With Intention (A VSED Story)

With Intention is a daughter's story of her father's battle with Parkinson's Disease, and his ultimate empowered decision to hasten death through VSED, voluntarily stopping eating and drinking. In this true story, Kate explores themes of death, grief, and, of course, the deeper meanings of life. With this book, she hopes to remind us that we are not alone on our healing journeys, and show us that when we can set aside our judgements and create spaciousness for it, grief can become a powerful medicine and teacher.

"Kate Vredevoogd has given us a profoundly thoughtful book, which shares deep compassion and wisdom to help us cope with the ever-changing tides of life. With Intention explores finding hope through incredible loss and grief. A beautifully written essay and powerful meditation on grief at its core, and as an extension of healing over the course of our journeys."

-Katie Riley, BSN, RN, BMTCN



"As a death doula and someone who supports people in the process of grief, I believe that Kate really captures the essence of what is possible for families when they choose to witness death as a sacred experience. She shows us that death can facilitate a deeper healing than we know is possible and create a closeness between family members. She shows us the bravery it takes to stand by her father during the time that he chose VSED, and the intimate details of his life that will be sure to bring tears to your eyes. This book would be an enormous support to those who are professionals work-ing with the dying, for those who are dying and the loved ones supporting them. I read this book in one sitting! Very well written, heartwarming and captivat-ing. May you receive the wisdom and medicine from the intimacy of Kate, and her father's death story."

-Micaela Musterer, Death doula, Grief practitioner, Community Organizer