Brittany Maynard is about to embark on her final adventure: To die with dignity.
Maynard, 29, has terminal brain cancer and has made plans to end her own life with the sedative Secobarbitol on November 1 if her suffering does not abate.
Her story has touched millions, and has incurred its share of controversy.
"I don't want to die but I am dying," Brittany Maynard laments to People.
"My [cancer] is going to kill me, and it's a terrible, terrible way to die."
"So," she says, "to be able to die with my family with me, to have control over my own mind, which I would stand to lose – to go with dignity is less terrifying."
Maynard, her mother, stepfather, Gary Holmes, and husband, Dan Diaz, moved to Portland, Oregon, four months ago so Maynard could do what she feels she must:
Gain access to the west coast state's landmark Death with Dignity Act.
The former teacher, launched an online video campaign with Compassion & Choices, an end-of-life advocacy organization, to fight for national access to the law.
That's not the only way she's making the most of her final days.
Born with an adventurer's spirit and the heart of a warrior, Maynard has been ice climbing in Ecuador and kayaking in Patagonia and has cared for orphans in Nepal.
She hopes to see the Grand Canyon this month, which will be her last.
"We're going to try," says her mom Debbie. "It's her last hurrah."
Read more about Brittany's story in the new issue of People and comment below: Do you agree with her advocacy on this emotionally and legally complex issue?
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