Art Buchwald became a symbol for dying with dignity after he made a 
courageous decision to forego further medical treatment. He entered 
the Washington Home and Community Hospice, where he maintained his 
famous sense of humor and wrote a book about his experience. His 
willingness to "go public" in his newspaper columns and in his book
"Too Soon To Say Goodbye" was an inspiration to the terminally ill, 
their families and friends.

The Art Buchwald Award has been established to honor those who have 
helped others to face the challenges of life in its last stages, with dignity.