Canadian social media influencer Rebecca Luna, who had been sharing her experience with Alzheimer’s disease online, has died through assisted dying after posting an emotional farewell video in which she said she no longer felt at ease or safe in her own body.
The 49-year-old died “peacefully” and “surrounded by loved ones” at about 1:15 p.m. on Saturday, according to her eldest daughter, Maya, who shared the update on a fundraising page.
Luna, a single mother from British Columbia, was diagnosed last year with young-onset Alzheimer’s, an uncommon form of dementia that develops in people younger than 65.
She had been openly chronicling her health journey on social media, building an online community of more than 90,000 followers.
The mother of two chose to end her life through Canada’s medical assistance in dying program, known as MAID, which has been legal in the country since 2016.
In a TikTok video posted last week, Luna told followers she had moved her planned date up from August to Saturday because her condition was worsening.
“Prior to the dates changing for the last year and a half has been legally and medically not my choice,” she said in what became her final message to fans.
She added that in the final two weeks, the decision had become hers to make, calling it deeply difficult because she was “living in a body that doesn’t feel comfortable, safe, good, nothing.”
“It feels terrible. And so the idea of waiting two weeks felt like too much.”
She revealed she would be spending her final days seeing her family and friends.
“It’s been a hard 24 hours obviously. This is not what I wanted. I would have never chosen young onset Alzheimer’s for myself,” she said.
“It’s just taken so much from me except for my good looks,” she said, trying to make a joke.
Luna revealed she wanted to have “relief… and a lack of suffering.”
“I don’t wanna be dying before I’m 50 but I have had a good life actually,” she said.
“I’ve had a really traumatic life. I’ve already gone through enough suffering. I’ve suffered enough in this world.
“But at the same time, the suffering has brought me to this place of ‘I really know who I am and I really know that I have a good f–king heart. I’m so loyal. I will fight for you till the end of time.’”
Luna reflected on her previous battles of growing up in a world of abuse and neglect, and then her battles with addiction – before being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.
“That’s a lot for anyone to go through right?” she said.
“To be as sober as long as I have and then to get through this disease without even picking up a drink or drug is amazing. Most people can’t do that.
“It’s because I’ve worked my ass off. I didn’t just sit back and go to a meeting and hope that I’d get better. I have been kicking ass.”
Luna previously revealed she was given a five to seven year life expectancy after her diagnosis.
Canada passed its MAID law in June 2016 and initially it was only legal for patients facing a terminal illness or imminent death.
The law was expanded in March 2021 and a person’s death didn’t have to be “reasonably foreseeable” in order to request the form of assisted dying.
Those who want to receive MAID must be at least 18 years old and be able to make decisions, according to the Canadian government.
They must be eligible for publicly funded health services, make a voluntary request, and give informed consent to receive MAID.
Patients must also be suffering from a “grievous and irremediable medical condition,” according to the government.
In March 2027, the law will be expanded again to include those suffering solely from a mental illness.
Only Canadians can access MAID – meaning American citizens are excluded.
If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts or are experiencing a mental health crisis and live in New York City, you can call 1-888-NYC-WELL for free and confidential crisis counseling. If you live outside the five boroughs, you can dial the 24/7 National Suicide Prevention hotline at 988 or go to SuicidePreventionLifeline.org.
