From http://www.thebrittanyfund.org
“This spring, 29-year-old newlywed Brittany Maynard learned that she had terminal brain cancer. After careful assessment of her prognosis and end-of-life choices, she and her family reluctantly decided to move from their San Francisco Bay Area home to Oregon, one of five states (including Washington, Montana, Vermont and New Mexico) that authorize death with dignity.
Brittany recognizes it is unfair that the vast majority of people cannot access death with dignity because they do not have the resources and time to uproot their family, seek appropriate medical care and establish a support system.
As a result, in the few weeks she has left to live, Brittany wants to advocate for access for death with dignity in California and nationwide in partnership with Compassion & Choices, the nation’s leading end-of-life choice advocacy organization.”
She made this video…
The values of those who do not have Christ as savior are different … He keeps doing miracles.
I do not know how this mother allows her to do this … For me this is suicide.
May God have mercy of her soul.
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I have been a hospice nurse for years and have seen suffering. While I would never contemplate doing this for myself, I would do it for someone I loved, if that was their choice. We put animals out of their misery, yet allow human beings to be hooked to machines, being poked and stuck with needles until they die. If you have been around suffering you would understand. This has nothing to do with being a christian, while God does perform miracles, you should know people are suffering everyday. It may not be for you, that doesn’t give you the right to judge others. Typical of a so called “christian”
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That is not judging!! One must stand by their conviction and not waiver! Waivering with all the “I believe this, while I would do this.” Let your words line up with your actions. I am so sick and tired of people that dont know Christ make comments about what is Christian or not! Your opinion is your opinion. The only reason you are ok with this is because of emotions! I wonder if it was a kid, 12 years old, would you agree with it?
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Just cruel to even think that. May God have mercy on your soul and provide you with compassion.
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Linda E: Who are you to judge whether this woman is a Christian? Thou shalt not judge! You are giving Christianity a bad name and you are showing little compassion.
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God is the giver of Life and it is not in the hands of man to take it away. The bible says thou shalt not kill. Through trials in life we learn, experience and come to know our creator. Whose to say, if she had treatment, she would live. I mean this is too horrible to me.It hurts my heart just to hear of what she is doing. Surely Christ can not be in this decision. So, many people, dont know him but want to speak for him. Human compassion is limited!!! Why not try and be strong!!! I went through a horric sickness, got down to bones, but through the night and slowly I recovered. My mother was praying and standing in the gap for me. Where is the faith?? I lost my mother and there is no way I could have assisted her in death. People have so, become selfish, thinking of themselves that it has come to this. Total
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Walk a day in her shoes then you can Judge her til then dont JUDGE HER AT ALL !! I watched my Mother suffer with Brain Cancer, Breast Cancer , Bone Cancer and she did it by stop taking her heart meds she wanted to leave this with DIGNITY some thing you seem to know NOTHING ABOUT shame on yourself to say your a Christian
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What is dignity? Does it have a place in this?
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Well said Pamela.
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Pamela there is a huge difference in stopping meds. and in taking a medicine to kill yourself. It is horrible that your mother suffered. I have also seen suffering in my husband’s family. His mother had breast cancer and then brain cancer. She never gave up and she died with Dignity. I am now dealing with my own aunt who is suffering and now in hospice care. It is horrible waiting for someone to die. She has fought for her life for a long time. Not cancer though, but she has suffered pain. I think her will to live has been for her family and not herself. Her own husband died of cancer many years ago.
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I agree with you. Life is not always easy. We, in all aspects must endure trials and they come in many forms through many ways. No, its not an easy thing but we put too much faith in man and what he says. (Doctors) Cancer is tissue growth (abnormal cells) god did not create our bodies that way, and if it grew, it can be eliminated. These doctors use methods that cause more problems than help. There is help! We dont have to be afraid of cancer. They have society afraid when they hear the name cancer and society spontaneously bows to it in fear. It is a billion dollar industry and seems money takes president over people.
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Christians being “Christ-like” are always the first to judge. Always quoting the bible and pointing fingers at how everyone else is wrong but never really living life “Christ-like”. If you don’t know God personally, you have NO idea. You’re quoting a book that NO one knows who really wrote it or how many times it’s be revised or by whom. Let the girl and her family be. If you don’t agree, that’s fine but keep your opinion to yourself. And as for her mother, do you think ANY mother wants to bury their child?
Don’t you think this family has been through enough?
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I believe, if there is anything over which we as human beings should have control, it is how we choose to die. Many times that is not possible, in the case of accident, etc., but when facing a terminal disease, I believe we definitely have the right to die with dignity. It’s a shame more states don’t allow this. Bless you, Brittany. You and your family will be in my prayers.
