One of Cochrane’s churches wants to start a conversation about death.
“This really needs to have an open conversation – I would encourage anybody and everybody to have those conversations with their family because it touches everyone and it has touched mine,” said Rev. Ray Goodship with St. Andrew’s United Church.
Alberta Health Services and Cochrane’s Family and Community Support Services held a seminar about Dying with Dignity for about 100 people at the church last Friday.
“I am here because of my age,” Darlene Stephenson, 73, said with a laugh.
“I am all for what is being done and supportive of the right to choose.”
Stephenson said she was curious to hear about the options and is a friend of one of the keynote speakers Evie Wallace, who’s husband, Hugh Wallace – both from Bearspaw – was the first person in Alberta to access doctor assisted death.
“I am in support but I know Hugh’s story - I think it depends on the situation,” said Lynne Schaeffler, 76, another friend of the Wallace family.
Both women said they were interested to hear the story again and what choices there are in regards to a medical assisted death.
Keynote speaker Dr. Michael Trew, who chairs the Alberta Health Services expert panel regarding medical assistance in dying for non-life limiting conditions, spoke to the crowd about the conflicts of interest that arise and the history of the issue.
“I believe life is precious and sacred – ‘Thou shall not kill’ carries a lot of weight for me (but) in the end, compassion is the key,” Trew said.
“Personally, I believe death is not the end … or the worst.”
After the presentation, the crowd inquired about specifics regarding.
“I am interested to hear (Evie’s) story – I think it is very debatable,” said June Reece, 79, from Cochrane.
“If you are at the point of no return, who’s gets to make that decision?”
The legislation on doctor assisted death, Bill C-14, passed in February 2016, requires the person filing a request to be at least 18 years old, have a serious and incurable illness, disease or disability, and be capable of making decisions in respect to their health.
“We all have personal stories of loved ones going through pain and suffering and wonder if that is something that is necessary,” Goodship said.
Since the bill passed, 129 people have accessed medical assisted death with 66 people ineligible due to reasons such as mental health diagnosis, loss of capacity or competency, or death is not reasonably foreseeable.
The second presentation by Wallace, who also worked in mental health for three and a half decades, discussed what it was like for her husband to make the decision to die at 75.
Hugh Wallace had battled multiple sclerosis for more than 20 years and in the months leading up to his death was also diagnosed with small-cell aggressive lung cancer.
Known for not ‘sugar-coating’ the family’s story, Evie spoke about how difficult the choice was for their children and herself, but the right thing for her husband.
“To see someone suffer is godawful and to leave, with some dignity of who you are, is beautiful,” Evie said.
By the end of the seminar, Goodship said he was glad the conversation has started in Cochrane.
“We certainly would host another (seminar) if there was an interest to have more conversation or hear the presenters again,” Goodship said.
