Honoring a Legacy of Compassionate Advocacy
The Linda Vanzi End of Life Options for All Fund was established to ensure that every New Mexican, regardless of their background or circumstances, can access the compassionate care provided under the Elizabeth Whitefield End of Life Options Act.
This fund honors Judge Linda Vanzi’s unwavering commitment to justice and her powerful advocacy for recognizing the right to choose a peaceful death as a fundamental human right.
About Judge Linda Vanzi
Judge Linda Vanzi served for 12 years on the New Mexico Court of Appeals, including two as Chief Judge. In 2015, she authored a groundbreaking dissent in the case of Morris v. Brandenburg, arguing that the right to choose a peaceful death is a fundamental right in a civilized society. While the majority opinion held that medical aid in dying should be decided by the legislature rather than the courts, her dissent inspired a movement that ultimately led to the passage of the End of Life Options Act in 2021.
Today, Judge Vanzi continues her work as a practicing attorney at the Rodey Law Firm and as a teacher at the UNM School of Law. Her legacy of compassion and justice lives on through the Vanzi Fund, ensuring her vision of equitable access to end-of-life options becomes a reality for all New Mexicans.
Linda Vanzi
About the fund...
Why the Fund Matters
The Linda Vanzi End of Life Options for All Fund was created in July 2022 to address critical disparities in access to end-of-life care. As Rob Schwartz, EOLONM’s Health Law & Policy Advisor explains, the fund is dedicated to ensuring that “the rights of the rich and the poor will be the same with regard to this fundamental right of aid in dying.”
Donations to the Vanzi Fund help EOLONM:
- Provide culturally and linguistically appropriate resources for diverse communities;
- Extend services to rural and underserved areas across New Mexico;
- Connect individuals with providers and counselors who can support them in accessing the care they choose.
This fund is vital for bridging gaps in awareness, understanding, and availability of end-of-life options, ensuring that no New Mexican is left without the support they need.
Your Support Makes a Difference
Your contribution to the Linda Vanzi Fund empowers End of Life Options New Mexico to:
- Develop materials and outreach programs tailored to New Mexico’s diverse communities;
- Build a network of providers and advocates who can help individuals navigate their choices;
- Sustain and grow our organization to meet the needs of all New Mexicans.
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, your donations to EOLONM are tax-deductible. Our federal tax ID is 87-1147633.
Your generosity ensures that we can continue to honor Judge Vanzi’s legacy and provide equitable,
compassionate care for years to come.
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As you can see, there are many ways to support us.
