With thanks to Alex for sharing his story. You can find out more at the below links: Alex's Facebook Page - The Right To Die With Dignity - facebook.com/groups/278597605805885/?ref=share_group_link Pegasos, the central support group in Switzerland FAQs - pegasos-association.com/faqs/

He hasn’t chosen to die. He’s chosen not to suffer.

This needs to be made available in every country. Everyone should have the right to leave on their own terms with dignity

My gran chose assisted death. We are in Australia. She was very happy to go that way after fighting cancer twice and it coming back and spreading to her bones/ brain/ lymph nodes etc. She had the drink, followed it with a espresso martini, and drifted off happily 30 seconds later. Because of that experience I genuinely believe that assisted death is a blessing that everyone should have the option of

“People who oppose this, don’t believe in choice.” This is a quote that is 100% accurate & applies to so, so much in this world Excellent video!!

I had a job where I was more or less a baby sitter for a man in his 60’s who had Alzheimer’s and it was eerily similar to hanging out with a friend who is high on psychedelics but if your friend never knew what psychedelics are. You do not know sadness until you’ve watched someone slowly deteriorate into a violent uncontrollable human being. Guess what they do? They put you down like a rabid dog. He used to ask me are my parents still alive and then cry when I reminded him they’ve been dead for years. The saddest disease I’ve ever witnessed up close.

This guy deserved more than 20 minutes - all of us know a loved one just hanging on with an utterly debilitating condition the sheer indignity and horror of just day to day living

My aunt was assisted as well. She was terminally ill and had fought for 17 years, this option provided her and my uncle from suffering at the very bitter end. We were all so happy for her to be able to leave this world on her own terms. Medically assisted death is a wonderful gift to terminally ill individuals.

The moment I saw my father less than 24 hours before his natural death from cancer still haunts me to the day 17 years later. It was not the person I knew. Mum was looking after him for 3 years, his personal dignity was gone. I wouldn't want to live through this again.

After only 20 minutes I am going to miss this man when he's gone.

My dad died of a very sudden and unexpected heart attack, it was absolutely awful for everyone at the time. But I take solace in how quick for him it was, we didn't have to do the visits in hospital and slowly watch the man we loved become something he wasn't. After reading some of your comments I feel it was one of the better ways to go.

Choosing to die on your own terms with the love and support of your family or friends is a dignified and beautiful thing. How sad this isn’t offered to everyone. Much love to this brave man for sharing his story and using it as a platform to inform the conversation around assisted dying.

my aunt who had dementia often asked difficult questions. e.g. where am I? where is my sister? (she had passed). i told her that she was at a fancy hotel. Told her her sister was out buying candy. my aunt loved travel and candy. she was reassured that good things surrounded her. when someones mind has disintegrated, you look after them accordingly. no honest brutal truths. they are like children and dont understand.

My grandmother has dementia and I am grieving for someone who is still alive

He didn't "choose" to die. We're all gonna die, he just chose to die without pain.

If this revolting disease ever comes to my door, I've already made it clear to my family that a one way ticket to Dignitas is what they're to do for me. I'm not having my mind robbed from me. All the best to you Alex.

My dad had Alzheimer's and he would have chosen to end his life through medically assisted dying. By the time he was ready to go, he was no longer competent and no longer qualified for the service. He lingered for another 7 years and died of COVID.

What a beautiful man I loved hearing his story I wish him the best and most peace he could find thank you Alex

It’s time my country (U.K.) legalises this. It isn’t fair forcing people with degenerative diseases and zero quality of life, to stay alive. Really feel for this man. Not only did he have to watch both parents suffering, he now has an incurable disease too. Kudos to this lovely man for highlighting assisted dying.

I found this interview incredibly brave.

In my college speech, I did it on physician assisted suicide. The reason I did it was for people to have autonmoy and choice at the end of life.

Good for you. Your body your choice. There should be no age limit or any reason given to receive a peaceful exit. As long as there is no coercion

i could listen to him for hours, he has such a beautiful soul. I hope everything goes his way, this video really touched me in so many ways.

This is insightful in more ways than one. We appreciate interviews like this. They're all an eye-opener.

