Courtesy Brittany Maynard (©2012 Arrowood Photography)
When doctors told Brittany Maynard that her days were numbered due to a progressive brain tumor, the 29-year-old decided to take charge of her life, MyFox8.com reported.
Maynard has chosen November 1 as the day she will die.
After her wedding last year, Maynard began having severe headaches. In January, doctors diagnosed her with grade II Astrocytoma— a severe brain tumor— while she was vacationing with her husband. Doctors initially gave her 10 years to live, according to the report.
“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,” Maynard said in a video posted to her website, The Brittany Fund.
Maynard’s tumor ended up progressing to glioblastoma multiforme, the deadliest form of cancer with an average life expectancy of 14 months. Doctors told Maynard her death would likely be slow and painful.
But the newlywed decided to choose her own ending.
Days after her husband’s October 30 birthday, Maynard will end her life using medication prescribed by a doctor in Oregon, surrounded by her husband, mother and best friend, MyFox8.com reported.
Maynard’s family moved with her to Oregon earlier this year because the state’s “Death with Dignity Act” allows people to choose to die using medication, according to Maynard’s website. Since the act was instated in 1997, more than 750 people have taken advantage of it.
During the last days of her life, Maynard plans to raise awareness of end-of-life rights by working with life-rights advocacy organization Compassion & Choices and The Brittany Maynard Fund.
“There is not a cell in my body that is suicidal or that wants to die,” Maynard told People.com. “I want to live. I wish there was a cure for my disease but there’s not. … Being able to choose to go with dignity is less terrifying.”
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