Tuesday, April 7, 2020

Candice Lewis has died a natural death RIP. Candice made a difference in the world.

Alex Schadenberg
Executive Director, Euthanasia Prevention Coalition

Yesterday, Candice Lewis died a natural death. Candice made a difference in the world. (Link to her obituary)

We first learned about Candice and her mom Sheila in July 2017 when CBC Newfoundland published an article concerning the complaint by Sheila about Candice being pressured to ask for Medical Aid in Dying (MAiD) while she was receiving medical treatment in August 2016. (Link)

An in-depth article was written by Stephen Roberts, for the Northern Pen concerning the complaint letter that Sheila, sent to the hospital. It stated:
Elson wrote that Heroux had taken her out into the hallway by Lewis’s hospital room to discuss physician-assisted death and advise her the option was legal in Canada. 
She alleges the doctor said he supported physician-assisted death for Lewis. 
“This left me dumbfounded and I told him it was something I did not want to consider,” she said.
She contends the doctor suggested she was being selfish and that she told him that she didn’t believe Lewis was able to fully comprehend what was being suggested. 
She says Lewis could hear the conversation from her room and it was causing emotional distress for them both. 
“I am still very concerned about this, it is always on my mind. I am emotionally exhausted. I see that it has been also very stressful for Candice and one of my main reasons for writing this letter is that I don’t want any other family to have to go through this,” Elson wrote.
We learned more in August 2017 when Roberts wrote a follow up article for the Northern Pen indicating that Candice's health had improved (Link).

Candice and Kevin
Kevin Dunn then visited Candice and Sheila for the filming of the Fatal Flaws film. After returning from Newfoundland we published this article and film clip.


Yesterday Kevin published a tribute to Candice on his blog (Link).

Since that time, Kevin and I have continued communicating with Candice and Sheila. They have made a difference in the lives of so many.

How many cases, similar to Candice Lewis have occurred in Canada and either died by lethal injection or were so shocked by the experience of being pressured that they have not spoken about it? Thank you Candice for sharing your story.

My deepest condolences go to Sheila and the family. Sheila loved and cared for her daughter Candice. Sheila told me that her heart is broken. 

Candice lived her life and will be remembered for how she helped to change the world.

6 comments:

  1. God love her. Deeply saddened to hear this.
    My condolences to her loving and devoted Mother.
    Candice is one of our heroes.
    May Perpetual Light shine upon her.

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  2. My sincere sympathy. What a brave pair you and your daughter have been. Take care Sheilah.
    Jeannine

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  3. Dear Sheila and Family,

    Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and Candice. We are so grateful to you both for courageously standing up for all of us, that hopefully no one else will be bullied into euthanasia by doctors at our most frailest times. Candice, rest in the Peace of Christ, and may you and your family feel His comfort and Holy Love at this difficult time. Dawn and Rick

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  4. My sincere condolences to a wonderful mom. sincerely Jeanette Noordam

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  5. If we believe in the Other Life (after death) we don't do this. We are not gods and we cannot replace God.
    May God forgive you!
    Fr. RB

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  6. Sorry for the lost of you're child, my darling little angel Candice, Sheila may she rest in peace with all angels guarding her my payers are with you and your family. yours truly Fred Sullivan Janitor at the Janeway Children Hospital

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