At the last moment of life, we all want to be able to leave this world with dignity. For Belinda, a terminally ill Chinese-Australian girl, and her mother, Maria, that wish became out of reach. In 2016, my mother was diagnosed with advanced breast cancer, and the subsequent treatment process was filled with countless chemotherapy and surgery, and the mother's pain was almost impossible to express in words. In the process, Belinda also gradually understood her mother's true wish to be euthanized. But under the shackles of the law, simple aspirations seem so out of reach. What exactly made Belinda decide to take her mother's posthumous photo and walk 4,500 kilometers to seek the legalization of euthanasia?
The story takes place not long ago in 2016, when Belinda was just an ordinary college student living in a small city in Australia. Her mother, Maria, a middle-aged woman who is full of energy and love, suddenly goes to the hospital for a check-up because she feels unwell, only to be told that she has advanced breast cancer. This news was like a thunderbolt from the blue, instantly shattering the peaceful life of the mother and daughter.
Belinda has a hard time accepting this fact, but she knows that as a daughter, she must be strong. She accompanied her mother on her long and painful journey of treatment. The first is tumor removal surgery, in which doctors try their best to remove large chunks of the tumor, but many cancer cells remain throughout the body. Next, there were rounds of chemotherapy. Chemotherapy was a huge physical torment for Maria, who was often suffering from the side effects caused by chemotherapy.
Belinda watched her mother recover painfully from chemotherapy time and time again, her hair falling out and her face growing paler. Every time she saw her mother's face distorted by pain, Belinda's heart was bleeding. She tried asking the doctor to delay the treatment, hoping that her mother could recover a little before continuing the chemotherapy, but the doctor told her that it was not possible. The growth of cancer cells does not stop because of the will of the person.
As time went on, Maria's condition got worse and worse, and the cancer cells eventually metastasized to her spine. Mary at this stage struggled with intense suffering almost every day. She tossed and turned on the bed, unable to find a position that would make her feel comfortable. Faced with such painful torment, Maria begins to express to Belinda a heavy desire that she wants to end the pain of her life, that she wants to be euthanized.
This request caused Belinda to fall into deep thought and conflict. As a daughter, she naturally hopes that her mother can live longer, but on the other hand, seeing her mother's almost inhuman torture, how can she bear to let such pain continue? In Australia, euthanasia is prohibited by law, which makes her feel extremely powerless and hopeless.
Determination began to take shape in Belinda's heart. She could not sit idly by and had to do something for her mother, but for all those who were going through similar pain. So, in 2019, Belinda made an astonishing decision: she wanted to take her mother's posthumous photo and hike across the whole of Australia, from Perth on the west coast to Sydney on the east coast, a total length of about 4,500 kilometers, in this way to call for and promote the legalization of euthanasia.
This hike has attracted a lot of media attention. Belinda's actions sparked widespread public discussion and reflection, and people began to explore more deeply about the dignity of life and the right of the individual to choose. Along the way, Belinda met many supporters who cheered her on, as well as shared similar painful experiences for themselves or their families. These stories and support became the motivation for Belinda to continue to move forward.
After 71 days of arduous trekking, Belinda finally arrived in Sydney. Although her actions did not immediately change the law, she succeeded in drawing widespread attention to the issue of euthanasia in society. More importantly, she used her actions to show the world her deep love for her mother and her insistence on the dignity of life.
Belinda and Maria are a journey of love, pain, and choice. Although Belinda did not immediately change the law, her actions undoubtedly opened a new window of discussion on the sensitive and complex topic of euthanasia. It is a discussion of humanity, dignity and love, and everyone should have the right to end their journey in dignity. Let us not forget Belinda's courage and continue to explore and promote understanding and respect for this important issue in society.