Idea Submission GiveBackHack 2020
The Good Bye Submitted by Samuel Leath
What is the problem are you solving?
Home births, and beach weddings, and international honeymoons - oh my! Americans are no strangers to planning major life events that complement our unique identities - so why is the same not true of our deaths?
Historically, families were responsible for taking care of their dying (and deceased) loved ones. Over the past 100 years however, many Americans have outsourced key aspects of end-of-life care and, as a result, each generation seems to grow further removed from death.
Our (very natural) fear of dying often prevents us from talking about the end of our lives, which means we do not plan for them. There are grave consequences for not discussing death, though. Among them: uncertainty about a loved one's final wishes, unexpected administrative tasks, vulnerability to upselling, increased stress & conflict for those who survive us, and interruptions to the grieving process. Furthermore, without a plan, unexpected funeral expenses could threaten to plunge disadvantaged families in mourning into insurmountable debt - also known as funeral poverty.
How will this idea solve the problem?
The Good Bye aims to offer comprehensive, compassionate end-of-life planning services in a 1-on-1 online format. Additionally, it will support its customers by providing obituary writing services, video guides, and virtual ‘death positivity’ events.
Conversations about death are scary, but with the right guidance we can all have the conversation. Furthermore, a unique understanding of each individual allows us to identify opportunities to live the end of one’s life in ways that honor the rest of it. The Good Bye goes beyond the web surveys and adds a human touch to discussions around one of the most important experiences in our lives.
Is this idea brand new or has it been partially-vetted?
Partially-vetted
How you have vetted your idea and the success or difficulties you have seen thus far?
I am a 2020 SEA Change finalist. SEA Change helped connect me refine my idea and introduce my concept to the community. Additionally, it has connected me to incredible advisors and support that will help me grow from 'early concept' (today) to a operating social business (in the future).
Why are YOU uniquely positioned to solve the problem? What other people do you need to help?
I am going to die - so I definitely have a lot to gain by planning for the end of my own life. I have also seen, first hand, the unexpected benefits of a solid end-of-life plan. Earlier this year, I was fortunate to have the opportunity to help support my own family through a major loss in our family. I led conversations about things that made us feel uncomfortable, anxious, or afraid. Even though it was hard sometimes, those conversations allowed us to provide our loved one with what some would call a 'good death' - an end-of-life experience that is aligned with a person's wishes. The loss was heartbreaking and painful - but it was also a special, important, and - in its way - beautiful experience shared with my family.
Encouraged by this experience, I am now in the process of pursuing more formal training in comprehensive end-of-life planning. Beyond this, I hold degrees in anthropology, interpreting, and entrepreneurship, and have over 1.5 years of experience as an office manager in a corporate setting.
