Laura Schmidt Pizzarello, a freelance medical writer who specialized in covering end-of-life issues, died on Feb. 25 from pancreatic cancer. She was 51.
A New York native, Schmidt earned a bachelor’s degree from Marymount College in Arlington, Va., and completed her master’s degree in thantology from Hood College in Frederick, Md.
As a freelance writer, Schmidt spent the past 12 years penning articles for AARP and hospice newsletters and Web sites. She advocated for patients’ rights and called for caregivers to improve the quality of end-of-life care.
Her cancer was detected last summer after a back massage left her covered in bruises. Schmidt was chronicling her remaining months into a book, but the medications she took made her too ill to write. In December, Schmidt’s story was featured on the ABC television show, “Nightline.” She and her husband Joseph also participated in a video documentary produced by AARP and the DC Coalition of End-of-Life Care for health care professionals.
March 28, 2004 by
Laura Schmidt Pizzarello
Categories: Writers/Editors
How can I obtain some of Ms. Schmidt’s writings? I have a sister who has terminal lung and brain cancer. I don’t know what to say or do for her. Please help. Thank you, Carol Knowles
my sister-in-law is battling breast cancer…she is 43…I am trying to cope…how can I help her?
thank you
What a gift to leave behind for the rest of us!
How do I help my dear friend, just newly diagnosed with ALS? She’s 57. She would rather not know what waits for her, tho’ she’s not adverse to talking about after her death.
Thanks for any helpful suggestions.
Kathleen