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God bless you Brittany, you are a remarkable woman. I’m behind Oregon’s law 100%.
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Brittney don’t do that your taking your life let god decide for you
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Im all for dignity but God is the giver and taker of life. Its not for us to control.
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Brittany, I’m sorry that you are having to face this decision at such a young age and glad that you have the option of determining how and when you will pass. I wish that all people were free to make that choice if necessary. Enjoy your travels, enjoy the love of your wonderful family and best friend and, when the time comes, find peace in knowing that you have lived well. Don’t stop praying for a miracle, they happen every day. I have great faith in the prayers that are offered by Silent Unity and I will call to make a prayer request for you. No man knows the time, they can only venture a guess. I believe that the hour of your passing is a matter between you and your Creator. God bless you, dear.
Mary Phipps-Seward
P.S. I highly recommend Jenny Lake in the Tetons!
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My name is Laura McCurley and my husband was diagnosed with a grade 4 glioblastoma in may of 2009.We were engaged to be married in nov of 2009.
We chose to marry the day before his surgery that May at st Josephs hospital chapel.Surrounded by friends and family.The truth is I really never believed Glen was going to die.The following day after surgery I can remember the doctors coming in and each one informing us he would live about 14 months.I realized in that moment that this was serious stuff.
In the upcoming months we did research on glios and spent time in prayer.Glen excepted his fate with grace and faith in Jesus.
We still inquired about other options. A gentleman from our prayer team suggested poly mva.I just had a feeling about this so inquired.There was a pharmacy in California that sold it.I had always heard that you should not tell your doctor if some other treatment has been implemented. I really dont understand why but I was not taking chances.I will say Glen had a second surgery year later.It was just before his second surgery that he began taking this poly mva.He had a seizure indicating more growth.During surgery he got a infection from the or.In the weeks ahead I believe he had 5 minor surgeries due to this infection and finally losing his boneflap.
Chemo started , he was on the poly mva 2 times a day.His surgeon was a great doctor.He would pray with us before surgery.And it helped that few of our friends were the same.Glen was getting better.Everyday he improved.His mri came back with a very tiny tumor.Glen had a high iq so it was easy to see something major was happening.He also had a shunt and we were told to go to Dr Porters office and he would adjust the shunt.Dr.Porter his surgeon looked at both of us and clearly said “I dont know what else you are doing but dont stop” he had seen his mri and really felt it was short of a miracle.At that time I felt like a kid keeping a huge secret.It was a good feeling.Glen and I thought do we share our secret with others or not.We did over the next few months.Poly mva was costing us 600 dollars a month plus.Our insurance was 2000 a month plus other bills. I took a loan out to pay for the poly Mva.Over the months money was getting short so I cut back to 1 cap a day . Around xmas it was even less and his neauro surgeon sent him to a urologist. .We had all been sick with what seemed like a awful flu.The urologist stopped all chemo and now I was running low on the poly mva and my loan was used up though I am a firm believer in poly mva.I believe this is why my husband lived as long as he did.He was 44 and passed away in the last part of feb 2011.To this day I wonder what if .The younger you are the longer you live.
Dont give up just yet.You are young and you have a zest for life.
My number is 602 403 0479 if you have any questions. Know you are in my thoughrs.
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Reblogged this on theauthorlink.com and commented:
What amazing courage this woman has, and I wish her peace.
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Amen!
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Yes.
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I pray for your family to support and be at peace with your decision. You are an example for all to follow…
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http://christianity.about.com/od/whatdoesthebiblesay/a/Bible-Suicide.htm
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Does God Forgive Suicide?
There’s no doubt that suicide is a terrible tragedy. For a Christian it is an even greater tragedy because it is a waste of a life that God intended to use in a glorious way.
It would be difficult to argue that suicide is not a sin, for it is the taking of a human life, or to put it bluntly, murder. The Bible clearly expresses the sanctity of human life (Exodus 20:13). God is the author of life, thus, the giving and taking of life ought to remain in his hands (Job 1:21).
In Deuteronomy 30:9-20, you can hear the heart of God crying out for his people to choose life:
“Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live! You can make this choice by loving the Lord your God, obeying him, and committing yourself firmly to him. This is the key to your life…” (NLT)
So, can a sin as grave as suicide destroy one’s salvation?
The Bible tells us that at the moment of salvation a believer’s sins are forgiven (John 3:16; 10:28). When we become a child of God, all of our sins, even those committed after salvation, are no longer held against us.
