What is TDA about?

In 2015, the people who fought so vigorously to take religion out of schools and the right to abort unwanted babies won their greatest legal battle yet: the right to choose how and when we die. Assisted suicide is still open for heated debate, but is now a legalized business that is carefully regulated.

Now meet Kaser Haynes, a Death and Funeral Director, whose next two cases will change his life forever. Upon returning to Ohio from a death directing conference, Kaser finds two new case folders stacked upon his desk. The first file contains dossier for a man named Clifton who is a loving father, grandfather, husband, and retired war veteran. He is nearing death the old fashioned way. His life has been rocky and fraught with trials, and Kaser becomes intimately familiar with the man’s story before his final curtain call is lowered.

The second case file and its subject is much more challenging. It involves a younger lady who Kaser was close with back in High School. Ann Marie is suffering from real-life Sleeping Beauty Syndrome (KLS) which can put her to sleep for weeks at a time. After painfully awakening to her husband with his secretary in their spare bedroom, she uses her friendship with Kaser as a plea for him to break the death directing golden rule: never assist in the death of someone you know.

While the combination of the two cases quickly complicate Kaser’s life, the nation grows more chaotic, angry, and divided over topic of assisted endings, much in the same fashion as abortion clinics and the attending doctors. Kaser must not only do the job he signed up for, but he must also survive the violent backlash that is mounting against death directors and the controversial profession.

Why would you create a story that legalizes suicide?

Obviously, this may be one of the most controversial stories ever made. However, the ultimate goal here is to inspire people to live, and NOT commit suicide. Suicide in our world has become contagious. Each death was often inspired by others. These numbers sadly are growing. Be it what it may, I’m bothered enough, and tough enough at the same time, to want to take a shot at making a change while the rest of the world does little if nothing. My experience with this concept comes from personally knowing several families who were devastated by a family member who "opted out" in some of the worst ways imaginable. I am also a part of a family whose main family business was owning and operating a funeral home.