Sylvia’s Story: Embrace Your End-of-life Choices

Live How You Like, Leave How You Like

My name is Sylvia. I am 91 years old, and I live alone in an independent living community. I was living with my husband prior to his death a few years ago, but I lost him after a long and painful journey with Alzheimer’s disease. Watching someone you love disappear piece by piece is something I would not wish on anyone. When he died, I promised myself that if I ever faced serious illness, I would want honesty, comfort, and dignity. Currently, I am able to live that way. I am able to take care of myself and I enjoy spending time with my children and friends.

However, I am living with a bladder tumor. Right now, I am still myself. While I still enjoy my routines, my memories, and the quiet of my home, at my age, I know that things can change quickly.

When I learned that Governor Hochul has promised to sign the Medical Aid in Dying Act into law, I felt a sense of relief I didn’t expect. Knowing this option exists helps me feel at peace. It means that if my disease progresses to the point where I would be eligible, I would not have to leave my home. I would not have to suffer needlessly. I would have a choice.

That peace of mind matters more than I can say.

But having a law on the books isn’t enough. People like me need to know how to use this choice. We need clear, compassionate information. We need doctors and nurses who understand the law and are willing to talk openly with us. And we need organizations like End of Life Choices New York to make sure no one is left in the dark or forced to face these decisions alone.

I am grateful that New York has taken this step. It tells me that my life—and my comfort at the end of it—matters.

With your support, EOLCNY can help make sure this law truly serves the people it was meant to help – people like you and me.

Sincerely,
Sylvia E.

Recent Events & Updates

Note from Nathalie

Love of mine, someday you will die
But I’ll be close behind,
I’ll follow you into the dark
– “I Will Follow You Into The Dark”, Death Cab for Cutie

It’s the happiest saddest time of the year. Many of us are experiencing so many emotions during this time of the year and I hope you find a moment to catch your breath. Time is a blink and a lifetime ago and, in a few weeks, we will be welcoming a new year. Come together with End of Life Choices New York as we find new possibilities and peace in 2026!

Upcoming Events

We have several upcoming events that are free and open to the public! Join us:

• David Leven will be speaking on WIOX Radio on HealthCetera in the Catskills today at 2 PM.You can listen live at www.wioxradio.org.
• Our next online Legacy League will be on January 8th at 10 AM. Join us for a no-agenda hang out to talk about your thoughts and feelings about death and dying. Bring your questions and curiosities as we get together to demystify and de-taboo death! Register here!
• We haver moved our monthly meet-n-greets for 2026 to the 2nd Monday of the month at 3 PM. Join us to learn about what we are working on at End of Life Choices New York, and perhaps even be inspired to get involved in some way! Register here!

The Deadly Dish: Kelli Dunham

Our Executive Director, Mandi Zucker, recently sat down with Kelli Dunham, a nurse, prior nun, and comedian, to talk about the experience with medical aid in dying that Kelli went through several years ago. Kelli’s partner was dying from cancer and decided to use medical aid in dying in a state that had legalized it. The experience was incredibly sad, and also beautiful, and Kelli shares what it was like in our latest episode. As medical aid in dying is implemented in New York, this is an important episode for people who are curious about the process and what it could look like for you. Check it out here!