My grandmother lost her second battle with cancer last year, The amount of pain she was in was absolutely unbelievable.. People should have a choice about death... we have plenty of choices during life..

My first cousin was diagnosed with stage 4 throat cancer a couple of weeks ago. He's just 50. That's almost 3 years younger than myself. I watched my father die from cancer in 2014 and he suffered tremendously. All that said makes me question how I will deal with my end day's if I don't go suddenly. To have a party with all the people that mean the most to you and to hug,kiss and say all the things you want to before you start suffering makes the most sense to me! It's beautiful really

Wish we could all do planned assisted death regardless of condition

My mother died of cancer and watching her suffer was unbearable. It absolutely broke me. If she had asked me to end her life for her I'd have done it without hesitation. I have told my father that if I am ever in an accident where my quality of life would be poor, he should switch the lift support off or if I have a terminal illness to take me to Dignitas.

My nana had lupus and dementia... horrendous !!! It was very very bad... the moments where she would be "normal" she immediately started crying casue she knew more or less that she was a burden and she was very very stubborn and prideful person. Thank you Ladbible for this interview and agree 10000% with this man ! We should be able to say - thats it im going. Only if its incurable and like he said - quality of life is degrading.

My Granny died of Alzhiemers a few years ago and it was genuinely awful to watch her go from a fully functional independent woman to spending most of her time in bed unable to move, barely able to breathe. I also remember when my Grandpa was dying of pneumonia and he was in bed constantly for what felt like eons but was more likely a few months, his suffering was unbearable to watch. I feel like this would have helped both of them an extreme amount. It would also have helped mine, my brother and my mum's mental health, knowing that they weren't suffering when they passed.

Totally agree with him, My father died from alzheimer's ..it was such a cruel long torturous death.. He also became completely deaf and blind ... My mother is now dying from dementia .. Im middle age and very ill with heart failure ..and many other serious life limiting illnesses , plus bed ridden. Its a rotten life when you deteriorate slowly and painfully. ...and have no quality of life . I despair how medical science is practically forcing us to live longer ..yet wont help those who want to die with dignity. Dad was terminally ill , practically a vegetable, yet the doctors still revived him. It took a long time before they agreed a DNR. Ive saved up enough for dignitas . Ive attempted suicide twice only to suffer even more torment ..when it didnt work. As soon as my affairs are in order, im off to the next world ..one way or other .. Just a pity uk has not opted for dying with dignity . Not keen that i have to travel alone to Switzerland .. If im lucky a heart attack witll take me in my sleep. I truely hope that everyone can get a chance to die in peace . Noone should be suffering in these modern times. Like they say " animals have a much better exit being kindly and gently put to sleep " Its an funny old world isnt it...

I love this man! He’ll be an angel, no doubt ❤

My grandmother chose a medically assisted death, and I could not be more proud of her strength. She was an incredible woman, and she deserved to die with dignity. Alex, if you see this, I am wishing you comfort and peace on this journey and sending you love 🤍

I've been dealing with depression for as long as I can remember, and this is something that's always been in the back of my mind. If listening to his story has taught me anything, it's that I'm not quite there yet. But it's reassuring to know the option is out there.

I have a degenerative neurological condition and I live in lots of pain every single day. I take a cocktail of pain medication just to get through each day, including morphine and fentanyl. It'll get worse too. My body is shutting down. I intend to do the same as this man when the time is closer

I was 19 and five weeks into my first year of university when both my grandparents, who I lived with and raised me like my mum & dad were given terminal diagnosis’ of Cancer & Vascular Dementia. It ruined my life for years. I had no idea what their life expectancy was if the Christmas we spent together a few months later was going to be their last. Eventually they died when I was 25, living out long, slow and degrading deaths. My grandad was a company director, the head of his rotary chapter and a beloved person who died not even able to form a sentence. They had zero quality of life and were robbed of dignity by debilitating illnesses. I don’t think they would have chosen assisted suicide, however, having to bare witness to the two people I loved most in this world fall from grace in such a way confirmed for me that assisted death, the choice to end your own life on your own terms and the ability to do it legally and not shamefully is incredibly important. This is something that should have been reformed in the UK 20 years ago.

