When, in 2022, my surgeon leaned over my bed in recovery and said "it would be optimistic to suggest you will survive 16 months" due to extensive and aggressive metastatic cancer, I chuckled and replied, "I worked on Victoria's voluntary assisted dying legislation but I didn't think I'd need to access it so soon".
And here I am, years later, managing my incurable cancer in a medical trial and still fighting for people's right to die with dignity. But now, it's personal.
I bring my experience of living with a life-limiting illness and several years supporting the slow and agonising indignity of the death of a friend with early onset dementia to my work with Dying With Dignity Victoria. Combined with my professional experience of working inside government on policy and communications to effect reform, and qualifications in corporate governance and business, I am deeply committed to making a positive impact on health systems and services.
We can never take for granted our access to safe, supportive healthcare, including end of life care and the ability to choose what's right for ourself. I am proud to be part of Dying With Dignity Victoria to ensure all people can access the sorts of healthcare and support they deserve, where and when they choose.