Share:
As an incurably ill woman celebrated a farewell party and took her own life
A terminally ill American celebrated a moving, two-day farewell party at the end of July and then swallowed a deadly drug cocktail. The woman suffered from ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis), an incurable nerve disease that became known to many people through the so-called "Ice Bucket Challenge". Invited friends and relatives were invited not to cry at the party.
Patient wanted to put an end to her life
At the end of July, 41-year-old US American Betsy Davis decided to put an end to her life. In 2013, she had been diagnosed with ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), a nerve disease known to be incurable and known to many people by the so-called "Ice Bucket Challenge". Before killing herself, she celebrated a two-day farewell party with her family and friends near San Diego, California.
Not all beach parties have a happy occasion. In California, a terminally ill woman celebrated a farewell party and later took her life with a drug cocktail. (Image: Jacob Lund / fotolia.com) Incurable nerve disease
Nervous disease ALS, which can lead to severe muscle twitching and severe swallowing problems, among others, leads to damage to nerve cells. It is not curable and causes death in about half of the patients within the first three years. Affected individuals only live with the disease for more than a decade in exceptional cases. Betsy Davis got her diagnosis about three years ago. She wanted to decide for herself when her life was over.
Two-day farewell party with family and friends
The 41-year-old decided to say goodbye to her death with a big, two-day party. She sent out invitations to relatives and friends, pointing out that the circumstances are probably different, "than any of the other celebrations you've ever attended. They require emotional stamina and openness, "the British Daily Mail reports. Davis wrote, "There are no rules. Put on what you want, say what you want, dance, jump, scream, sing, pray, but do not cry in front of me. Oh, OK, a rule. "
Guests were given a souvenir of the patient
The visiting guests celebrated two days with the patient, who was a painter and performance artist prior to her illness. According to media reports, there were cocktails and pizza, some guests made music with instruments brought. They watched one of Davis's favorite films ("The Dance of Reality") and modeled on the patient's clothes. Finally, all present were allowed to take a "Betsy Souvenir".
Living in the electric wheelchair
The 41-year-old had spent the whole party, as well as the last months in an electric wheelchair. Because of her illness, she has not been able to stand or perform anything of everyday life such as brushing her teeth or scratching. At the end of the festivities, all the guests gathered for the last joint photo of the hostess and kissed her.
Last sunset
Finally, Betsy Davis watched her last sunset and took a deadly medication cocktail in the presence of her doctor, masseuse, nurse, and nurse. Four hours later, she was dead. Her suicide occurred only about a month after California's law had legalized such an option for terminally ill patients.
Ice Bucket Challenge called attention to disease
The rare nerve disease Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) has been known to many people since the so-called "Ice Bucket Challenge". Thousands of people around the world poured ice water over their heads to raise money for ALS research. It was recently reported that hundreds of millions of dollars came together thanks to the Ice Bucket Challenge.
Meaningfully used donations
The money put into research was obviously of great use. Scientists have found new gene variants that contribute to the disease in many cases. Professor Naomi Wray of the University of Queensland (Australia) said, "These three new genes open up new research opportunities to understand a complex and debilitating disease that is currently not being effectively treated." According to experts involved the research became possible due to the donations. (Ad)