In February of 2008, my late husband, Don, was diagnosed with Malignant Mesothelioma. It is a cancer that is caused by exposure to asbestos. He was exposed at the age of 16, while working with construction materials used in commercial kitchens. The disease can gestate and not show symptoms for 20 to 30 years. He was 48 when the cancer was found in his left lung.

At first, the first oncologist told Don he wouldn’t make it until Christmas that year. However, he was also told by another doctor that there was a surgery that involved the removal of the lung. The surgery was not a cure but rather an extension of his life. Don grabbed at that lifeline, did the research and doctor visits, and had the surgery in September of 2008 in Toronto. We returned to Toronto in November of that year for one round of radiation.

What started out as a one-year life sentence turned into a 10-year blessing. Sadly, in 2016, we learned that the cancer had returned to his other lung. It was then that he started researching MAID. Don did everything on his terms, and death was no exception. At that time, you needed 3 doctors to confirm that death was imminent and that the patient was of sound mind. In February of 2018 – 10 years and one week after the original diagnosis- my husband passed away surrounded by his family. He died with dignity and no suffering; he died on his terms.

Because of Don’s courage, his father was able to use the MAID program as well. He passed away in July of 2024, without the suffering and pain that cancer can bring. He was also surrounded by family.

I miss my husband and my father-in-law. But one thing I am beyond grateful for is that I know they didn’t suffer. They did not have to endure intolerable pain because of the MAID program. For that I will be forever grateful.

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If you have questions about the MAID process or just want to learn more about end-of-life planning visit www.WeCanChoose.ca. This is a new educational platform from Dying With Dignity Canada. There you will find information, resources, and a full video library. Visit www.WeCanChoose.ca to learn more.