To the editor:

My name is Colleen Corrigan, I live in Paul Smiths and work for High Peaks Hospice, Spirit Sanctuary (conservation natural burial ground) and founder of the Adirondack Death Care Community.

I have seen first hand the importance of people who qualify, in having the option for Medical Aid in Dying.

Please note that these are my personal reflections and are not representative of the above mentioned organizations.

There are many myths out there about Medical Aid in Dying and I urge you to remove yourself from these myths and educate yourself to learn the truth of what this offers and means for people who qualify.

Unless you are faced with wishing you had this option, or witness someone trying to navigate this time at the end of life with a dire prognosis, it is difficult to see how necessary this is.

As we all will face end of life at some point, you may wish to have this option for yourself or experience your loved one wishing they had another way than suffering through a horrible disease until death takes them, or when they decide to stop eating and drinking and they’re dying of dehydration, as this is the only option at this time to consciously decide to hasten death at end of life since we do not have Medical Aid in Dying as an option yet.

Please refer to compassion and choices for real stories and contact Nancy Murphy, Compassion and Choices Adirondack representative at ycnanhi@gmail.com to see how you can support.

Thank you for your time.

Colleen Corrigan

Paul Smiths