A woman has shared her experience of assisting her parents in fulfilling their wish to end their lives together. Corinne Gregory Sharpe, aged 61, had a strong bond with her parents and was devastated when they asked for her help in a decision that was difficult for her to comprehend.
In 2021, Corinne assisted Eva and Druse Neumann in their decision to end their lives through medical aid in dying (MAID). She has now opened up about the intimate details of her parents’ final moments and why she believes they deserved to have control over their own end.
Eva and Druse, deeply in love, were both enjoying their retirement when Eva’s health started to decline. At 92, Eva faced a series of health issues, including a heart attack and aortic stenosis, a condition with a grim prognosis. Despite medical recommendations for surgery, Eva chose not to pursue it, opting to let things take their course.
The situation took a turn for the worse in 2021 when Eva fell and was hospitalized, followed by Druse experiencing stroke-like symptoms. Both ended up in a rehab center, and their health rapidly deteriorated. Eva, showing no fear of death, decided to pursue medical aid in dying under Washington’s Death with Dignity Act.
Unlike Eva, Druse was fearful of dying, but after discussions with Corinne, he also chose to end his life alongside his wife through MAID. Corinne found herself advocating for her father’s decision, and after meeting the eligibility criteria, the process moved forward.
In their final weeks, Corinne stayed by her parents’ side, creating cherished memories and preparing for their chosen “death date” on Friday, August 13. On the night before their deaths, the family shared a special moment together, enjoying ‘the Last Happy Hour.’ The next morning, with Corinne and her husband present, Eva and Druse peacefully passed away after taking the lethal medication.
Corinne hopes that sharing her family’s story will raise awareness about end-of-life choices and encourage discussions on the topic. Her experience coincides with the progression of the assisted dying bill in the UK, which aims to allow terminally ill adults to apply for an assisted death under specific criteria.
The emotional journey Corinne went through highlights the importance of having control over one’s end-of-life decisions and the need for open dialogue on the subject.