PLEASE NOTE: TheraPsil is actively assisting any terminally-ill patient who is seeking access to therapeutic Psilocybin. We deeply believe in its efficacy, and our campaign is amplified by Canadians, like Laurie Brooks, who want to share their struggle with all Canadians. But be assured that we offer absolute confidentiality to all who seek our help.
Laurie Brooks lives in Abbotsford, British Columbia. She has a loving husband, 4 wonderful children, and recently pivoted her career to become a Nurse.
She also was diagnosed with terminal Cancer.
“It’s very difficult to wrap your head around…I’m dying. The chances are that I’m not going to be around in a couple of years. I look fine, but I’m not OK. I’m not good” she says. “Im mad and I’m sad and I’m having to say goodbye to my kids”
Laurie saw a documentary about therapists who were treating patients with Psilocybin. One woman featured in the documentary really hit home – a cancer patient who had been treated with psilocybin. Laurie says “she looked so peaceful…that’s what I want because I don’t feel that right now. I’m so scared and angry, I feel guilty and ashamed that I’m putting my family through this.”
Laurie has experienced ‘end-of-life-distress’, which is the complex of depression, anxiety, hopelessness, and demoralization that can accompany a terminal diagnosis, such as stage IV cancer.
Research from leading organizations such as Johns Hopkins, NYU and UCLA indicate that when psilocybin is taken in a medically-supervised, controlled environment, coupled with psychotherapy, it is a safe and effective treatment option for end-of-life distress. But there is a roadblock: Psilocybin is illegal in Canada, and is classified as a schedule III drug, making it currently inaccessible for medical purposes.
“I think it’s so wrong, that people don’t have access to this, because people are in pain, and dying.” Says Laurie.
“It really resonated with me when I saw the legal arguments that Therapsil had put together…we have given people the right to die…but what about living? What do we do in between that? Why are we not helping people live happy lives? Why are we denying them this one thing?” she states.
TheraPsil, is a non-profit organization that helps those with a terminal illness and end-of-life distress apply for an exemption to section 56(1) of the Canadian Drugs & Substances Act so that they may use psilocybin for psilocybin assisted psychotherapy.
Laurie has now sent in her application and been waiting for the Hon. Health Minister Patty Hajdu to respond. All eyes are now on the Health Minister who is being asked by patients to make a decision before the end of June.
If you or a loved one are experiencing anxiety, depression, or distress as a result of a terminal diagnosis, please reach out to TheraPsil for more information, and to learn how we may be able to help.
