My Son, My Sorrow: The Tragic Tale of Dr. Kevorkian's Youngest PatientThis contribution to the debate over euthanasia is one which only a person who has lived through the experience with a loved one can provide. It drives home the hotly-contested question of whether we have the right to end life in the wake of intense suffering. When Carol Loving's talented, athletic, college student son Nicholas disclosed late one night that he was having difficulty grasping a football, uttering certain sounds, and moving his body, and feared he's becoming paralyzed, she rushed him to a hospital. After a myriad of tests, he was diagnosed with a fatal degenerative illness - Lou Gehrig's disease. Carol devoted herself to caring for Nick. Mother and son fought the debilitating effects, gallantly. However, within eighteen months, Nick was unable to walk, feed himself or speak clearly. Moreover, they knew the worst was yet to come. After failing at suicide three times, Nick pleaded with his mother to help him die. Reaching the most heart-wrenching decision she would ever have to make, Carol agreed. Frantically searching for the means, Carol canvassed friends, pigeonholed medical and government personnel and scoured the streets. No one would help end her son's agony. Finally, Carol contacted their last hope, the renowned advocate of assisted suicide, Dr. Death - Dr. Jack Kevorkian, begging for his deliverance. From Carol Loving's unique vantage point, as the public controversy rages, we meet and get to know the private man never revealed by the media barrage surrounding him. We learn why he believes aiding the dying is his mission. |
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agony Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis ARIZONA REPUBLIC asked bathroom began brother called chair Charlie comfort doctor door drove dying euthanasia eyes face father feel finally fingers floor forced friends frustration gave Gayle Geoffrey Fieger going hand Hannah heart help Nick helpless Hemlock Society Hospice idea inside Kevorkian knew legs looked Lou Gehrig's disease Lou Gehrig's syndrome loved Luke lumbar puncture mind months morning move multiple sclerosis muscle never Nick Loving Nick wanted Nick's body Nick's death Nick's room night Norm nursing home Oakland County once pain Phoenix PHOENIX NEWSPAPERS returned skycap sleep someone son's son's room sorrow soul spirit stayed stop struggle suffering Taiwan talk tears thing thought took torment tried turned twin Uncle Rick urinal waiting walked watched weeks wheelchair words worry young