Suddenly, I’m an octogenarian who has had a full life even with its ups and downs. At this point, I would like to have a say on how I leave this life. Currently, I’m healthy, other than a few age-related issues. I walk regularly, exercise, eat wisely, take music lessons, participate in a book club, etc. Overall life is good. 

My husband died after nine years of living with Alzheimer’s disease. We had healthy productive lives even though we dealt with his disease for those nine years (2004 – 2015) before his death at age 77. We had wonderful family support throughout his Alzheimer’s journey. In addition, we participated in Alzheimer-related programs and actively participated in the Murray Alzheimer’s Research and Education Program (MAREP) at the University of Waterloo. However, he would have appreciated having the choice to preplan for an assisted death in the last two years of his life, and our family would have supported him. 

At this point in my life, I would like to be able to write an advance request for a medically assisted death. My family members are aware of my wishes and are most supportive. I certainly don’t want to waste away in pain or with dementia. 

We can record our wishes for other end-of-life choices in our Advance Care Plans, so I feel that it’s deplorable that those of us who wish to put in writing an advance request for MAID do not currently have that option. 

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While the Special Joint Committee on MAID is still in the Parliamentary Review process, we have a chance to speak up about the need for advance requests for MAID. Send a letter to your Member of Parliament here.