May 24th 2024.
It's with a heavy heart that we share the news of Tracy Hickman's passing. The 57-year-old British woman, who had been battling terminal breast cancer, chose to end her life through euthanasia on a beautiful beach in New Zealand this Wednesday. It was her final wish, one that she had been advocating for in her home country of the UK.
Tracy's friend and podcaster, Dom Harvey, took to Instagram to announce her peaceful passing. Tracy had always dreamed of leaving this world while listening to the calming sound of the waves and surrounded by her loved ones. And that's exactly what she got.
Before her passing, Tracy had shared her story on Dom's podcast, where she expressed her desire for a peaceful and dignified death. She was a strong advocate for assisted dying, which was made legal in New Zealand in 2019 with strict guidelines. However, it is still illegal in the UK, a fact that Tracy had been trying to change until the very end.
In the days leading up to her death, Tracy posted on social media, expressing her peace and acceptance with her decision. She apologized for causing any distress to her family and friends, but explained that the alternative was to endure a few more months of uncertain and painful suffering.
In an interview with the Guardian, Tracy called for the UK to follow in New Zealand's footsteps and allow individuals the right to choose a gentle and peaceful death. Her sister, Linda-Clarke, who lives in the UK, shared that if Tracy had stayed there, she would have had to watch her sister suffer through a horrific death.
Tracy's battle with cancer began in 2019 when a routine mammogram revealed a malignant tumor. She underwent a mastectomy and chemotherapy, which initially showed promising results. However, in 2021, Tracy started experiencing seizures and numbness on one side of her face. Despite multiple hospital visits, doctors were unable to explain her symptoms until an MRI and PET scan in 2022 revealed multiple tumors throughout her body.
Even though her cancer was deemed terminal, Tracy was not eligible for euthanasia as doctors believed she would live longer than six months. She was offered harsh chemotherapy, which caused her further side effects, including hearing loss and nerve damage. After stopping treatment, Tracy's condition worsened, and she was given a prognosis of only three months to live.
It was then that she decided to apply for an assisted death, which was approved after being assessed by two doctors. On Wednesday, surrounded by her loved ones, Tracy's wish was fulfilled as she peacefully passed away on a beach, listening to the sound of the waves.
Tracy's partner, Paul, expressed his gratitude to Dom for sharing her story in a sensitive and respectful manner. He appreciated how Dom brought awareness to Tracy's cause without sensationalizing it or seeking attention.
Among those fighting for the legalization of assisted dying in the UK is Dame Esther Rantzen, who also has a terminal illness. She shared her personal journey with euthanasia and her disappointment with the Health and Social Care Committee's report not pushing for a debate and vote in the House of Commons.
In case you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of ending their life, please reach out for help. You can call the Samaritans helpline, visit their website, or contact PAPYRUS Prevention of Young Suicide UK. Remember, there is always support available, and no one should have to suffer alone.
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