The Story

A few years ago in Australia, a gravely ill patient - a young mother of three - wanted to make a tape recording for her children. There was so much to say and so little time to do it that she felt completely overwhelmed by the task. Every time she began, she dissolved into tears and lost her way.

Her family doctor asked health writer Jill Margo to help. Could Jill draw up a simple plan, which would prompt and guide her through the process of making a tape? Jill agreed and drew up a plan. The young mother liked the plan very much and showed it to her medical specialist, who made copies, saying he would like to give the plan to other patients as well.

Along the way, it was suggested that Jill write plans for video recordings and letters. With her background in health and biography, she collated these suggestions into a small book. For help with writing it, she asked her eldest daughter Emily Margo. Together, they researched, read and spoke to many people, whose experiences had touched these issues.

Eventually they published Living On, the first book to concentrate on the practicalities of leaving a Heartwill. They were not aiming to write a definitive guide but were rather trying to draw some simple maps through unchartered territory.

While writing the book, Jill and Emily discussed their ideas with John Barnett, a film and television producer from New Zealand. John was concerned about how such Heartwills would be stored. How could they be kept safe and secure? How could they be protected and preserved for those for whom they were intended?

He came up with the idea of storing the Heartwills online, and myheartwill.com was born.

 

Who is behind MyHeartwill?

 

Jill & Emily Margo

Jill & Emily Margo - Sydney, Australia.


Jill Margo is Australia’s most respected health journalist, having spent the past 25 years specialising in health and medical media. Emily Margo is a philosophy student in Sydney and has won several academic and community awards.

 

John Barnett

John Barnett - Auckland, New Zealand.


CEO of South Pacific Pictures, Barnett is recognised for bringing critically acclaimed Whale Rider to the world cinema amidst a stellar 30-year career of small and big screen achievement.

 

Chris Adams

Chris Adams - Los Angeles, USA.


Chris is founder and president of Orbit Media Group, where he consults with media and Internet companies creating partnerships, programming and relationships between and to the benefit of media, entertainment and on-line brands.

 

Satellite Media

Satellite Media - Auckland, New Zealand.


Formed in 1998, Satellite Media Ltd is a thriving independent multi-media entertainment company, with a business proposition unrivalled amidst the New Zealand media market.