In response to Desmond Tutu, I have written the below and have sent it to every newspaper in the country. Well see what they say : In light of Desmond Tutu’s revelations on assisted suicide, I would like to make the below observation. Tutus latest announcement has received much attention lately in the Press. These are my thoughts. This is not a criticism of Emeritus Desmond Tutu, these are my observations from the perspective of someone who has Neurofibromatosis (NF) I read with interest Tutu’s recent declaration that he supports Euthanasia or rather ‘assisted dying.’ Tutu although well meaning , has enraged me with his misunderstanding of what it is to be a sufferer of Neurofibromatosis (NF) and I guess some of the lesser known chronic conditions and further that he chose to highlight this condition in this manner as part of his argument for assisted dying. Let me start off – Neurofibromatosis is not a death sentence! Tutu’s revelations coincide with Craig Schonegevel’s recently publicized ‘The Last Right’ ( a review of which can be found in many leading newspapers this week) . Although I have not read Schonegevel’s account of his life in the time leading up to his suicide, I am saddened that he [Craig] felt his condition merited ending his short sojourn on this planet and I am desperately sorry that he felt so hopeless as he came to grips with this disfiguring illness. As a sufferer ( I don’t like this word , but it is what is) of NF myself and having undergone multiple surgeries to correct various manifestations of the illness, Tutu’s statement reveals very little understanding of this illness . It is one thing to create awareness of an illness such as NF and I personally feel there should be more awareness of it out there , but when I read that he thought sufferers of NF should be afforded the right to end their own lives if they so wish , I took a double take. I am sure that there are those for whom a future with NF may seem unbearable (trust me I know), but in my opinion it is not an illness which merits the ending of one’s life. It is not a death sentence! I am not arguing for or against assisted dying here , but I would rather like to encourage other people who may have had similar experiences as I and for whom it may seem like life is no longer worth living. You see there is always hope. I have walked a dark and sometimes lonely path with this illness. I am now in a place in my life where I can genuinely say as the Psalmist said ‘I praise you Lord for I am wonderfully and fearfully made’ (Psalm 139) I am now 32 years old and married. Life with Neurofibromatosis is not easy. Sometimes I am in constant pain . Sometimes I get depressed. However it is not a death sentence. I have an amazing and supportive family. I have had a wonderful life and I have a great future ahead of me. I only wish that Craig could have experienced the same joy as I have. ‘There but for the grace of God go I’
Posted on: Mon, 14 Jul 2014 14:48:37 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015