Wednesday, May 31, 2023 | 2 a.m.
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Dear Gov. Joe Lombardo,
I am dying of metastatic pancreatic cancer. That’s a hard fact that cannot be changed.
But what can be changed is how much suffering I will go through.
Despite my terminal condition, I joined other Nevadans to testify before legislators and asked them to pass The End of Life Options Act (Senate Bill 239), which would provide terminally ill adults like myself the option to die gently if they can no longer tolerate suffering at the end of their life.
I am extremely grateful for the hard work and thoughtful consideration put in by the lawmakers in the Assembly and state Senate to pass this bill.
In a few short days, the ultimate fate of the bill — and the future of many terminally ill Nevadans including myself — will be in your hands.
I know the vocal minority that oppose medical aid in dying will try to convince you not to sign this compassionate legislation. I believe they have every right to oppose this end-of-life care option for themselves.
But for those of us who are terminally ill and want a compassionate option, this bill gives us an additional one that we do not have today in Nevada. I implore you to sign this bill.
Since my initial diagnosis in February 2021, I have never given up seeking care, I’ve undergone aggressive treatments and surgeries, and I am currently on my second clinical trial, no longer to cure my disease but in hopes that I get more time here with my husband and my four children.
I am taking every last step to extend my life and will continue to do so.
Gov. Lombardo, I know first-hand what it is to suffer from cancer. I lost my first husband at the age of 38. He had wonderful medical care yet there was no amount of love or medication that could alleviate his pain at the end of his life.
The reality is that we need this end-of-life care option in Nevada for those who want to use it.
I am personally asking you to consider all terminally ill Nevadans and support them by signing SB 239.
As a Christian, I am not afraid of where I am going after I die. My personal faith is deeply rooted in God. I know that by signing this compassionate bill you would truly be helping the most vulnerable Nevadans, those who are terminally ill, in pain and suffering.
Thank you,
Lynda Brooks-Bracey
Las Vegas
