.svg)
On March 31, we honor the legacy of Terri Schiavo with Terri's Day. This day commemorates the life of a woman who became the center of a highly publicized right-to-die case in 2005. Despite being in a persistent vegetative state, Terri's family fought for her right to live while her husband argued for her right to die. While this controversy sparked a national debate on end-of-life care and medical ethics, Terri's Day is an opportunity to remember that every life is valuable and should be treated with dignity and respect. It's a reminder to cherish our loved ones and make sure their wishes are known in difficult situations. Let's use this day to celebrate Terri's memory and spread awareness about end-of-life care.
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1990</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Terri Schiavo's Collapse</div><div class='timeline-text'>Terri Schiavo collapses in her home, leading to a severe brain injury that leaves her in a persistent vegetative state.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2000</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Legal Battle Begins</div><div class='timeline-text'>Terri's husband, Michael Schiavo, petitions the court to remove her feeding tube, beginning years of legal disputes.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2003</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>"Terri's Law" Passed</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Florida legislature passes "Terri's Law", allowing Governor Jeb Bush to intervene and reinsert Schiavo's feeding tube after it was removed by court order.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2005</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Terri's Death</div><div class='timeline-text'>On March 31, 2005, Terri Schiavo dies after her feeding tube is once again removed by court order. The case sparked national conversations on end-of-life care, guardianship, and disability rights.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2007</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Inception of Terri's Day</div><div class='timeline-text'>Terri's family establishes the Terri Schiavo Life & Hope Network and dedicates March 31 as "Terri's Day" to honor her memory and promote the protection of the disabled community.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host a fundraiser for a related cause</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Honor Terri's legacy and raise awareness for similar cases by organizing a fundraiser for a related cause, such as the Terri Schiavo Life & Hope Network or a local hospice organization.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Volunteer at a hospice or nursing home</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Spend Terri's Day giving back to those in need by volunteering at a hospice or nursing home. This is a meaningful way to honor Terri's memory and make a positive impact in the lives of others.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Start a book club discussing end-of-life issues</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Gather a group of friends or community members and start a book club focused on discussing important end-of-life issues. Choose books that highlight different perspectives and encourage open and respectful dialogue.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Hold a candlelight vigil</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Organize a candlelight vigil in honor of Terri and all those who have been affected by end-of-life controversies. This can be a peaceful and meaningful way to remember Terri's life and legacy.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Create an art exhibit or performance</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Express your thoughts and feelings about Terri's story through art. This could include creating an art exhibit, holding a concert or dance performance, or organizing a poetry reading. Use these creative mediums to spark important conversations about end-of-life issues.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It honors the memory of Terri Schiavo</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Terri's Day serves as a way to remember and pay tribute to Terri Schiavo, a woman who faced a heartbreaking and controversial situation. By celebrating this day, we can honor her life and legacy.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It brings awareness to important end-of-life issues</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Terri's Day also serves as a reminder of the difficult decisions that families may face in regards to end-of-life care for their loved ones. It raises important discussions about ethics, autonomy, and quality of life.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It promotes compassion and understanding</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>By observing Terri's Day, we can come together as a community and show support for those who may be going through similar situations. It allows us to show our empathy and understanding towards individuals and families facing end-of-life decisions.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Terri’s Day Advocates for the Medically Vulnerable</h3><p class='facts-content'>Terri's Day calls attention to the medically vulnerable in our society and advocates for their dignity and respect, emphasizing the importance of their rights and protections.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Terri Schiavo Life & Hope Network has Assisted Over 2,500 Families</h3><p class='facts-content'>Since its establishment, Terri's network has provided assistance and resources to over 2,500 families coping with difficult circumstances related to brain injuries.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Terri’s Day is observed Globally</h3><p class='facts-content'>Though the case gained national attention in the US, the commemorative day now sees participation and awareness from entities and individuals worldwide, highlighting global interest in the issue of end-of-life care.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Award for Life is Presented Annually on Terri’s Day</h3><p class='facts-content'>On Terri's Day, an annual Award for Life is presented to an individual or family who fought to protect the dignity and life of a medically vulnerable person, encouraging active advocacy.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Terri's Case Impacted the Creation of Healthcare Policy</h3><p class='facts-content'>The significant debate surrounding Terri's case led to legal and policy reforms in various U.S. states, making a major impact on laws concerning end-of-life issues and influencing healthcare policy discussions worldwide.</p></div></div>
Terri's Day is celebrated on March 31 every year. In 2024 Terri's Day will occur on a Sunday.
2023
Mar 31
Friday
2024
Mar 31
Sunday
2025
Mar 31
Monday
2026
Mar 31
Tuesday
2027
Mar 31
Wednesday
.svg){kind=small}
.svg){kind=small}
