The following excerpt is from the op-ed, Scared Of Suffering, But Not Death, by Luanna Raushenberger that first appeared in the Cedar Rapids Gazette on February 11, 2020.
I have been prepared for death for a very long time.
Throughout my life, I have had to deal with four types of cancer: uterine, skin, breast, and lung cancer. I was just 26 years-old — and pregnant — when first diagnosed with uterine cancer.
In December, doctors found an early cancer marker in my blood. I’m crossing my fingers that it’s not cancer once again. If it is, I do not want to endure more surgeries, more chemo and more pain.
Death does not scare me. Needless suffering does.
Don’t get me wrong. I love life. But when my time comes, I do not want to be connected to machines and tubes that will cause more pain to my 70-year-old body. I want to die peacefully, surrounded by my children and precious grandchildren holding my hand.
I am relieved legislators in Iowa are considering a bill that would allow terminally ill people to decide how and when they die, when death is inevitable.
Click here to read the rest of Luanna’s op-ed.
Nothing advances our common cause of improving end-of-life care like real stories. Inspire others and drive change by sharing your story today.
Mail contributions directly to:
Compassion & Choices Gift Processing Center
PO Box 485
Etna, NH 03750
