LifeChronicles
We lost our daughter, Jessi, in 2008. Life Chronicles left us with wonderful, visual memories.
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How would you describe the help you got from this organization?
Life-changing
How likely are you to recommend this organization to a friend?
Definitely
How do you feel you were treated by this organization?
Very Well
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2008
My husband was diagnosed with stage 4 stomach cancer in June at age 44 and given six months to live. One day at the Kimmel Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins, I saw a flyer for LIfeChronicles and sent a message to Kate via email. My husband was an extraordinarily private man, and was uncomfortable with the idea of having a stranger come into our home to videotape him. Kate responded to my questions immediately and did everything she could to assure us my husband's legacy for our children could still be preserved. Using short videos my husband made himself--love letters to each of our sons, one to me, short tutorials he made about shaving and dating and tying ties, combined with pictures, other home videos and music--and even adding on a last minute clip-- LIfeChronicles made an incredible tribute to my husband which we will always treasure. He passed away in November and one of my sons has already viewed the video--he started it just to learn how to tie a tie for the funeral, but then watched the whole thing! My other son is not yet ready to view the video, but when he is, I know he will feel close to his dad, as if he were still with us in some measure. Thanks, Kate. CS
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How would you describe the help you got from this organization?
Life-changing
How likely are you to recommend this organization to a friend?
Definitely
How do you feel you were treated by this organization?
Very Well
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2011
As the founder of LifeChronicles, what I can tell you about LifeChronicles that matters most is...the families we serve make it clear to us each day how important a LifeChronicles video is to them. They tell us it is precious, priceless and one of the most important things they own. They realize now, even though the loved one they have lost may not have been sick when we taped them, that this video is a gift that will be passed along from generation to generation. They know they will never have to worry about forgetting the sight and sound of them and just what it was about them that was so special. And the filmings are often a source of healing for the families that continues long after they sat down and spoke the word they wanted to be remembered. One of the greatest gifts from this work is that student volunteers are forever powerfully and profoundly enriched by their experiences with the people we film.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
tapings of people I never met before as well as people I have known and loved for many years.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
provide enough funding for LifeChronicles to continue its work everywhere.
LifeChronicles is an organization that captures the essence of the incredible people that you and I see everyday. But, instead of just passing them by, we get to acknowledge what they are about. LifeChronicles, captures the stories and memories of those who we could learn from everyday who fight with the unexpected experiences and struggles in life. LifeChronicles listens, sees, acknowledges, captures, grips the heart, finds the inner beauty, fosters the growth and well-being of every human. The last thing on this earth that LifeChronicles will do is take advantage of a life because through watching the over 600 people that they have taped they have learned what it truly means to value the time that we all have on this earth. Whether it's learning about someone in a 2 hour video or getting to be in their presence with them for 2 hours, I have learned that time is precious and it’s the one thing that is with us the most throughout our life but, much like everything else in life it runs out. LifeChronicles gives that priceless gift to those who struggle ever single day back to their families and loved ones. It's the one thing that I know my family would want most of if I was terminally ill, and only had some time left to live. I conclude my review with saying that LifeChronicles gives time back to those who don't have much of it left when they hear in those few minutes in a room with a doctor that they are diagnosed with a terminal illness that could take years away from their life. What would you say?
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
A profound way. It's an organization that helps so many in their paths of life. Every life is different and it helps those who don't have much time left to tell their families and loved ones help much they love them when they can no longer tell them
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
none
More feedback...
What I've enjoyed the most about my experience with this nonprofit is...
The reward I get at the end of the day is one that I couldn't get if I worked anywhere else.
The kinds of staff and volunteers that I met were...
All kinds of volunteers from high-school students to adults that were all very passionate about the work they do with LifeChronicles
If this organization had 10 million bucks, it could...
Expand its services to those it serves and could afford to get more help. It could also get better equipment to improve the quality of work it already does. And, it could get started on the educational tool called LifeSpace
Ways to make it better...
none
In my opinion, the biggest challenges facing this organization are...
none
One thing I'd also say is that...
none
How frequently have you been involved with the organization?
