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Colorado mother with cancer writes letter to Oregon patient urging her not to end her life

Posted at 9:02 PM, Oct 09, 2014
and last updated 2014-10-10 11:07:34-04

A Colorado Springs woman with terminal cancer, is urging an Oregon woman in similar circumstances, not to take her own life.

Blogger Kara Tippetts is a wife and mother with four young children. Her cancer has invaded her brain and bones.

"We know that treatment options are coming to an end for me," Tippetts told 7NEWS Reporter Marc Stewart. "I have four small children and I want every day -- I want more days."

Yet Tippetts became concerned upon hearing the story of Brittany Maynard. Maynard is planning on using Oregon's assisted suicide law to end her life on her own terms.

"This is a story I've been walking for over two years," said Tippetts.

Guided by her faith, Kara wrote an open letter to Maynard, urging her to reconsider her decision to take her own life.

"It was never intended for us to decide when that last breath is breathed," she said.

"Your own death is personal. Who are you to get involved?" Stewart asked.

"This is the first time I've entered a larger conversation and it is a little surprising that I feel compelled to share, honestly. Her suffering isn't a mistake and her dying has beauty in it. It's not just awful," said Tippetts.

Regardless of what Brittany does next, Tippetts said she will pray for her, hoping their shared struggles will lead to critical conversations.

"Do you think you're being judgmental of this young woman?" asked Stewart.

"It is a judgment. It is me begging her to look at the beauty of her life even in the brokenness," Tippetts said.