A lot of people wonder why I am going to Switzerland to obtain a death with dignity (DWD) with the assistance of a physician instead of doing it in the US or even Canada. The short answer is that it's too many hoops to jump through, so many restrictions & waiting periods + the requirements being you have 6 months or less to live in the US. In Canada, you must be a citizen or resident. Also, after much research, I chose a non profit clinic called Pegasos in Switzerland & it's my choice, it's my life & after so many years of not being able to be in control of this body & my life, I will be in control of my death. I'm not giving up & this isn't simply "s*icide"— my body is giving up on me.
In 2020, I said in my interview style documentary , Chronically20Something, filmed by my friend Rashad White, that I was considering it if my health didn't improve. 5 years later, my health is the worst I could ever imagine. In 2021, I started getting more infections which led to multiple bouts of sepsis & organ damage. In 2022, I found out my heart is failing due to congestive heart failure (CHF) my lungs are failing due to the pulmonary hypertension & I'm now oxygen dependent. I have also been an ambulatory wheelchair user since 2022, basically meaning I'm able to walk short distances. Using mobility aids helped improve my independence & quality of life but the pain & suffering + complications continue to affect me. The pain & symptoms are debilitating.
The application process is lengthy & the procedure is expensive but here's how I got started & what documents + info are needed:
go to their website: https://pegasos-association.com
Create an account
Start the application
Documents + info:
-Reason for requesting a VAD
- Your civil status & current living situation
- A brief biography
- Family & support crew background
- Recent medical records
- Contact person nomination
- Birth certificate
- Proof of residence
- Marriage / divorce certificates
- Instructions for cremation, ashes etc.
How does the procedure work:
The procedure is called a Voluntary Assisted Death (VAD) — meaning you're being assisted + monitored by a physician, not being euthanized.
At the clinic, they have highly skilled medical professionals, who will set up the intravenous line. You need to be able rotate the small wheel that opens the IV line that will be attached to the cannula in your arm. If you have weakness in your fingers or limited movement in your hands and arms, their special device helps you start the infusion with a simple bump. This can be operated with one's arm, body or even feet. A slight turn of the head or even a slight movement with your tongue also works. You go to sleep within a minute & pass quickly afterwards.
What happens after you die:
After your VAD, Pegasos will call the authorities who will attend the clinic. Once the formalities are complete, Pegasos will call the funeral home, who will come and collect your body.
Your ashes will be available approximately 10 days later. Your ashes can be either mailed home to your family or collected by your designated contact person.
The cost:
A VAD at Pegasos costs ~ CHF 10,000, which is divided into two payments. The first payment, referred to as the deposit, is due when you apply for VAD. The second payment is required when you are ready to schedule your VAD date. This covers paperwork, consultations, the VAD appointment (including drugs), cremation, and the couriering of ashes. Travel & lodging expenses are not covered & you must arrange that yourself. The clinic will recommend a hotel nearby where you should stay to make it easy, you don't need to rent a car & if you're in a lot of pain, discomfort or anything like that, you should consider flying at least business class.
If you found any of this information to be helpful, or you want to help me with my travel expenses to obtain my dignified death, you can support me by becoming a supporter or member here, donating, or making a purchase from my stationary and gift shop. Thanks so much for reading and thank you for being here.
My documentary: