Medical Assistance in Dying – loving someone through the process

Bear Psychology Podcast

Upon receiving a brain tumor diagnosis in 2018, Cynthia Clark’s husband expressed his desire to prioritize the quality of his remaining years over the quantity. His desire was to relish his time with his wife and kids, which ultimately led to his decision to utilize MAID when treatment failed eight months later. After starting a blog to update friends and family about the process, Cynthia began to notice that those going through this same process with a loved one often reported feeling alone and unsupported. This led her to write “The Many Faces of MAID: What to Expect When Someone You Know Chooses Medical Assistance in Dying” with co-author Carol Cram to provide those going through this experience some comfort and support. The proceeds of the book go towards MAID FAMILY SUPPORT SOCIETY.

The book is a compilation of 17 stories from those that have experienced the loss of a loved one through a medically assisted death. These stories show the raw and uncensored experiences of the storytellers, express a wide range of emotions, and offer glimpses into some of the intimate moments of their journey.

Listen our conversation with author and advocate Cynthia Clark as we take an intimate look into the experiences of people who have supported loved ones through MAID in Canada.

Cynthia Clark is an author and graduate of the University of Western Ontario. She is a trained executive coach, has spent time working as a management consultant and continues to advocate for many causes that she is passionate about. She currently is the vice chair of MAID family support, a not-for-profit corporation and charity that focuses on helping individuals who have been through MAID with a loved one. Cynthia herself guided her family through MAID in 2019 when her husband was diagnosed with brain cancer and again when her father chose MAID in 2023. She also volunteers her time at Dying with Dignity Canada and Bridge C-14.

Cynthia Clark’s book offers readers solace, camaraderie, and acceptance of their own feelings through this tremendously difficult process. The book provides the opportunity to explore the range of emotions you may experience leading up to, during, and following their loved one's MAID. It is made to be read at any time along the MAID journey to help those suffering realize they are not alone.

If you are interested in learning about what the MAID experience in Canada, this podcast is for you.

Links & Resources:

• To purchase the book: https://www.amazon.ca/Many-Faces-MAID-Someone-Assistance/dp/B0CHL1FMRK
• For more information about the MAID Family Support Society: https://maidfamilysupport.ca/
• Access 1 on 1 peer support people supporting someone choosing MAID or grieving a MAID loss: https://maidfamilysupport.ca/1-to-1-peer-support/
• An interview with Cynthia Clark discussing death and children. https://www.podbean.com/ew/pb-ki3d8-1411ad6

Materials to Reference:

• Learn more about Dying with Dignity Canada: https://www.dyingwithdignity.ca/
• Read more MAID stories here: https://maidfamilysupport.ca/maid-stories/