Remembering a Prophet of Hope: Candice Lewis

Kevin with Candice during filming of Fatal Flaws

Thumbs up to Candice in Australia

Candice Lewis Original Painting

We lost a real prophet of hope today: Candice Lewis of St. Anthony, Newfoundland. I interviewed her for our film Fatal Flaws.  Her mom, Shelia, texted me today to say that Candice died peacefully at home, almost four years after her harrowing experience when doctors tried to convince her to end her life with Canada’s new ‘medical aid in dying’ law. 

Candice lived with Cerebral Palsy and Spina Bifida her entire life. Her life was not an easy one but her story touched thousands around the world and became an instrument in changing public discourse on assisted dying laws.

While I only spent a day with Candice, she touched my heart in a very profound way.  Her warm smile, sense of humour and love for life were self-evident within minutes of meeting her.  She wanted to tell her story so that others would see first hand how these laws put vulnerable people at risk when they are at their lowest.  “I don’t want to go” she told doctors that horrific night.  I can only imagine her saying those same words before she passed today — only this time with no misguided intent.

Everywhere I speak, Candice’s story resonates the most, especially at high schools and universities.  Students love to pose with a ‘thumbs up’ in honour of Candice after the talk.  She was thrilled each time I sent her a photo. 

Candice showed all of us that our disabilities do not define us but they do define how we experience the world. That in the end, our value lies in our ability to give or receive Love.

Just last year, Candice returned the favour and sent me a picture of one of her recent paintings, a talent she shared with many in her community.  Along wth the painting, she told me she dreamed of coming to Ontario so we could meet up again. I would have loved that.

Thanks for courageously  sharing your story with us, Candice. The world is a better place for it.

Thumbs up to a life well lived.