For our EMS Hero of the Week, we’d like to honor Indiana firefighter Josh Comeau, who is battling the same type of brain cancer that led 29-year-old Brittany Maynard to end her own life by taking a lethal dose of drugs as part of Oregon’s ‘Death with Dignity’ law.
Comeau, who has a wife and three kids, says it was difficult seeing her make that decision. He doesn’t agree with her choice, but he’s also not casting judgment. He’s simply determined to handle his stage four glioblastoma in his own way.
“I have every reason to live and every reason to fight to live,” he said.
Maynard’s death sparked a national debate on whether terminally ill patients should be able to end their own lives. Regardless of where you fall on the issue, we think that Comeau’s decision to stay strong and accept whatever happens deserves a pat on the back — or more like a great big hug.
He’s currently going through chemotherapy and has several more rounds before it’s complete.
“It’s getting tougher,” he said. “But my resolve is getting firmer.”