Empath's Tidewell Signature Luncheon welcomes speaker Dr. B.J. Miller

Over 500 guests came out on March 7 to enjoy Tidewell Foundation's Signature Luncheon and presentation at the Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota. The annual event raises money for Tidewell Hospice in the Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte and DeSoto county areas.

"Although this is the 16th annual luncheon, we have held 17, and all right here in the Ritz-Carlton. Our first event raised about $20,000, and last year we raised over $200,000," said Cindy Stuhley, who founded the event.

Dr. B.J. Miller, a highly regarded physician, author and speaker who is an expert in palliative and hospice care, was the keynote speaker. He also has something many of us don't have: a profound experience with facing death when an accident during college left him as a triple-amputee. 

After graduating Princeton University in 1993, and medical school at the University of California San Fransciso, Miller currently resides in California, where he is on staff at UCSF. He also sees patients and caregivers through Mettle Health, his online palliative care service where he designs a graceful and dignified end of life.

"Hospice is an orphan in the medical field. The community support, pride and family feel within Empath and Tidewell is magical. This luncheon will raise money for the things that are not funded — grief support, music, art and pet therapy. Each of these activities raise the goals and outcomes of care," said Miller.