‘Death With Dignity’ advocate, #BrittanyMaynard, died Saturday. The 29-year-old made the decision to end her life as she intended–peacefully in her bedroom home in Portland, Oregon, surrounded by her husband, family and friends. – Under Oregon’s “Death with Dignity Act,” Maynard was given the right to end her life by receiving a fatal dose of barbiturates prescribed to her by a doctor when her suffering became too great. –
The University of California graduate became the center of controversy after publicizing her advocacy for end-of-life choice for patients like herself. Her video received more than 9 million views on YouTube as both supporters and critics learned of her story.
In a video released in 2014, Maynard told viewers she was not yet ready to end her life. She spoke on how good she felt and said it didn’t seem like the right time, but confidently stated the time would come as she was feeling herself “getting sicker.” –
Maynard was diagnosed with stage IV glioblastoma multiforme, an aggressive form of terminal brain cancer last spring. When doctors told her she had six months to live, Maynard made the decision to decline other painful end-of-life alternatives.
In her final message to family, friends and fans, Maynard wrote, “The world is a beautiful place, travel has been my greatest teacher, my close friends and folks are the greatest givers. I even have a ring of support around my bed as I type–Goodbye world. Spread good energy. Pay it forward.”