Help Last Writers preserve the stories of hospice patients in Richardson, TX

Last Writers is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and a registered class, UNIV 3310, dedicated to honoring the lives, memories and stories of hospice patients through volunteer-written memoirs. By connecting students with patients during their final months, Last Writers offers a unique opportunity to form profound, meaningful relationships while helping preserve a life’s story for loved ones to treasure.

Our program spans a semester, pairing The University of Texas at Dallas students with patients from Three Oaks Hospice in Richardson, TX. Students spend a minimum of three hours per week interviewing their patient and crafting a memoir under the guidance of an experienced mentor. Weekly hour-long meetings provide additional learning, covering topics such as memoir writing, end-of-life care and medical humanities. At the conclusion of the semester, each memoir is carefully reviewed, professionally printed and mailed to both the student and patient, free of charge.

Funds raised will directly support the costs of designing, printing and shipping memoirs for the fall 2025 cohort and future participants. Each memoir printed through Barnes & Noble Press costs approximately $7-$16, with graphic design fees averaging $20 per book.

For patients, creating a memoir is more than a writing project — it is a chance to reflect on a life well-lived and leave behind a lasting legacy for those they love. For students, it is an invaluable experience that cultivates empathy, compassion and an appreciation for the human stories behind the end-of-life journey.

Founded in August 2019 by UTD alumnus Yilong Peng, Last Writers blends creative writing with palliative care. What began as a small memoir project has blossomed into a student-driven initiative that not only educates future leaders about narrative medicine but also provides comfort, dignity and remembrance for hospice patients.

Every contribution helps ensure these stories are told and preserved. Thank you for supporting our mission.

Stay connected and follow our journey on Instagram: @lastwritersutd.