Calif. Woman, 72, Reveals How She’s Spending Her Final Hours Before Ending Her Life to Escape Pancreatic Cancer (Exclusive)

Woman Shares Final Hours Before Choosing to End Life to Escape Cancer Battling cancer can be an arduous and draining journey, especially when the disease reaches its advanced stages. Roseana Spangler-Sims, a 72-year-old woman from California, found herself in this exact situation when she was diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer nearly 18 months ago. Despite undergoing intensive chemotherapy and radiation treatments for over a year, Roseana’s condition continued to deteriorate. As the cancer spread further, she made the courageous decision to navigate her final hours on her own terms by utilising California’s Medical Aid in Dying (MAID) law.

In an intimate and exclusive conversation with PEOPLE, Roseana candidly shared her experiences and emotions as she prepared to bid farewell to her life on Sunday, August 31. Sitting wrapped in a purple blanket next to her son, Roseana exuded a sense of tranquillity amidst the physical pain and discomfort she was enduring. Her journey with cancer had been tumultuous, marked by a mixture of hope and despair, as she grappled with the harsh reality of her deteriorating health. Roseana’s decision to opt for MAID reflects her courage and determination to find peace and closure on her own terms.

Roseana’s poignant account sheds light on the profound impact that terminal illnesses can have on individuals and their loved ones. By openly sharing her story and documenting her final moments, Roseana hopes to raise awareness about the complexities of choosing MAID and the personal significance it holds for her. Her decision to spend her remaining days surrounded by her family in a serene setting near Palomar Mountain exemplifies the importance of love, support, and togetherness during such challenging times.

As the hours tick away towards her chosen departure, Roseana meticulously plans each detail, from her last meal of papaya and mango to the playlist that will accompany her final moments. Her attire, a blend of personal touches including Chicago Cubs pajama pants and a custom Star Trek t-shirt, reflects her unique personality and values. Through her choice of clothing and symbolic references, Roseana conveys a message of unity, acceptance, and celebrating diversity in the face of adversity.

The presence of her death doula, Melissa McClave, and the ceremonial use of psilocybin as a means of finding inner peace and connection with nature, add layers of spiritual and emotional depth to Roseana’s journey. The rituals and preparations leading up to her final moments are a testament to her unwavering resolve and readiness to embark on a new chapter beyond the confines of her physical pain and suffering. Roseana’s calmness and acceptance resonate as she prepares to drink the MAID solution, supported by her family and guided by the unwavering compassion of those around her.

Roseana’s narrative underscores the importance of autonomy, dignity, and compassion in end-of-life decisions, particularly for individuals facing terminal illnesses. Her choice to donate her body for scientific research at the University of California, San Diego, further emphasises her commitment to contributing to the greater good even in her final moments. As she approaches the threshold of a new existence, Roseana’s words echo a sense of hope, curiosity, and acceptance of the unknown journey that awaits her beyond the realms of mortality.

In a world often marked by division and discord, Roseana’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the power of resilience, love, and embracing life’s complexities with grace and courage. As she bids farewell to her loved ones and embarks on her final chapter, Roseana’s spirit of celebration, unity, and unwavering determination to find peace in the face of adversity leave an indelible mark on all those who encounter her story.