Ephesians 2:8 says, “God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God.” (NLT) So, we are saved by God’s grace, not by our own good deeds. In the same way that our good works don’t save us, our bad ones, or sins, cannot keep us from salvation.
Paul made it plain in Romans 8:38-39 that nothing can separate us from God’s love:
And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord. (NLT)
There is only one sin that can separate us from God and send a person to hell. In this article, “What is Blasphemy Against the Holy Spirit?,” I explain that the only unforgivable sin is refusing to accept Christ as Lord and Savior. Anyone who turns to Jesus for forgiveness is made righteous by his blood (Romans 5:9) which covers our sin—past, present and future.
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Brittany I admire you, you are sooo brave, sending hugs to you all, Jacquie Bulgaria xx
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sono d’accordo!!!!!
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She can not tell when she is going to die God will pary to God only he can help you he can do mircals hope this can help her. God bless you what a woman you are I wish her peace to live
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Hi brittany. Your tape has made me cry and given me inspiration as Well
I was diagnosed with Parkensen about 8 months ago after having a skin cancer
scare i thought that ny life as i knew it was over
However i too have come to the conculision that
Each day is a new day and bringes with it sunshine
I wish you all the Best and i hope you and your
Husband get too see more of America.
Best wishes to you and your family
Karen Petersen
Denmark
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This girls life can be saved, it is a choice! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JsuradmaMO0
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You are an amazing woman! May God keep you in his loving hands and share his loving peace and joy. Keep up your travels and world life experiences!! You are a gift to all who know of you. Prayers and love sent to you and your family.
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Bless her heart I have respect for her doing what she feels it right for her and sending prayers for her and her family God Bless this family
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Hey, girl! Get rid of the ceiling window over the bed! It’s an unneeded headache, so act now! Just sayin’!
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this doctore has been cuing this disease: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iqJ_709pL5Y
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Don’t do it. God is a God of miracles. Ask with faith and you shall receive healing.
Why give up so easy? At least give God a try and get close to Him.
Don’t take your own life, it’s a sin.
God bless,
Monica
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I Wish you peace and hope you make every day you have left on this world of ours happiness you deserve and enjoy every moment you have with your loved ones and be able to leave peacefully and rest in peace , Heart and prayers go out to you and your family and only you know what is the best for you, You are such a Beautiful woman
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You are a brave woman and so is your family. I don’t know if I would have the courage to my the decision you have. I wish you only peace. Thank you for sharing your story.
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You are an amazing person, Brittany. Your mom must be so proud to have you as a daughter. May God comfort you and your family in this difficult time.
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My heart goes out to you. We lost our daughter to this same cancer in 2013. Her kidneys were starting to fail before we found a diagnosis. However she had the surgery and with medication she had several good months. She died at home in my arms 13 months after her surgery. She had 3 other siblings, 2 nieces and 4 children, (one a 10 yr old boy). We all shared the nursing duties and were at her side when she passed. For the last week of her life we all took turns holding her hand around the clock. It was the most difficult time of all our lives however it gave us all a chance to visit, share and say good bye. I can’t think of it being any different. I know of another situation of an older man with this disease. He had the surgery and lived 5 good years. I will pray for you and your family, May God be with you.
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Diagnosed with Non-Hodgekins Lymphoma about 1.5 yrs ago…..i am in remission now…i know the scarey feelings. Peace be with you.
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5 of 50 states is not enough. Thank you Brittany for sharing your story and getting an important discussion started. Love & peace to you and your loved ones..may the rest of us get involved with our states to also allow for dignity and peace of mind if needed/desired.
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What she is doing she is doing not out of bravery, but fear – fear of what her life will look like as the cancer spreads. Brittany doesn’t want to see how God can use her at her sickest and weakest moments. Do we ever? Gliomas are terrible. My mother-in-law had this. Yet, she DID die peacefully. I was there. God took her when He had decided He wanted to bring her home. Yes, her life changed as the cancer spread. Ours did as well. My respect grew for my sister-in-law as she so selflessly gave care to her mother in the most incredible and personal circumstances. I shed many tears and watched my husband give up paychecks to be with her. I watched my father-in-law work when he could and spend the rest of his time with her. No one felt she was selfish for her to depend on us. THAT is what life is about. It is hard. It is really hard. It is gross. It is ugly. But knowing all of that and we can’t take care of ourselves 100% of the time is a humbling realization. I’m sure all pride was gone as she became a completely helpless woman dependent on others.
Brittany, if you read this…please know to not fear what the Creator has planned for you. Don’t be afraid and live THIS life that is here right now. Trust Him. Even in this, He has a plan and it is so much better than this suicide group’s plan for your life. They didn’t create you and they don’t really care about how your life can be a blessing to others through living.
