The documentary follows Ethan Sisser, a young man with terminal brain cancer who livestreams his death journey with the help of his doctor, Dr. Aditi Sethi.
Elon University’s Anatomical Gift Program will host a screening and panel discussion of “The Last Ecstatic Days” on Sept. 4 at 5 p.m. in McCrary Theatre, Center for the Arts.
The documentary follows Ethan Sisser, a young man with terminal brain cancer who livestreams his death journey with the help of his doctor, Dr. Aditi Sethi. Following the screening, Dr. Sethi will participate in a panel discussion about the film.
“The Last Ecstatic Days beautifully illustrates the human experience at the end of life, an experience that is deeply relevant to the work we do in the Anatomical Gift Program,” said Dianne Person, founding director of the Anatomical Gift Program. “The film’s authenticity, emotional depth and spiritual insight offer a rare opportunity to reflect on death not as a clinical event, but as a sacred transition.”
Founded in 2017, the Anatomical Gift Program at Elon’s School of Health Sciences allows individuals to donate their bodies for anatomy education when they die and become “silent teachers” for Elon students. Human anatomy is a core requirement for exercise science majors, traditional nursing students and an elective for the public health and biology majors. Currently, human anatomy is also requirement in the first year Master of Physician Assistant Studies program and the Doctor of Physical Therapy program.
“This event is open to the public and welcomes anyone interested in exploring the themes of conscious living, dying and compassionate care,” said Person. “While we anticipate strong interest from students, faculty, healthcare professionals and community members, the film’s message is universal and intended to resonate with a broad audience.
Today at Elon spoke with Person about the screening and what she hopes those who attend can take away from the event.
What do you hope attendees will take away from seeing this film?
I hope attendees leave with a renewed sense of empathy and awareness around end-of-life care. The film invites us to consider how we show up for others in their final days and how we might approach our own mortality with intention and grace. It’s a call to deepen our humanity and to recognize the profound beauty that can exist even in life’s most difficult moments. Additionally, I hope the documentary inspires viewers to have courageous conversations about end-of-life planning, discussions that are often difficult but meaningful.
What do you hope attendees can gather from the expert panel?
The panel will offer a rich blend of perspectives: clinical, spiritual, and educational, on the themes explored in the film. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue, ask questions, and gain insights into how conscious dying practices can be integrated into healthcare, education, and community support systems. We also hope the discussion inspires attendees to reflect on their own end-of-life choices, whether that involves anatomical donation, traditional funeral arrangements, or alternative approaches such as those offered by the Center for Conscious Living & Dying.
How does this connect with your work in the Anatomical Gift Program?
Elon University’s Anatomical Gift Program is grounded in the profound belief that death is not just an ending, it’s a powerful teacher. Every year, generous individuals from across North Carolina make the extraordinary decision to donate their bodies to science and education. These “silent teachers” become an integral part of shaping the next generation of healthcare professionals.
For our students, this is often their first intimate encounter with death in a clinical context. It’s not just about anatomy, it’s about reverence, reflection, and responsibility. The experience instills a deep respect for the human body and the lives behind each donation. It’s transformative.
The Last Ecstatic Days echoes this ethos. It challenges us to see death not as something to fear, but as a sacred transition, one that deserves compassion, dignity and intention. This event reinforces the values at the heart of our program and invites students, faculty, and community members to engage in meaningful conversations about mortality, legacy, and the human connection that connects us all.
Panelists for the event include:
- Dr. Aditi Sethi, hospice and palliative care physician, end-of-life doula and the founder and executive director of the Center for Conscious Living & Dying
- Risa Hanau, clinical and community educator, AuthoraCare Collective
- Sara Williams, president of the National Funeral Consumers Alliance, home funeral guide, funeral/memorial celebrant and host of the Orange County Death Café
- Kirstin Boswell, university chaplain and dean of multifaith engagement at Elon University
- Dianne Person, founding director of the Anatomical Gift Program and Essential Conversations in Healthcare at Elon University