to a collaboration between the Sun City Roseville Foundation, Sutter Auburn Faith Hospital, Sutter Auburn Faith Hospital Foundation, Sutter Roseville Medical Center and Sutter Roseville Medical Center Foundation.

The program, designed to assist in preparing for the loss and, when the time comes, dealing with the actual passing of a loved one, is available on CD for Placer County residents of all ages.

"We are committed to the needs of the communities we serve and we are excited about this innovative program that will enhance the well-being of Placer County residents," said Patrick R. Brady, Chief Executive Officer of Sutter Roseville Medical Center.

The Survivor's Planning Program is being presented at health fairs and in local clubs and organizations throughout Placer County. If you know of a group who would benefit from this presentation and access to the CDs, please call Joni Trykar at (916) 781-1559 or visit our Website at survivorguide@sutterhealth.org.