Students Create Legacy Letters to Honor Palliative Care Patients

A new initiative called Letters Without Limits, founded by students at Johns Hopkins University and Brown University, is connecting volunteers with palliative care and hospice patients to co-create “Legacy Letters.” These letters aim to capture the memories, values, and life lessons that patients wish to share, ensuring that their stories are preserved for future generations. Launched on November 22, 2025, this project underscores the importance of humanism in medicine, emphasizing that every patient is more than their illness and deserves to have their voice heard.

The initiative invites readers to engage with these powerful narratives, encouraging reflection on the beauty of every life lived. One of the individuals involved in this project is Jesse Tetterton, a man whose positivity and faith resonate deeply in the stories he shares. His reflections illustrate the profound connections between personal history and universal truths.

Jesse Tetterton’s Journey Through Life

Tetterton’s Legacy Letters reveal a life rich with experiences and insights. He opens with a heartfelt message, stating, “Life always has meaning. No matter where you go, life always has some meaning.” Drawing an analogy to chess, he emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and intentionality in every move we make in life.

Tetterton recalls his humble beginnings, growing up in a loving family that faced hardships with resilience. “We didn’t feel the feeling of poorness. It became a feeling of love because we smiled,” he reflects. A memorable anecdote from his childhood highlights how his family transformed a meager meal of cheese and bread into a joyful experience, showcasing their ability to find happiness in simple moments.

His narrative includes the adoption of a sister, T., and the loss of his other sister, P., in a tragic fire. Despite these challenges, Tetterton holds firm in his belief that “God’s truth is always around us.” This unwavering faith has been a guiding light in his life, instilling hope and strength during difficult times.

Overcoming Challenges and Celebrating Love

Tetterton faced significant challenges, including living with epilepsy, which affected his employment opportunities. Nevertheless, he found work in offset printing, where he learned valuable skills. “It wasn’t always easy, but it was a good job, something to hold onto,” he shares. Today, he is grateful to report that his seizures have largely diminished.

His love story with his wife, Evelyn, began at an epilepsy foundation where they connected over shared experiences. Their relationship blossomed as they supported each other through their health challenges. Although their time together was cut short by her passing, Tetterton cherishes the love they shared.

Friendship has also played a significant role in Tetterton’s life. He speaks fondly of his long-term friend, B.H. , with whom he has shared countless memories over 56 years. Their bond illustrates how friendships can reflect divine blessings and support throughout life’s journey.

Tetterton’s passion for music and art has been another avenue for expressing his understanding of God’s love. He taught himself to play the guitar, sharing music that carries deep meaning for him. “You got to learn how to see the meaning in the readings of words and music,” he advises, emphasizing the importance of intention and positivity in creative expression.

As Tetterton offers wisdom for navigating life’s challenges, he encourages others to know themselves deeply. “Don’t blame nothing on somebody else for what you’ve done,” he advises. This emphasis on personal responsibility, coupled with a faith in divine guidance, captures the essence of his life philosophy.

Tetterton’s final thoughts resonate with profound simplicity: “Life is how you make it. Not how I make it. It’s how YOU make it, blessed with God’s love in Jesus’s name.” His message encourages individuals to seek their own truths and to appreciate the unique journey each person experiences.

Through initiatives like Letters Without Limits, stories like Tetterton’s can inspire others to reflect on their lives and the legacies they wish to leave behind. The project not only honors the voices of palliative care patients but also fosters a greater understanding of the complexities of human existence, ultimately reminding us that every life holds invaluable lessons and stories worth sharing. To learn more about this initiative, follow them on Instagram @letterswithoutlimits and read additional Legacy Letters on their website.