My grandpa died of Alzheimer’s and it’s a horrendous disease. It completely changed him. I don’t remember exactly, but I believe he did say he wanted to die. He ended up passing in an Alzheimer’s center, with my mom by his side.

My grandma passed by assisted death when i was 10. She had brain cancer, which paralyzed half her body and caused her immense pain. She applied and they let her get it. For weeks leading up to her death, doctors and psychiatrists would come in and ask her if she was sure and she always was. I would miss school days to hang out with her in her hospital room and we would watch tv and play card games. I would her my mom talk to her about her decision and my grandma sounded so at peace with it. Before her death, my family and i formed a line at her bed and each said our goodbyes. I remember her reassuring me that she was going to be fine and telling me how much she loved me. We hugged and i left the room crying. That was the last time i ever heard her voice. My mom, her siblings, and my grandpa all stayed in her room during her death. I was told that she gradually fell asleep while her favourite song was playing, September by Earth, Wind and Fire. My cousins and i all gathered in this hospital playroom and hugged each other while we cried. I remember my mom coming into the playroom 30 minutes later to tell us that she had passed. Even though i knew it was coming, i still felt my whole world crumble at those news. They let us go hug her one last time after she had passed. During her death, my and my cousins drew a picture of her as an angel and on the back, we each wrote her a message. I placed the drawing on her bed and the nurse told me that they were going to cremate the paper with her body if we wanted. We agreed and then left. My cousins had drove hours to come see her that weekend and they rented hotel rooms. After her death, i remember my cousins and i playing mermaids in the hotel pool to distract ourselves. It’s been 4 years and i still miss her everyday. Although, knowing that she was at peace with her decision comforts me.

Beautiful man. Incredibly moving ❤

My grandmother died from Alzheimer’s at 86 in 2021. It’s a tragic fate. I wish she’d been given that option. It could’ve given her a more dignified end. Sad to see her sitting there and repeating “No Way” over and over again. Towards the end she no sense of self or recognition. The only good thing is she is reunited with my grandfather who passed in 1998 from lung cancer at 64. Their stone is emblazoned with “When Irish Eyes Are Smiling”.

What a lovely, gracious gentleman. Loved hearing his outlook

What a truly beautiful, inspiring soul this man is. His level of pragmatism and aura of tranquility and certainty in regards to his life decisions are qualities to be admired. He appears as though he doesn’t feel fear, or anxiety. Maybe he does in private. But he certainly exudes a stoic level of self-assuredness here in this video. I hope I can learn to master this mentality someday within my own mind.

My Mum died from Dementia and I totally understand this gentlemans decision.....Theres no words

I watched my Grandad suffer from dementia and it was horrific, Everyone should have the right to choose when they want to end there life, It's the only thing we truly own in this world our life and we have no control over it. Thank you Alex this is one more step towards the right thing. Good luck good man from a fellow Manc xx

This is also possible in The Netherlands (where i'm from) and I'm so glad it exists. My parents filled in forms too for this in case something happens. I think it's fair for someone to decide their own fate, to go on their own terms.

I lost loved ones from dementia. I feel and understand every word he says.

Death is a part of life and it will happen to everyone . We need to stop making it a taboo subject and trying to hide or run from it. My grandad passed from a horrible battle with cancer. We had so many special memories with him although sometimes I find it hard to remember them without the horrible memory of how horrible the end was. His friends passing sounded so peaceful and she went on her terms. Needs to be looked into more I think . Wish the best for this man and his family

What a total legend of a human he is♥️. His energy and ethos is mesmerising. So sad to hear what he’s gone through with his parents and that he is in a situation where by he has to make this choice but what a totally wonderful human being. I so wish he could do this here in the UK, here’s hoping one day people can. Wishing him all the best. X

Fortunately, I'm from CA which is an assisted death state and if something like this happens to me, I have zero doubts that this is the direction I will take.

