Following the heartbreaking yet comforting news that 23-year-old Lily Thai has passed away from assisted dying, her final requests are being remembered.
As a spirited individual who battled a rare, debilitating condition, Lily’s story has touched hearts far beyond her hometown in South Australia. The brave young woman chose to embrace the state's recently enacted assisted dying laws, and her life - along with her painful struggles - ended in peace at Laurel Hospice, Flinders Medical Center earlier this week.
Doctors administered an IV medication that peacefully ended the 23-year-old's life wthin just 10 seconds.
A touching tribute published in the Adelaide Advertiser announced her peaceful passing. Thai's loved ones wrote that she would be remembered as a "much-loved daughter of Kate and Le", as well as a "beloved granddaughter, niece, cousin, and treasured friend to many".
The tribute profoundly added: "You may have gone from our sight, but you are never gone from our hearts."
Lily's parents were well known in Adelaide's culinary scene, spearheading renowned eateries like Nediz Tu and the iconic Bridgewater Mill restaurant.
The late 23-year-old's life was marked by a battle against the rare and debilitating autoimmune autonomic ganglionopathy (AAG), a condition where the body turns against its own nervous system. This led to years of "excruciating" pain, rendering her bedridden and significantly affecting her quality of life.
Her final days were spent in the comfort of the Laurel Hospice, surrounded by loved ones.
Now, her two final requests are being remembered.
The first came in the days leading up to her death.
Along with her close friend Danika Pederzolli, Thai enjoyed one final day at the beach as she ate McDonald's, News.com.au reports. She took in the view of the ocean from the back of an ambulance, as captured in a heartwarming photo.
Describing Lily, Pederzolli echoed the sentiments of many, highlighting her friend's "vibrant attitude, positive and warm presence". She remembered Lily as "sunshine in human form", per the Daily Mail, and paid homage with a heartfelt note and a teddy bear.
Lily's brave decision to embrace assisted dying was respected by her family, despite the profound grief. She shared her final day with a continuous stream of family and friends. Before her death, she said: "I’ll no longer have any pain, I will no longer suffer with any of these issues, and I’ll finally be free of all the suffering that I have endured for so many years."
Another vital aspect of Lily's life was her friendship with fellow AAG patient Annaliese Holland.
Thai's second request was that stories of their personal battles with AAG would be shared in an effort to raise awareness of the rare disease.
Together, they hope their experiences will help highlight the symptoms of the rare illness and accelerate diagnosis for other AAG patients.
Reflecting on her advocacy, Lily shared her gratitude for the support she had received from many, including many people she hadn't spoken to in a long time.
As Lily transitioned peacefully with the help of South Australia's new assisted dying laws, Annaliese remained devoted, doing everything in her power to bring comfort during Lily's last moments at the hospice. "All I can do is brush her hair or moisturise her legs. I just want her to know that I’m there and people care,” she lovingly shared.
As part of Lily's remarkable legacy, the family is inviting donations to The Hospital Research Foundation in lieu of flowers, supporting palliative research, and aiding others who face similar struggles.
Lily Thai's courage, warmth, and resilience will forever remain a beacon of strength for many. Our thoughts are with her loved ones at this time.
What is AAG?
Per the Cleveland Clinic, autoimmune autonomic ganglionopathy (AAG) is a medical condition that arises when the immune system targets and assaults the autonomic nervous system by mistake. The autonomic nervous system, a crucial component of the peripheral nervous system, is responsible for controlling various unconscious body functions such as respiratory patterns, blood pressure levels, and heart rhythm. AAG falls under the umbrella of autonomic neuropathies or dysautonomias, both of which are categorized as disorders impacting the autonomic nervous system.For more information on AAG and its symptoms, click here.