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Dream foundation out of California is an organization that funds adults wishes that are terminally ill. Maybe you can go throught them for your Grand Canyon trip. My husband had the same diagnosis and was given four months but lived twenty one months. He did gamma knife treatments that worked for him. Even at his final months he was alert and talking. God took him peacefully with all of us there. Praying for all of the family and just know that God is in the drivers seat. No doctor told me about the treatment he did I found it on Internet myself. God bless you.
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I hope that youve spent the last few months livin in happiness with your family despite the situation at hand that god has givin you,because after all thats what life is all about is livin eachday in happiness side by side with your family and i know you need nobodys opinion especially all of us bein total strangers but i support your decision and remember this and for anybody that doesnt agree it is not suicide but rather a noble decision made by a corageous girl and you will go to Heaven Brittney,God has a plan for you and has called upon you to walk side by side with him in the kingdom of heaven and until he calls upon you on that day keep livin in happiness with your family til the very end
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Oh my goodness… I don’t normally leave comments on videos but after I read some of the comments on here, I felt compelled to. I am gobsmacked at the lack of benevolence that some people have expressed in their comments.
Please think before you comment
THINK!
Is it….
T – Thoughtful
H- Helpful
I – Inspiring
N -Nice
K -Kind
Brittany is truly amazing and her mother & husband are equally as amazing. I read a comment someone wrote that said for her not to give up so easily. I don’t know what video they just watched but she is quite clearly not giving up. She’s chosen to ‘LIVE’ …. she’s chosen to live fully the life she has left, which is true appreciation of the gift of life that we all should have. There would have been nothing EASY about the decision she has made, nor about her families acceptance of it. To make judgmental comments against her mother by is just so, so wrong. The love her mother has for her daughter emanates like a light house beacon in this video … so to suggest something so haphazardly heartless is thoughtlessly cruel.
To Brittany … just keep embracing the beautiful life you have sweet girl, enjoy your family, see & do what you want and keep listening to your heart. Don’t listen to the judgmental words of others who don’t walk in your shoes. You are a strong, inspirational young woman. May peace always be with you.
To Brittany’s Mum … you raised a strong, independent and beautiful daughter. Don’t ever let the negative words of others permeate your heart. You are a wonderful, caring, loving mother and that is evident in love the exudes in the video.
To Brittany’s husband … you are so, so brave and I wish for you both many special moments in time over the ensuing weeks.
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Brittany
Wish you peace and comfort with your courageous decision
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Your not God and it is sad your acting like it. When something goes wrong you’re giving other permission to kill themselves. Telling them give up on your time left here on earth. No one knows their exact time of death or the reason. Tomorrow we all could be gone. I know someone who was given six months to live with cancer and he has been here for over eight years still living. Are you being selfish on taking a easy way out? Being stuck in purgertory is worse than hell.
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You should contact Dr. William Courtney in Eureka, California. Don’t give up!
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Brittany, My father took his life in 1988 as he was suffering from Parkinson’s and did not want to be a burden to the family. I have never hated him as a result, but only wish I could have been there to talk with him before he died. Perhaps he would have reconsidered. Look at Valerie Harper, she thought she only had a few months to live, and that was a long time ago. Your life is so precious…please reconsider. I wish you peace and love.
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My father in law just passed two weeks ago from terminal brain cancer (glioblastoma), after 26 months even though he was given a prognosis of only 14. We had him a whole year longer than we expected and that was a blessed year for all of us. We were with him in the end–his whole family. Don’t cut your life short.
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My sister was kept alive after a severe brain injury for over 35 years. There is no compassion, no dignity, only pain and suffering. Regardless of your religious beliefs no one should be left in limbo. I am for death with dignity and always will be.
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You have the God given right to your free will. I have been the care taker…. Though the doctor s were compassionate, the pain medication did not do enough. I wish my father had had more choices. I have faith that God will understand your choice s if you speak with him.
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Please do not judge her choice, she’s dying with dignity! Unless you have experienced first hand and seen how cancer or any terminally I’ll person suffers, gasps for air, cries out in pain, begs for relief, can no longer eat or drink, suffocates little by little, twist and turns in agony, loses self control, drowns in their own secretions, and this goes on for days at times, sometimes weeks, then you would understand. No one should die with so much suffering and pain. For some chemo patients, it prolongs their lives for a couple of months, those are the worst months of their lives, painful beyond words, only to endure more pain while dying. It’s a horrible scene, I’ve been there, working in an Oncology unit. So please respect her choices, God will be waiting for her with open arms, this is not suicide. It’s dying with dignity, peacefully.
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