My Way Cards were introduced in 2009.

Back then, we only used a real deck of printed cards. People could sort them on a kitchen table or desk. People initially sorted the cards by themselves, so they could take their time to think about their decisions. When they were ready, they discussed their decisions with a counselor who used a clipboard to record their answers. When they were ready, they recorded their interview on video.

In 2017, we introduced the online version. They could view My Way Cards on a laptop, tablet, or cellphone. It was much easier to complete since no clipboard was required. As soon as a person made a treatment choice, the computer stored it. People could return to the program if they wanted to change their decisions. If a person lived far away or could not travel, internet video allowed them to discuss their responses with their counselors. (We were among the first to use telemedicine for advance care planning.)

In 2018, My Way Cards were revised to reflect our clinical experience: The best reason to compel your future physician to honor your requests is that you want to avoid end-of-life severe suffering. This is consistent with the goal of Strategic Advance Care Planning: a peaceful and timely dying.

Some people still prefer to use a real deck of My Way Cards. And we still have them. But they can only be used with a counselor, in-person.

People who want to use a real deck should ask their counselor to call us at 800 64 PEACE (800 647 2332).

After four centuries of understandable distrust, African Americans are wary of ‘healers’ who make life and death decisions regarding them. Dr. Terman must be commended for examining this specific area in the context of options of life and death. Also, the section of his [first] book on religion is just awesome. It held me spellbound with its depth of understanding of our differences and our commonalities as we debate the issue of life and death. If any work should be required reading, this would qualify. I have personally used its insights in working with families and seen how they can bring great relief in the struggle to make ‘their best’ end-of-life decisions.

Cecil L. "Chip" Murray, Rel. D., Tanzy Chair of Christian Ethics, School of Religion, University of Southern CA; Pastor Emeritus, First African Methodist Episcopal Church, Los Angeles, CA