So grateful to Alex for sharing this important message. Here in the states, many people do not live in a MAID state, since there are only 11 states that will allow it. Fortunately, Oregon did pass a non-residency option but as I understand it, it's still quite challenging to get approved. Each human being on this planet should have access to MAID. Sadly, as an End of Life Doula who lives in Texas, I've seen people suffer needlessly and it just isn't necessary when we have medications available to alleviate the suffering. Hoping that one day in the not-so-distant-future, MAID will become a right for every human.

What a lovely, lovely man! May God help him, and may he not suffer when the time comes🙏🌹

I lost my grandmother in 2010 due to Dementia. It's like you're losing them twice. First, the person you know and love withers away, and then they close the final chapter by dying. It's grief and relief. I felt relieved that she no longer suffered, but also sad that someone the family loved passed away.

Thank you Alex.. peace and happiness to you Alex

Got a lot of respect for this, he's very articulate and had clearly put a lot of thought into it. Strikes me as a person with a lot of empathy as he was talking about his friend who was in a similar situation to himself and is obviously on here trying to get his message across. Can really understand where he's coming from too, I've seen a few elderly relatives go now and some have defintely suffered and I think in ways I wouldn't want to myself. Defintely agree with him wanting to go on his own terms before he loses his conative faculties and arguably starts making it harder for those around him as it's never pleasant seeing someone you love deteriorate like that. Hopefully this sort of thing will become more widespread, it's about choice ultimately so why not offer people that sort of choice if they know its what they want and are certain?

Thankyou for covering this

Exactly, I pray for such law in India, Dignity should never be compromised,even in death,such law is blessing

Thank you for sharing this. It needs to be talked about, not admonished but cherished as a choice xo May peace be with you 🙏

This was one of the BEST interviews you’ve ever produced. Thank you.

I'm so happy about living 1 hour away from Basel in Switzerland and i won't hesitate any second if i contract a disease wich cannot be cured to get there and be a part of that experience.. I don't want to suffer 5 years like his parents did..

This man is just marvellous. What an amazing character he has.

In Portugal is also legal. Was just approved last week.

This is the only interview I’ve ever watched on KZfaq after seeing it on Instagram, it struck a cord as I am a live in carer and one of my regular clients (My beautiful Betty) has advanced dementia, she is the sweetest person I’ve ever know so wonderfully kind and this quite rare with dementia as clients can become aggressive or overwhelming upset But what a lovely man, he seems so genuinely kind and a great person to be around. ❤ what a brave soul

Such a brave thing to do. Wishing you all the best on your transition.❤

I love this gentleman's outlook on life and living.

I'm moving states to do the same thing in America, safe journey onward!!! 😊✌️💚

This is a truly dispicabe compassionless country, everyone shouid have the right to dignity. Thank you Alex.

I respect doctors in other countries who help people die peacefully rather than suffer for weeks, months or even years. My grandpa had dementia and there at the end he got terrible. I hated seeing him because it’s just sickening how badly their mind disintegrates. I also work with a lot of old people that are the same way and I feel just as horrible for every last one of them. Everybody no matter what the illness should be allowed to die if they choose. Politics, religion or others beliefs should play no part in anyone else’s lives. Dying physically hurts no one else other than the person doing it so it shouldn’t be anyone else’s decision.

All respect to Mr. Alex Pandolfo. What a wonderful man! Thank you for sharing your story. Good luck on your journey.

This man is so awesome what a personality and he really understands the difficulties others can't see, please help this man achieve what he wants to achieve before he goes x

I am in full support of assisted death. Thank you for Sharing your story and knowledge. Peace to you kind sir.

Keep us updated when he has passed so we can pay tribute to him

Dang. He is a lovely man ! I could listen to him for days on end ! I LOVE the way he talks and his diction...beautiful-belisimo !

Very eloquent, and brilliantly explained.

