End-of-Life Options Advocate Christy O'Donnell Dies Before Law She Championed Takes Effect

Dying Calif. Mom Bravely Fought for Law to Benefit Other Terminally Ill Adults

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Feb 08, 2016, 07:40 ET

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 8, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Christy O'Donnell, whose horrific suffering from cancer prompted her to publicly support legislation to give other terminally ill Californians the option of medical aid in dying, has died. She was 47.

Christy's older brother, Jay Watts, confirmed she died on her Facebook page: www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=1559435231048921&id=100009473760886

Christy O'Donnell expresses joy at California State Capitol after state legislature passed End of Life Option Act on Sept. 11, 2015

"On February 6, my little Sister Christy passed away and she asked me to post this as her final message on Facebook, as she wanted everyone to know how Loved, Supported, and Lucky she has been in her Lifetime to have you all in her Life. I and our family want to extend a special thanks to the health care professionals at http://www.bestchoicehospicecare.com/ who were absolutely wonderful in doing what they could to help make Christy's final days as comfortable as possible given the circumstances."

"To Bailey, my Beautiful Daughter: … I have done everything I can think of to prepare you for this moment and I pray that it has been enough to lessen your suffering after Mommy is gone. I also pray that all of Mommy's friends and family will be there for you in the future and they have set up a Trust for you at www.crowdrise.com/odonnellfund to do what I could not be there to do, get you through College in our own home with our poopies 'Lady' and 'Pup Pup'. …I take comfort in knowing that someday Aid in Dying will be lawful not only in California, but throughout the United States."

Christy bravely fought for the recent enactment of California's aid-in-dying law, the End of Life Option Act, despite knowing she would likely die before it would take effect: 90 days after the end of the legislative special session concludes later this year.

"Christy worked tirelessly for the passage of the End of Life Option Act," said Compassion & Choices California Campaign Director Toni Broaddus. "Our hearts are breaking at the loss of this amazing woman who did so much for others even as she was facing her own death. It's a tragedy Christy could not take advantage of the new law she so bravely fought for during the last months of her life. We have so much gratitude for Christy and her work."

Between agonizing, debilitating cancer treatments, Christy traveled from her Santa Clarita home to Sacramento to testify in support of the End of Life Option Act, told her story to journalists, met with lawmakers, rallied at their offices urging them to support the bill and videotaped a personal plea for Gov. Jerry Brown to sign it.

When Brown signed the bill on Oct. 5, she unselfishly spoke of the other beneficiaries:

"I'm overjoyed for all the terminally ill in California, who can now relax knowing they finally have the choice of aid in dying as one of their end-of-life options'" she said. "Gov. Brown, you have made me a proud Californian today, knowing I live in a state where our governor acts in accordance with what his people need, want, and deserve: in this case, a peaceful and pain-free death with their family."

A single mom, devout Christian, lifelong Republican and LAPD officer turned civil rights lawyer, Christy had a unique story that resonated with the media and the public.

She was featured in a People Magazine article: "Why Can't I Die on My Own Terms?" And she wrote an op-ed published by the Los Angeles Daily News: "Deprived of the choice to die with dignity." Dozens of media outlets covered her story, including: The Huffington Post, The [London] Daily Mail, The Washington Post, and Yahoo News. To learn more about Christy's courageous battle to pass the End of Life Option Act, watch this video: bit.ly/ChristyO.

Christy was diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer in 2014. Despite enduring a year of chemo treatments, the cancer spread to her brain, liver, spine and a rib. Her doctors said she would likely die painfully within months from the rapidly growing cancer.

Despite this prognosis, she tirelessly advocated for passing the End of Life Option Act and was the lead plaintiff in a suit filed by Compassion & Choices asserting existing California law and the state constitution already authorize medical aid in dying.

"I can't wait," she told People Magazine. "My daughter can't wait. I owe this to myself, and I owe this to my daughter. She's either going to come home and she's going to have to discover my body, or she's going to have to watch me die painfully."

Dan Diaz, the widower of Brittany Maynard, the 29-year-old Californian with terminal brain cancer who moved to Oregon to access its death-with-dignity law in 2014, fought back tears as he spoke about his friend Christy.

"The first time I ever spoke with Christy she briefly shared with me the details of the cancer she was battling, but the focus of the conversation quickly shifted to how proud she felt of her daughter, Bailey," Dan Diaz said. "Christy's determination to live life as long as possible, and her advocacy for end-of-life options, emanated from her love of Bailey. Christy's devotion to always do right by her Bailey is how I will remember my dear friend."

Christy was born on July 24, 1968. She was a partner at the law firm of McCune & Harber in Los Angeles and was also a guest lecturer at University of Southern California. She is survived by her 21-year-old daughter, Bailey Donorovich.

Compassion & Choices is the nation's oldest and largest nonprofit organization working to improve care and expand choice at the end of life. More information is available at: www.compassionandchoices.org

California Media Contact:
Patricia González-Portillo, (323) 819-0310, [email protected]

National Media Contact:
Sean Crowley, (202) 495-8520-c, [email protected]

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SOURCE Compassion & Choices