On March 31, 2005, thirteen days after removal of her feeding tube, Terri Schiavo died at age 41. Her death ended a fifteen-year struggle that eventually captured hearts and minds around the world.

"Cutting through it all, there were just two questions at the core of the Schiavo family's tragedy: who should speak for Terri, and what should they say" advises Ed Long, executive director of H.E.L.P., the award-winning South Bay non-profit. "The good news is that each of us can plan ahead and pick who will speak for us, and help them know what to say," he added.

People have not forgotten Terri Schiavo and her family. Over the last year, H.E.L.P. assisted thousands of people all across the country in taking steps to avoid similar tragedies for their families and friends. Many requested H.E.L.P.'s unique and free Your Way guide, helping them communicate about things that matter. Many also used H.E.L.P.'s simplified California power of attorney for health care, naming who should speak for them about care decisions. And thousands visited its www.better-endings.org web site.

For those who have not yet done this important planning, Your Way, the power of attorney form and a related wallet card are just three of the helpful publications available for free at www.better-endings.org or by calling H.E.L.P. at (310) 533-1996.

H.E.L.P. will also present its popular two-hour class on using powers of attorney, Your Way and avoiding Schiavo tragedies when it launches its springtime series of classes hosted by Redondo Beach Senior & Family Services. The free class will be held on April 1, from 9:30 to 11:30 am, and starts a six-week series also covering care planning, Medi-Cal, long-term care insurance, wills, trusts, avoiding probate, taxes and more. Space is limited and reservations are strongly recommended. Call Redondo Beach Senior & Family Services at (310) 318-0650 for reservations and parking information.

H.E.L.P. is an award-winning Torrance, California -based non-profit education and counseling center providing impartial information to older adults and families on elder care, law, finances and more. Since its inception in 1996, it has helped thousands of individuals, couples and families. Its services include public classes, private consultations, publications and telephone and Internet assistance. H.E.L.P. is located at 1404 Cravens Avenue, Torrance, California 90501. The phone number is (310) 533-1996, and the Internet addresses are www.help4srs.org, www.annuitytruth.org and www.better-endings.org.