Letters to the Editor

Legal considerations for everyone

What is a will? A will is a written direction to dispose of your property at your death. Once admitted to probate, the will directs the change of the title of assets in your name to someone else’s name. At a Jewish Pavilion workshop for volunteers and supporters, Kathleen Flammia Esq. explained that a will is simply “a written invitation to probate” and one of many important aspects of estate planning.

Thirty people participated at the Pavilion’s training on June 22 titled “Legal Considerations for Everyone,” and all left with a greater understanding of the complexities of estate planning. Unlike many speakers on estate planning who tend to be boring, her presentation was lively and informative. Flammia, a sponsor of the Jewish Pavilion, explained that voluntary planning involves examination of the will, legal directives, living trusts, advance directives, power of attorney, guardianship, etc. If only some of the proper documentation is in place, “involuntary planning” will occur.

Flammia addressed many issues that volunteers were unaware of such as the HIPPA Laws. She explained that if you have a child older than 18 who has an accident or medical emergency, the doctors will not speak to the parents about the medical situation of their child without a HIPPA release. Flammia offered everyone a free 30-minute consultation where she can review estate plans and note what is missing or incongruent.

The Jewish Pavilion serves as a resource to families with questions relating to elder care. Free quarterly workshops offer in-depth learning opportunities. The website provides information on respite care, choosing a facility for loved ones, a checklist for choosing a home care provider, selecting a hospice, etc. Visit www.jewishpavilion.org for more information.

—Nancy Ludin

Executive Director, Jewish Pavilion

Get involved with Team Challenge

I am 25 years old and five years ago, I was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease. In the beginning, I felt like I was losing a never-ending battle. I’ve endured more than any person’s fair share of colonoscopies, endoscopies, procedures and tests by a gastroenterologist. Crohn’s disease not only affects my health but how I live each day. My diet has changed dramatically, and I can no longer just grab a burger for dinner. I am dependent on medication and at 20 years old, I had so many other life challenges to deal with. Over the course of my disease, I have tried multiple treatment options starting with several different pills, to my current treatment, which is biweekly injections.

My sister-in-law Aimee learned about the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation’s half marathon training program called Team Challenge at her gym. When she heard it benefited Crohn’s, she encouraged me to join her for the information meeting. I was nervous about how my body would respond to training, but I signed up as walker for the Central Florida team. After eight weeks of training, I had improved enough that I recommitted as a runner. Getting to know my teammates and their reasons to run/walk was truly a wonderful experience. Each of their stories inspired me to keep running. Upon finishing this race, I know that I can conquer the health and physical challenges caused by Crohn’s and gain the confidence to overcome all of my obstacles.

In the near future, I truly hope that I can have children, but men and women with Crohn’s have a higher risk of passing susceptibility to their children. I know how difficult it is to be a young woman with Crohn’s. I’ve seen the affect this disease has had on my family, specifically my husband and my mother. I do not want the same for myself but even more so for my child. I raised more than $3,200, which will help improve the quality of life for children and adults affected by these diseases. So if ever my children are affected, not only will they be well-equipped with the latest treatments for Crohn’s, but hopefully there will be a cure.

I cannot thank the CCFA, Team Challenge and the wonderful coaches enough for the opportunity to be part of such an amazing program, and I truly feel like I can conquer this disease!

Please visit www.ccteamchallenge.org or call 646-875-2079 if you are interested in Team Challenge’s next race, the Rock ‘n’ Roll Las Vegas Half Marathon.

—Charissa Frangione

Altamonte Springs