About every week
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2010
We (four kids) did not know what to give our parents for their 75th birthdays then heard about Life Chronicles. An acquaintance told me about a family member who was terminally ill, and how Life Chronicles flew out to IL to interview this family member before she passed, and all pro bono. After checking Life Chronicles out online and talking to the founder, Kate, I knew I would love for my parents to leave their story for posterity. They are healthy but not getting any younger, so I convinced my siblings this would be the perfect gift. We contributed what we could afford (no pressure at all) and Kate took it from there. Our parents loved the idea but were a bit apprehensive about the process. Kate and her crew made them feel at ease throughout and my parents were thrilled with the final product, a professionally filmed 90 minute interview spanning our parents' childhood through the present. My sister and I just watched the DVD together and couldn't agree more. This is such a great keepsake, a wonderful gift to pass on to future generations of our family. I recommend Life Chronicles without reservation. Helene
More feedback...
How would you describe the help you got from this organization?
Life-changing
How likely are you to recommend this organization to a friend?
Definitely
How do you feel you were treated by this organization?
Very Well
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2012
I am so blessed to have Life Chronicles come into my life. Last summer, the last time I was to see my mom, the crew came to her home, and made the video. Mom died on Thankgiving, and although I had already recieved the video, I hadnt yet had the courage to watch it. We watched as a family the day after she died - and what an incredible gift to have her voice, her face, her hands, her memory and her story on film forever. It was very professionaly done, and I feel like it is an incredible gift that we will cherish for generations to come. I highly recommend this wonderful non-profit service to anyone who cherishes someone who will be gone one day.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
this is a gift for my entire family, now that my mom is gone.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
this organization is perfect! They did a fantastic job, and it was FREE. We were so happy to make a donation that was comfortable for us. They have made it so this incredible service is available to everyone, regarless of income.
More feedback...
How would you describe the help you got from this organization?
Life-changing
How likely are you to recommend this organization to a friend?
Definitely
How do you feel you were treated by this organization?
Very Well
How did you find this group?
Life Chronicles was making videos at the Friendship Center my mom attended.
What, if any, change in your life has this group encouraged?
Given my, my sons, my siblings and all thier children a piece of our own history, to cherish forever.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2011
Although it's been a little over a year since I've volunteered my time, I miss working at LifeChronicles very much. I think about the founder, Kate Carter, and the organization all the time, and how much it's impacted me over the course of time I got to be there, and continues today. I really admire her work, and the work that gets done there everyday! I am so grateful for the time I got to be there, and all the hours i put in. Kate Carter and LifeChronicles truly carry a big spot in my heart. I hope to be able to go back soon and put in some more time. All the best!! Xoxo
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
I've personally experience the results of this organization in my life everyday. Everyday whether it's putting my time aside to help somebody else, or going out of my way to hold a door open for someone, it's the qualities of compassion and kindness that is instilled throughout the whole LifeChronicles experience that engraves great qualities in my life everyday.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Nothing. It's Remarkable as is!
Parkinson's is slowly taking my father's voice and physical abilities. This summer, while Daddy still had the cognitive and physical ability to speak and share stories, Life Chronicles filmed him and my mom. Without knowing it, my mom and dad shared their legacy. We (their children and grandchildren) were able to recall on camera important moments, and laugh and cry with them. Kate expertly guided us through the experience. My mom and dad are now reviewing their raw footage and collecting photos and music to add to the video. My mom tells me it is THE greatest gift that she and my dad can leave us. We all agree.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Visiting my parents last winter (they live 3000 miles away) I could see how frail my parents had become and what a toll my dad's Parkinson's and the stress of 24/7 caregiving was taking on my parents. I knew I had to do Life Chronicles with them. I am so happy that their voice will live for generations to come.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Find a way to clone Kate so that more and more people who have ailing loved ones can share their legacy. I'd let every hospice and nursing home in the country know about Life Chronicles. I'd make sure religious organizations spread the word. And I would find a way to feature Kate's work on Oprah's network.
More feedback...
How would you describe the help you got from this organization?
Life-changing
How likely are you to recommend this organization to a friend?
Definitely
How do you feel you were treated by this organization?
Very Well
How did you find this group?
