Abstract

:This paper recounts the author’s conversations with Ryan Farnsworth, a 30-year-old ALS patient who consented to be interviewed for the purpose of improving communication between physicians and patients. Under the California End of Life Option, the patient had been prescribed medication that would allow him to end his life at a time of his choosing. He describes coping with the challenges of the illness, how he will make the decision when to take the drugs and what he hopes will be his legacy.