Brittany Maynard

It is so easy for Christians and Pro-Life people to judge Brittany Maynard for the choice she made to end her life. I am a christian, that was raised attending church services 3 times a week. As an adult I attended mass at the Catholic Church. I was raised knowing life is precious and for a long time donated money to the Pro-Life cause. I believed in it and in a way I still do.

I can't imagine being newly married and trying to have a baby, just to find out my dreams will never be realized. Brittany was suffering with debilitating headaches shortly after she got married. One Dr thought her headaches were hormonal and would disappear once she became pregnant. On New years she was diagnosed with a brain tumor. She was given 3-5 years and had surgery to reduce the pressure in her head.

Last spring Brittany was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer and was given 6 months. Brittany spoke with multiple specialists and was willing to participate in drug trials but nobody could offer her hope. She wanted to live then and wants to live now but the reality of GBM is devastating. As an educator she researched her cancer, GLIOBLASTOMA,it is not treatable. Allowing the Glioblastoma to run its course meant a terrible, painful death. Brittany contacted Compassion and Choices, moved to Oregon and has since received the barbituate that will kill her.

I have read muliple articles about Brittany but some of the people commenting appalled me. Quite a few people called her a coward. Some basically said she is doomed in hell if she follows through with her plans. Perhaps allowing the disease to run its course seems like hell on earth for her? Besides the headaches and pain, she is suffering seizures also. The pain might get so severe that the medications may not relieve it,  some think that allowing her to suffer is a better alternative to assisted suicide? Some think it is not okay for her to pass away quietly in her own bed when she takes the barbituate, surrounded by her family? Her husband thinks her quality of life is better than insisting she suffers to the end. I agree quality should come first. Brittany is going to die whether it is by her own hand or allowing the disease to run its course.

Some people said that she can't be that sick if she is able to travel. She is creating lasting memories for the people she will leave behind. Alot of people with terminal diagnosis does the same thing if they are able to do so. I would rather remember happier times then a loved ones suffering.

As a nursing assistant in long term care, I witnessed quite a few patients painful end but nothing could prepare me to seeing a beloved Aunt go through it. Watching day after day my Aunt squirming in a hospital bed from the pain and talking out of her head. Her smile was gone and laughter non-existent. My Aunt had breakthrough pain that the heavier drugs could not touch. We lost her on Thanksgiving although my heart was broke I was THANKFUL her SUFFERING was over. My Aunt was 72 and had lived a good life, Brittany is only 29. My aunt's cancer ran its course but I would have supported her if she made the choice Brittany has.

Instead of condemning her why not pray God takes her home before Nov 1st. Pray that her family finds the strength to support her when she decides it is time to leave this world. Pray that she decides on November 1st that today isn't so bad perhaps she can go tomorrow. The decision to go on her terms is her choice and should be.