It's been 10 years of bliss for Juanita Strotto and her wife Eurika. Pictures in their dining area capture the many memories they've shared.
“We've had a lot of fun through years,” Eurika said.
But soon, the life they have shared will come to an end.
Eurika has decided to take her own life.
“I don't want to get older like this, " she says tearing up.
In October 2013, the now 54-year-old University Heights woman was diagnosed with the debilitating disease ALS. It affects nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord.
“I haven’t been able to stand up or walk for over a year now, " Eurika said.
“We've been comparing it to a prisoner on death row,” explains her wife, Juanita. “You don't want to die but you don’t want to stay in prison the rest of your life.”
Looking to break free, Eurika and her wife are waiting for the state aid-in-dying law to take effect on June 9.
It allows California doctors to prescribe lethal doses of drugs to terminally ill patients who want to end their lives.
Eurika's already gotten the documents signed by her doctor so she can pick-up the lethal cocktail at her local drug store on June 9.
She'll wait to take her life after a friend's wedding she’s a part of on June 11.
Since making the decision, Eurika and her wife have crossed off a few bucket list items such as trips to Florida and Canada. She's also had time to reflect upon her life as a college judo champion who played field hockey and led an active life.
Now the former athlete is breathing with the help of a ventilator.
As her motor skills continue to leave her, she says she's at peace, knowing she can end her life with her wife by her side.
“It’s the best decision,” Eurika said, crying. “Some people say I'm a coward. Some say courageous. I just want the easiest way out. I don’t want to suffocate to death. I don’t want to starve to death. I want to take a little drink, say goodbye to my friends, go to sleep and be done. So yah. It may sound horrible to people, but to me it's freedom.”
Photo Credit: NBC 7