Joe Mudukiza, a vibrant 28-year-old playwright and drama teacher from Kenya, grapples with an agonizing decision. Diagnosed with sickle cell disease at infancy, his life has been a constant battle against pain. Now, as the relentless attacks worsen and limited treatment options offer little relief, Joe contemplates a controversial path: medically assisted death.
In Kenya, where euthanasia remains banned, Joe seeks solace abroad. The Association for the Right to Die with Dignity in Belgium beckons, a glimmer of hope in a seemingly bleak landscape. Yet, his pursuit clashes with the love and concerns of those closest to him.
His mother, heartbroken and resolute, clings to life-saving measures, urging him to fight alongside her. His children, drawing strength from his spirit, face the unimaginable: a future without their father’s infectious laughter and unwavering support.
From navigating education hurdles to pursuing his passion for drama, Joe’s life with sickle cell has been a testament to resilience. But as the debilitating pain of crises leaves him gasping for breath, even fleeting relief from opioids seems insufficient. With Kenya’s legal barriers seemingly insurmountable, “death tourism” emerges as his only potential escape.
However, the path is fraught with uncertainty. Legal complexities and the emotional turmoil he inflicts on his loved ones weigh heavily on his conscience. Yet, Joe remains determined to seek a peaceful end to his suffering, a flicker of hope ignited by advancements like CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing.
While these advancements promise a brighter future for future generations, their immediate reach remains elusive for Joe. He finds solace in the story of Aurelia Brouwers, a young Dutch woman granted euthanasia for mental health reasons, understanding the ethical and emotional complexities that shroud his own decision.
Aurelia Brouwers chose to end her life legally in January, 2018 in the Netherlands
As Joe embarks on this uncharted territory, he confronts his mortality and the profound impact his choice will have on those he loves. It’s a story of heartbreak, love, and a desperate search for peace, highlighting the ethical questions surrounding assisted death and the unwavering hope for a future where such choices are met with understanding and compassion.
