On October 18, 2025, a unique initiative named Letters Without Limits launched, connecting volunteers with palliative care and hospice patients to co-create “Legacy Letters.” Founded by students from Johns Hopkins University and Brown University, this program aims to capture the memories, values, and lessons that patients wish to share, preserving their stories for future generations.
By honoring these voices and preserving their legacies, Letters Without Limits emphasizes the importance of humanism in medicine, reminding society that every patient is more than their illness. The project seeks to ensure that patients’ voices are heard and valued, encapsulating profound experiences and sentiments that might otherwise fade away.
Linda McDaniel’s Story: A Legacy of Love
Among the first participants is Linda McDaniel, a 75-year-old resident of Hampden, Baltimore. Linda’s life has been dedicated to nurturing others, first as a mother to her three children and later as a daycare owner for over 20 years. Known affectionately as “Mother Goose,” she has impacted countless families and young children in her community.
Linda’s connection to her late husband, Jerry McDaniel, is a central theme of her Legacy Letter. In it, she reflects on their 55 years of marriage, illustrating a relationship built on love, support, and shared memories. One poignant moment she recalls is their early meeting when Jerry, then just a young boy, helped her carry a heavy bag of kitty litter. “You stayed through all my tantrums, through all those times I yelled at you,” she writes, highlighting his unwavering patience and kindness.
Linda’s letter serves as a heartfelt tribute, revealing her deep sorrow after Jerry’s passing nearly two years ago. She recalls the last words they exchanged—“I love you”—and expresses gratitude for their time together, stating, “You’re the love of my life, the father of our three beautiful children.” Her reflections underscore the importance of expressing love and appreciation in relationships, emphasizing that one never knows when a final goodbye might occur.
A Message of Gratitude and Reflection
The Legacy Letter also contains a broader message for readers, encouraging them to cherish their relationships. Linda writes, “Marriage is a two-way street. Don’t let little grudges get in the way of saying ‘I love you’ at the end of a phone call or when leaving for work.” Her words resonate with the essence of Letters Without Limits—to celebrate life and the connections that define it.
As part of the initiative, volunteers work collaboratively with patients like Linda to craft these letters, ensuring that life stories are documented and shared. The program not only benefits patients by allowing them to reflect on their lives but also helps volunteers understand the richness of human experience and the significance of empathy in healthcare.
By participating in Letters Without Limits, individuals can engage in meaningful conversations that honor the lives of those facing the end stages of life. As Linda poignantly concludes her letter, “It’s been a wonderful life, and one hell of a ride.” This sentiment encapsulates the spirit of the initiative, where every story is a testament to human resilience and love.
For those interested in learning more, Letters Without Limits can be followed on Instagram @letterswithoutlimits, with additional Legacy Letters available on their website. This initiative not only preserves the past but also fosters a culture of appreciation, compassion, and human connection in the face of life’s challenges.