What an incredible man. He has thought this through meticulously and hearing him talk it through, makes so much sense. Death is the only sure thing in life and, though I have no desire or need to want life to come to an end soon, the thought of having the way you leave this Earth, in your control, in your own hands, and go out peacefully and on your own terms, sounds like the most dignified way imaginable. It’s more humane than allowing someone to slowly die in agony. Absolutely thought provoking video and I wish this man the best 🥺♥️

KZfaq over time has become a background noise for me for sleep or chores. But I find myself pausing these videos, or going all the way back to the beginning of your content. Thank you and every interviewee for creating something that gives me the will to live, and not something that helps me dissociate or run away from reality. Life is truly fascinating and there isn’t enough time to learn, experience or understand everything. But these videos soothe that part in my brain obsessed with the possibilities and chaos of life 🫶🏾💗.

Thank you so much for showing this!

I watched my grandma waste away from cancer, from a heavy set woman to nothing but skin and bones, it still haunts me to this day 20 years on.

Alex explained assisted dying perfectly.

Thank you for sharing this. I've shared this thought of choice for a long while. Hearing you, and your experience, and the requirements, it makes it even more beautiful to have that choice on how to live and how to end one's life. Thank you for sharing it. I give it up for all the countries and states that support this choice.

What a brave and inspirational gentleman. Bless you Sir. 🤍

Thank you for sharing your story and giving us incredible insight on assisted death. Choosing to pass away on your own terms can be so empowering for many. I hope to see many more countries legalize it for the sake of humanity. Alex, I wish you a joyous and peaceful life.

So so so much respect for you, Alex! Having watched my own father and mother in law die, from dementia, I can empathise with how utterly heartbreaking it is to watch someone you love suffer, and they do truly truly suffer! It’s a very protracted, painful process, that I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy. If I ever had that diagnosis, I’d like to think the option to choose to end my own suffering, would be available. But as you say, the people in the lower financial bracket, don’t have that choice, and that terrifies me. I would never ever want to suffer the way they did, that’s probably my biggest fear in life. I wish you the longest life you can possibly have, and when the time comes, the most beautiful, peaceful and dignified death. May your soul rest in peace and rise in glory ❤

This bloke is nails...my mate went to Switzerland had party on the way down he was 42 rip Neil old son.

Alex, thank you for sharing your story and views with us. You seem like an amazing human being. I sincerely hope your days are filled with happiness, contentment and love all the way through your journey, however long or short that may be. Much love and respect. Be happy. X

What a well spoken and nice person

This is how civilized honest brave people deal with death

Brave soul such a brave man

Totally agree with everything this extremely lovely, funny and wonderful man said! God bless him x

What a brave and inspiring man!

I love this man so much. There isn’t many people like him anymore. Good on you bro ❤

WHAT A REMARKABLE MAN. I love the sound of his laughter knowing he's facing such difficult time's. Alex will be in my thoughts for some time to come. Watching my Father die a HORRIBLE death was the hardest thing so I rejoice for Alex being able to do it his way.

Thank you so much Alex.

Thank you Alex for shining a light on a very difficult topic. Thank you for highlighting the importance of having these kind of conversations before it's too late.

my grandpa starved to death it took 3 months. he was ''unconcious '' we tried to feed him every day and he couldnt swollow fully because of the parkinsons. fuck laws that make loved ones suffer.

I had a friend who suffered from schizophrenia. He hates living his life and has attempted death many times. I told him that if he CS I wouldn’t be mad at him. I would just miss him. I hope he knows he’s not alone in not wanting to live with something that makes him terrible 💔💔😖😖😖😖😖

Heartbreaking, but beautiful - what an inspiration you are x

As a neurosurgery/major trauma nurse in the UK I often see people suffer needlessly. I understand that it's absolutely horrible losing a loved one, however I find it cruel to prolong someone's life when you know the outcome is only gonna bring them more pain and misery. Personally, I think this should become legal everywhere. It's not to encourage suicide-trust me if somebody truly wants to go, they'll find the way, rather to give people the choice to go in a humane way, while keeping their dignity.

In years to come we'll look back on assisted dying for severely ill people being illegal as completely absurd. It shouldn't even be a political issue, but a medical and ultimately moral one.

Wow, this one blew me away. What a thorougly nice bloke! Wish you all the best Alex. I hope that the UK can come round and start to offer people the dignified choice of choosing how they die as well as live.

What an interesting and intelligent man, it was a pleasure to listen to him. And thank you for the video!