Fall Issue of Healthy Aging Magazine Published

Stephanie Packer was 29 when she found out she has a terminal lung disease. It’s the same age as Brittany Maynard, who last year was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer. Maynard, of Northern California, opted to end her life via physician-assisted suicide in Oregon last fall.  Maynard’s quest for control over the end of her life continues to galvanize the “aid-in-dying” movement nationwide, with legislation pending in California and a dozen other states. The Packer family gathers in the kitchen to cook dinner. From left: Jacob, 8; Brian Sr. ; Brian Jr., 11; Savannah, 5; Scarlett, 10; and Stephanie. (Photo by Stephanie O’Neill / KPCC) But unlike Maynard, Packer says physician-assisted suicide will never be an option for her. “Wanting the pain to stop, wanting the humiliating