Richard Froude:

PhD ’11, creative writing

In 2010, Richard Froude began volunteering at a Denver hospital, writing “legacy documents” with palliative care patients, many of whom had little time left to live. The project captures biographical data, highlights favorite anecdotes and conveys messages for loved ones. “It gives patients a sense of value in their lives; it’s calming in a way,” Froude said. The work also informed his recently published book, FABRIC: Preludes to the Last American Book (Horse Less Press, 2011), a cross-genre compilation of poetry, essays and musings that explores questions of mortality. After securing his doctorate in spring 2011, Froude began taking undergraduate science courses to prepare him for medical school. He also applied for a grant to underwrite a 12- to 24-month service and research project that will engage medical students in an examination of how legacy writing can improve quality of life for terminally ill patients. Based on his 300 volunteer hours and consultations with physicians, Froude believes the process helps reduce anxiety and alleviate physical and psychological symptoms. He hopes this work will foster “a narrative culture” around end-of-life care. “What I really want,” he said, “is to be able to alleviate suffering.”