Local Business Spotlight: The Final Draft Writing Services

Name: Cathy Goodman
Title: Owner/Operator
Location: Glen Ellyn

How did the business come to be? After a career in engineering at Motorola, I began looking for creative ways to make a living. I worked for The Hired Pen in Chicago as a Senior Writer and learned that I loved the process of ghost writing and editing. In 2006 I started my own company, The Final Draft Writing Service, and began helping individuals create and self-publish memoirs. When I heard about Dr. Chochinov's research on Dignity Therapy—a memoir/generativity service for those nearing end of life—I knew that was the direction I wanted to take my company. In November, 2012 I received Dignity Therapy training from Dr. Chochinov and his team at the San Diego Hospice Center. Since then I've had the privilege of guiding several patients through the process. It has been deeply rewarding for everyone involved. I hope to bring the benefits of Dignity Therapy to many more people in 2014.

What is your business best known for? Dignity Therapy is the newest product offering from The Final Draft Writing Services. Sometimes families and patients feel helpless when they are facing death. These feelings are perfectly normal but there are ways to reduce their impact. One way to increase a sense of control during this period is through the use of a process known as Dignity Therapy. The result of the process is a Legacy Document reflecting the most vivid stories and the most important thoughts that the patient wants to share with loved ones.

“Dignity Therapy is a talking therapy that was designed to help people who are living with significant medical challenges. Studies have shown that it helps many people cope better and feel better about themselves.” Harvey Max Chochinov University of Manitoba, M.D., Ph.D.

Does your business offer special deals? The fee for the service is negotiable depending on the patient's situation. Our business development manager will work with you to find a rate you are comfortable with.

Why did you choose Glen Ellyn to open your business? We moved to Glen Ellyn over 20 years ago at the recommendation of my first boss at Motorola. He said it was a great place to raise kids-and I agree! My son, Henry, graduated in 2013 from Glenbard West and my daughter, Clara, is now at Hadley. We love the combination of urban access and small-town environment that is unique to Glen Ellyn. It's great to find a village that is constantly improving services for its residents while also keeping its rich heritage alive.

What's a fact about your business that most customers probably don't know? After you recommend an individual for Dignity Therapy, I will always meet with him or her at no cost to explain the service and make sure that there is interest in continuing with the process. Dignity Therapy facilitators are trained to respond with respect and care for the individual needs of each patient.

---------------------

Find TFD Writing Services online at www.dignitymemoirs.com, on Facebook, call (708) 302-2850 or send an email to cathryngoodman@yahoo.com.