Through another for profit organization
What, if any, change in your life has this group encouraged?
To be an advocate for Life Chronicles everywhere I can
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2011
As I prepared to enter the hospital for a bone marrow transplant to treat my aggressive leukemia, I wanted to tackle an ambitious but important task, a video for my two small children to remember me by. I wanted to pass on advice, information, values, and my hopes and dreams—15 years of parenting wrapped up in a 15 minute DVD. Two days before I started treatment again, I had 7 pages of notes and no video. My social worker suggested LifeChronicles. I was impressed and moved by the website, a video like this was exactly what I needed; it seemed impossible in a short timeframe but I crossed my fingers and requested a taping. The next morning I got a call at 8:00 am from company founder Kate Carter, asking if I could tape at 9:30 am. She was coincidentally just finishing a shoot in the Bay Area and kindly squeezed me in before she had to leave San Jose, and later, she even called to postpone her afternoon meeting (that was 300 miles away) because she felt this was more important. I didn’t need to do any preparation except pick an outfit to wear. The shoot was easy, she guided me through some b-roll of me playing with the children; later she interviewed me and I addressed some of the things I wanted to say from my notes. Kate made me comfortable in front of the camera so my children could see my sense of humor and my personality shine through, and the way we interacted while I read them a story might help stimulate some fading memories of my smell or touch. The whole experience was so rewarding because LifeChronicles will produce an amazing video that will protect my legacy of love for my children with a DVD of images, words, music, and video of their mother being a mother. And whether I live or die, my kids will get to see me as I am now, before the treatment withers me away, and before they stop believing in the unfailing, eternal love of their mother. This gift I leave for my family was only made possible by Kate and LifeChronicles, whose dedication and commitment will not only help provide a structure of memories for my children in a way that will be always treasured, but also allows me to go into treatment knowing that a little piece of me will always come back.
Rachel Peres
San Jose, Calif.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
helping me feel good that all of my affairs are in order. I just had a bone marrow transplant. When Kate Carter made this video happen on such short notice, it helped me to focus on my treatment. A huge weight had been lifted from me.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
have an angel investor give them a 100 million dollars. They are am amazing group of people, their dedication to making these videos not only helped me be able to go into treatment feeling like I had gotten my affairs in order, and my kids and husband will certainly appreciate this video at some point.
More feedback...
How would you describe the help you got from this organization?
A lot
How likely are you to recommend this organization to a friend?
Definitely
How do you feel you were treated by this organization?
Very Well
How did you find this group?
my social worker suggested it
What, if any, change in your life has this group encouraged?
They created a video for my family that helped me understand the things that are important to me.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2011
My experience with the LifeChronicles people was excellent. They are very professional and dedicated to their craft. Great follow-thru! Very good to work with! I speak from experience as Chairman and CEO (ret.) of one of the country's oldest and best known company's. I dealt with professionals who were in charge of our print and t.v. advertising.
J. J. Harvey
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Santa Barbara, CA
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
No changes
Life Chronicles videoed my life partner, Daphne, one year before she died of cancer. Daphne had Alzheimer's, and we assumed that that would be the disease that impaired her ability to speak in the future about her life. Life Chronicles provided us with a cogent and comprehensive overview of a brilliant and talented artist who was able to leave an invaluable legacy for her children, grandchildren, and for me. Kate Carter was sensitive and knowledgeable in her interviewing, and her high-school-aged videographers were extremely insightful in creating a visual record of Daphne's spoken words and a comprehensive visual array of her artwork. I treasure this unique and captivating video.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
It is a bittersweet experience on the anniversary of my partner's death to view the wonderful video of her life provided by Life Chronicles. This video captures the significant highlights of Daphne's life and provides me with a memento that I can view at any time.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
I wouldn't change a thing about Life Chronicles. I feel as though they are doing an outstanding job and that they have an admirable track record.
I have had the pleasure of serving as an advisor to Life Chronicles since it was founded by Kate Carter. Life Chronicles is a unique organization that has provided comfort and support to countless families over the last several years and continues to do so with the help of caring staff and volunteers of the highest integrity.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Observing the satisfaction and gratitude of clients who have been served.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
None
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