Woman explains heart-wrenching reason she wants to die by euthanasia as she reveals daughter’s disapproval
Gayle Hendrix, a woman from Cape Girardeau, Missouri, has revealed she plans to travel overseas to end her life by way of euthanasia - despite her daughter not agreeing with her decision.
Speaking to KFVS12, Gayle, 79, explained the reasons behind her decision which will see her die before her 80th birthday.
Four years ago, Gayle sought medical help after suffering with shortness of breath.
She was diagnosed with lupus and interstitial lung disease.
Advert
Gayle said: "People are not comfortable talking about death.
"I’ve had a great life and I want to have some dignity when I’m going to the next phase."
She continued: "My shortness of breath kept getting worse and worse. Even on flat surfaces, I was breathing heavy.
“My friends will say, ‘But you don’t look or sound or act like somebody who is near death,’ but I am dying and that’s what I want to control."
Gayle has made plans to travel to Switzerland for her assisted suicide - and her daughter, Charlene, will join her.
Charlene said: "I can’t say I agree with her decision, I don’t. But, it’s not my choice. I do love her and support her and there’s no way on the planet my mom is going to do this alone, no way.”
She continued: “I love her and support her 100 percent, no matter what. She knows that, my kids know that, and I just wish more people were like that.
“It’s been hard, but I’ve been blessed to have her as my mom."
The news outlet reported on 20 September that the mother and daughter would be travelling to Switzerland 'in a few days', to end her life on the 26 September.
At the time, Gayle added: “When I started seeing more and more decline, like monthly, I can tell this is not as good as it was last month. I knew then if I wanted to do it when I’m still able to walk in and still make the trip then I need to do it soon."
She continued: "They put an IV in your arm and the first medicine that goes through puts you to sleep and the second one stops all body functions,” Hendrix said. “They have some kind of button on the IV, you have to be able to push that button and that starts the fluid. In five minutes it’s done.”
She said she 'isn't nervous' about her choice, adding: "I was just sitting here while I was describing this thinking I sound like a clinician, I don’t sound like someone talking about my own death, but it’s because I’m so, I’m comfortable with my decision.
"I just am peaceful about my decision and it’s the right thing for me and my body."
Kya Buller