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41-year-old Betsy Davis was diagnosed with ALS, Lou Gehrig’s disease, a condition that causes motor neurons in the brain and spine to deteriorate over time. Over time, losing motor neurons can cause the brain to cease function, leading to a patient’s death.
Davis had been diagnosed with the condition three years ago. She’d watched her body slowly lose its ability to move and function on its own until she was completely dependent on others to function in her daily life.
In June 2016, California — where Davis resided — passed the End-of-Life Option Act that allowed terminally ill patients to end their life with medication, with the assistance of a doctor.
Once Davis heard the news, she knew that she would choose when she would end her life rather than wait for the slow end to come to her.
But before she took her life, Davis decided to throw a party for 30 of her closest friends and family members. It wasn’t a birthday party, but rather a “rebirth” party where she could celebrate her life one last time.
In Davis’ invitations, she wrote, “There are no rules. Wear what you want, speak your mind, dance, hop, chant, sing, pray, but do not cry in front of me.”
From July 23rd to the 24th, Davis and her 30 guests spent time together in a mountainside home located in Southern California. They made music, drank, ate (pizza from Davis’ favorite restaurant), and watched movies.
Davis made a point of speaking personally with every party guest, ensuring that each of them also picked up a “Betsy souvenir” from her home – be it artwork, clothing accessories, or beauty products – before they left.
“For me and everyone who was invited, it was very challenging to consider, but there was no question that we would be there for her,” one guest, cinematographer Niels Alpert said. “In the background of the lovely fun, smiles, and laughter that we had, that weekend was the knowledge of what was coming.”
Finally, at 6:45pm on July 24, 2016, after all of Davis’ guests had left, Davis was wheeled out of her home with her doctor, caretaker, massage therapist, and sister to watch one final sunset.
There, she took the drugs that would end her life. Four hours later, Davis passed away.
“What Betsy did gave her the most beautiful death that any person could ever wish for,” said another one of the party attendees, and one of Davis’ close friends. “By taking charge, she turned her departure into a work of art.”
