Even as she struggles with brain cancer, Brittany Maynard is going to continue living her life the way she always lived it: under her control. This week, Maynard did something she always wanted to and visited the Grand Canyon, checking it off her bucket list. With a short time left to live, Maynard is choosing to make the most of it, and is still living life to the fullest extent possible
Maynard, a 29-year-old cancer patient who made headlines this month by announcing her desire to end her life before she begins the precipitous decline expected for someone with her form of brain cancer, has always been a traveler. In April, Maynard was diagnosed with a grade 4 glioblastoma, the most aggressive form of brain cancer. Doctors gave her six months to live. Knowing that the treatment for this type of brain cancer would seriously reduce her quality of life, Maynard made the difficult decision to move to Oregon state, where the Death With Dignity Act is legal, and use physician-assisted suicide to end her life while she was still completely aware and could communicate with her loved ones. Maynard tentatively scheduled her death for November 1, just a few days from now.
"Thanks to the kindness of Americans around the country who came forward to make my 'bucket list' dream come true. The Canyon was breathtakingly beautiful, and I was able to enjoy my time with the two things I love most: my family and nature," Maynard said.
However, Maynard said that the next day after she visited the Grand Canyon, she experienced a terrible seizure that left her unable to speak for hours.
"The seizure was a harsh reminder that my symptoms continue to worsen as the tumor runs its course. However, I find meaning and take pride that the Compassion & Choices movement is accelerating rapidly," Maynard said.
Maynard chose to publicize her story to create more awareness for the Death With Dignity Act, which is currently legal in only five states.
Cancer survivors and people with brain cancer have spoken out in support of Maynard's decision to end her life on her terms.
