Health

Terminally ill woman chooses the day of her death

She's only 29-years-old, but Brittany Maynard has made the heartbreaking decision to end her own life after she was told she was terminally ill.
Brittany Maynard. Picture: thebrittanyfund.org

Brittany, of California who lives in Oregon, was informed by doctors earlier this year that she had just six months to live after being diagnosed with a severe brain tumour.

“I have to tell you, when you’re 29 years old, being told you have that kind of timeline still feels like being told you’re going to die tomorrow,” she told Piedmont News Station.

Brittany began experiencing debilitating headaches shortly after her wedding last year and on New Year’s Day doctors found a brain tumour.

Following invasive treatment to stop the growth of her tumour, Brittany was told in April that it had returned and was now more aggressive, giving her an extremely short life expectancy.

“I went from having potentially years of time to being told I had like six months,” she said in a video for the Brittany Maynard Fund.

After researching her options, the newlywed packed up and moved to Oregon, so she could use the ‘Death with Dignity Act’ – a law which allows mentally competent, terminally ill patients to end their life.

The medication will give her a “peaceful and painless” death.

“I don’t have to die the way it’s been described to me that my brain tumour would take me.”

Brittany said she will end her life on November 1 – the day after her husband’s birthday so she can enjoy and celebrate with him.

This brave lady gives a heartfelt message to others: “The reason to consider life and what’s of value is to make sure you’re not missing out. Seize the day. What’s important to you, what do you care about, what matters – pursue that, forget the rest.”

Related stories

Carolyn Dewaegeneire, had her external genitalia removed by Dr Reeves, known as the butcher of Bega
Local News

Butcher of Bega ‘too sick for jail’

The former gynaecologist and obstetrician – who was imprisoned for two and a half years after being found guilty of maliciously inflicting grievous bodily harm – appeared at the NSW Court of Criminal Appeal today in Sydney. His victim, Carolyn Dewaegeneire, who has been fighting for justice for 12 years and told her full story […]