Brittany Maynard: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know

Brittany Maynard wants to die with dignity on November 1. Two days after her husband, Dan Diaz’s, birthday. In January 2014, she was diagnosed with Stage 4 glioblastoma, cancer, and given years to live. In April, the tumor had grown to the extent that doctors felt she now only had six months left.

Brittany and her husband moved to Oregon, one of the few states with die with dignity laws, so that Brittany could pass on her own terms. In an impassioned video (above) she declares her plans and goals before she dies, as well as promoting a die with dignity charity.

Here’s what you need to know:

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1. When Brittany Was First Diagnosed, She Was Given Up to 10 Years to Live

Back in January 2014, when Brittany found out why she was having such persistent, painful headaches, doctors told her that she had a brain tumor. The initial prognosis gave her 5-10 years to live. Tragically, when she went back to her physician in April 2014, doctor’s told her, due to the tumor’s growth, that she now had just six months to live.

According to her mother, Debbie, Brittany wanted to die on her terms.

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2. She’s Using Her Tragic Case to Promote Compassion & Choices, A Death With Dignity Charity

On October 7, Brittany Maynard uploaded a video and began a campaign for Compassion & Choices, a die with dignity activist group. In the Brittany describes her pain and her reasons for wanting to die on her on terms. In order to fulfill her wishes, Brittany’s whole family, including her mother, Debbie, and father, moved from San Francisco to Oregon.

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3. She’s Going to Take a Pill on November 1 to End Her Life

Brittany Maynard will die in the bed that she and her husband, Dan Diaz, share in Oregon. Her doctors have prescribed her a special pill that will see her pass peacefully. She has said that her favorite music will be playing in the background as she’s surrounded by family and friends.

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4. Brittany Wants to See the Grand Canyon Before She Dies

Prior to being diagnosed with cancer, Brittany was an avid rock climber. She’s continued with her adventurous spirit in her last few months of life. Over the last few months she has been to Alaska and Yellowstone National Park, this despite the pain and seizures she suffers through. Her mother also says that she will go to Peru after her daughter dies so their spirits can be reunited.

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5. The Death With Dignity Act Was Passed in Oregon in 1997

Right now, the only states with die with dignity laws are Oregon, Washington, Montana, Vermont and New Mexico. Through Brittany’s charity,The Brittany Fund as well as Compassion & Choices she wants other states to recognize the pain of those who are terminally ill and want to die with dignity. Brittany says it perfectly in her video:

Right now it’s a choice that’s only available to some Americans, which is really unethical.

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