Date
Monday
Mar
31

March 31

Terri’s Day

Honor the legacy of Terri Schiavo on Terri's Day by advocating for end-of-life care and respecting individuals' wishes.

Yearly Date
March 31
Type
Day

Introduction

On March 31, we honor the legacy of Terri Schiavo with Terri's Day. This day commemorates the life of a woman who became the center of a highly publicized right-to-die case in 2005. Despite being in a persistent vegetative state, Terri's family fought for her right to live while her husband argued for her right to die. While this controversy sparked a national debate on end-of-life care and medical ethics, Terri's Day is an opportunity to remember that every life is valuable and should be treated with dignity and respect. It's a reminder to cherish our loved ones and make sure their wishes are known in difficult situations. Let's use this day to celebrate Terri's memory and spread awareness about end-of-life care.

Terri’s Day Timeline

1990
Terri Schiavo's Collapse
Terri Schiavo collapses in her home, leading to a severe brain injury that leaves her in a persistent vegetative state.
2000
Legal Battle Begins
Terri's husband, Michael Schiavo, petitions the court to remove her feeding tube, beginning years of legal disputes.
2003
"Terri's Law" Passed
The Florida legislature passes "Terri's Law", allowing Governor Jeb Bush to intervene and reinsert Schiavo's feeding tube after it was removed by court order.
2005
Terri's Death
On March 31, 2005, Terri Schiavo dies after her feeding tube is once again removed by court order. The case sparked national conversations on end-of-life care, guardianship, and disability rights.
2007
Inception of Terri's Day
Terri's family establishes the Terri Schiavo Life & Hope Network and dedicates March 31 as "Terri's Day" to honor her memory and promote the protection of the disabled community.

How to Celebrate Terri’s Day

1

Host a fundraiser for a related cause

Honor Terri's legacy and raise awareness for similar cases by organizing a fundraiser for a related cause, such as the Terri Schiavo Life & Hope Network or a local hospice organization.

2

Volunteer at a hospice or nursing home

Spend Terri's Day giving back to those in need by volunteering at a hospice or nursing home. This is a meaningful way to honor Terri's memory and make a positive impact in the lives of others.

3

Start a book club discussing end-of-life issues

Gather a group of friends or community members and start a book club focused on discussing important end-of-life issues. Choose books that highlight different perspectives and encourage open and respectful dialogue.

4

Hold a candlelight vigil

Organize a candlelight vigil in honor of Terri and all those who have been affected by end-of-life controversies. This can be a peaceful and meaningful way to remember Terri's life and legacy.

5

Create an art exhibit or performance

Express your thoughts and feelings about Terri's story through art. This could include creating an art exhibit, holding a concert or dance performance, or organizing a poetry reading. Use these creative mediums to spark important conversations about end-of-life issues.

Why Terri’s Day is Important

A

It honors the memory of Terri Schiavo

Terri's Day serves as a way to remember and pay tribute to Terri Schiavo, a woman who faced a heartbreaking and controversial situation. By celebrating this day, we can honor her life and legacy.

B

It brings awareness to important end-of-life issues

Terri's Day also serves as a reminder of the difficult decisions that families may face in regards to end-of-life care for their loved ones. It raises important discussions about ethics, autonomy, and quality of life.

C

It promotes compassion and understanding

By observing Terri's Day, we can come together as a community and show support for those who may be going through similar situations. It allows us to show our empathy and understanding towards individuals and families facing end-of-life decisions.

Terri’s Day Dates

Year
Date
Day
2023
Mar 30
Thursday
2024
Mar 30
Saturday
2025
Mar 30
Sunday
2026
Mar 30
Monday
2027
Mar 30
Tuesday