Episode #46
We Can Choose: Disrupting Death with DWDC
“I think it's important to have the opportunity to hear that people live through this, and people can be okay on the other side as surviving family members. I think in a way, the process of grief for losing both of my parents at a very young age in a lot of ways to me was made easier because of the conversations we had leading up to their passing and the way in which they passed with MAiD.” This month, Kathy and Keri-Lyn speak again with the CEO Helen Long and welcome volunteer Simone Martin, both of Dying With Dignity Canada, about story sharing, navigating MAiD experiences, and end-of-life planning. Helen Long is the CEO at Dying With Dignity Canada. The organization's mission is to ensure access to quality end-of-life choice and care through advocacy, education, and support. Helen began her career in the not-for-profit sector, working with organizations including ALS Canada, and Mother’s Against Drunk Driving, and Child and Family Services in her local community. Prior to joining Dying With Dignity Canada as CEO in early 2020, Helen was the President of the Canadian Health Food Association, the leading trade association in the natural health sector. With a long track record of informed engagement, Helen led DWDC through the successful passage of Bill C-7, amending Canada’s medical assistance in dying legislation. She has kept DWDC engaged in the subsequent work of the Special Joint Committee, advocating on behalf of people across Canada, educating stakeholders, and engaging supporters on the most pressing issues related to end-of-life rights today. Simone Martin experienced the passing of both of her parents through MAiD. Her mom, Wendi, was always known for doing things on her own terms. This included open conversations with her family about her desire to avoid unnecessary suffering when it came to the end of her life. Fortunately, MAiD was legalized in Canada before her terminal cancer diagnosis in 2018, and she was afforded the most important autonomy she deserved. This experience left an indelible mark on the entire family. When her dad, Steve, was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer in 2022, he was quick to reflect on the dignified way in which the love of his life passed and bravely chose MAiD. Simone was fortunate to have a close relationship with both of her parents and feels fortunate to have played a role in supporting both of them through their palliative journeys. Simone honours the legacy of her parents by volunteering for Dying With Dignity Canada and hopes to inspire others to feel comfortable speaking about death and dying. Simone’s mom and dad are very much a part of her life, mainly through stories she shares with her young son about the incredible people his Grammy and Grandpa were. Learn more at: wecanchoose.org Music for Disrupting Death was created by the ever-lovely Sarah McInnis. Sarah is a music therapist, a songwriter, a multi-instrumentalist and End-of-Life Doula. In 2021, Sarah began The Legacy Song Project, writing original songs for folks at the end-of-life, and for folks who have lost loved ones. To learn more about Sarah, visit her website https://sarahmcinnis.com. This episode of Disrupting Death was produced by Keri-Lyn Durant.
