Ron Dickey

Ron Dickey (1942-2022) was a photographer and architect who spent his last months advocating for Maryland’s End of Life Option Act while living with metastatic prostate cancer. He died on November 9, 2022, without the compassionate option he championed. His wife, Linda Lampkin, and his family were at his side.

The following excerpt is from the op-ed, “My dying wish: Pass the Maryland End-of-Life Option Act,” by Ron Dickey that first appeared in the Baltimore Sun on October 14, 2022. 

I’ve heard people say that medical aid in dying results in people giving up early, but it’s not in human nature to give up easily. We naturally fight to live. I’m in no hurry to make my exit. The world is a beautiful place.

I still want to spend time with my family, go for nice drives, enjoy time at the beach and take more photos. I just want control over the way I go out. I want control over when I think the time is right for me. I don’t want to sneak off somewhere and die by myself. No one wants that for me. 

That’s why I’ve given serious thought to the option of medical aid in dying. As much as possible, I want to ensure I can have a peaceful passing. I want to avoid being in pain and agony, kicking and screaming on my way out. For someone who is already dying, I want to say when I’m ready to go, not when the cancer is ready to take me.