Sandy Briden, a 57-year-old chemistry lecturer and scientist from Twickenham, London, shares her personal journey with a rare and incurable form of cancer called sarcoma. Diagnosed in December 2015, Sandy underwent a major operation, briefly experienced remission, and returned to work. However, in August 2016, doctors revealed inoperable tumors, making her diagnosis terminal. Sandy opted for palliative chemotherapy and was able to witness her son’s wedding and her granddaughter’s birth. However, Sandy advocates for the option of assisted dying, viewing it not as an end to life but as a means to live without the constant fear of a painful death, allowing her to say goodbye peacefully. The website reports that Sandy passed away in 2017, though it does not give details of her passing.
This can prompt discussions on topics such as end-of-life care, assisted dying, and the emotional aspects of facing a terminal illness. It gives valuable insight into patient autonomy, the role of medical interventions, and the ethical considerations surrounding assisted dying. Students can explore the emotional and ethical dimensions of healthcare decisions, fostering critical thinking and respectful dialogue on sensitive topics related to death and dying.
Access
- Link: https://features.dignityindying.org.uk/sandy-briden/
Details
Language: English
Type of Story: Brief story
Medium: written
Contributed by: Willow Irving
Citation:
Sandy Briden | Dignity in Dying. (n.d.). https://features.dignityindying.org.uk/sandy-briden/