Email inquiry to Pegasos

[sevennn]

Nothing. I haven't heard anything from either email and I don't think they'll be getting back to me at this point. Since I mentioned having autism (it's not a mental illness it's a developmental condition those are different but most people/doctors don't get that) and requesting financial assistance they just ghosted me.

they are very disgusting in the way they decide to just not answer. they say it's because of getting many requests. but honestly i find it awful and gross to leave people without a reply. i had to pester them multiple times to get a reply when they started to ghost me and for them to explain why they won't reply back (because i said my family doesn't approve) very gross behaviour towards struggling ppl in my mind

 

[xiaoxiongmao]

I wrote and asked about VAD for long term MDD at a relatively younger age (35)
They require family's support letter, notarized, and also family to accompany to the appointment.
I think it's a fair requirement.

 

[wham311]

I wrote and asked about VAD for long term MDD at a relatively younger age (35)
They require family's support letter, notarized, and also family to accompany to the appointment.
I think it's a fair requirement.

I do not think your life should be up to your family's discretion

 

[xiaoxiongmao]

I agree with you. but you have to think from their perspective: families have tried to sue them before so they have to be careful. If the organization is put down by such lawsuits, it would be bad news for everyone.

 

[sevennn]

I wrote and asked about VAD for long term MDD at a relatively younger age (35)
They require family's support letter, notarized, and also family to accompany to the appointment.
I think it's a fair requirement.

i don't really think it's fair imo. it's all legal where they are located so i don't understand why they are so upset that someone sued them a couple times. their requirements make it not possible for most people. it used to not be like that. and their site reads like a bunch of lies due to this

 

[homeboundcripple]

I wrote and asked about VAD for long term MDD at a relatively younger age (35)
They require family's support letter, notarized, and also family to accompany to the appointment.
I think it's a fair requirement.

Hello, could you please explain how a notarized letter works? Does the solicitor write the letter for you and then you sign it, or must the letter be written in your own words and signed by you, with the solicitor simply witnessing your signature?

 

[InTheAbyss]

I wrote and asked about VAD for long term MDD at a relatively younger age (35)
They require family's support letter, notarized, and also family to accompany to the appointment.
I think it's a fair requirement.

I was aware that due to some lawsuits in the past that they required the family to know before you do it. I was under the impression that they just needed to be informed that you were going through with VAD and that their approval wasn't required. Just that they knew. Don't think I like the idea of them having to approve too. You already need to get approval from so many other people to do it as it is.

 

[unluckysadness]

asking 12k for a little bottle is a shame. i'd prefere to give that money to poor people or animals rather than for my own death. but i understand people who can afford this

 

[J&L383]

i wrote about my tinnitus and everything it strips me off. they replied pretty fast. a couple days. i guess they consider tinnitus serious. however dont dream of pegasos unless you have family that supports your decision. they wont accept you otherwise. they immediately ask about this. i dont think there is any way to reason around it

So if you're an orphan with no kids you should be golden! But seriously, if an applicant still has parents, that's a problem. Or children. Siblings are less important as long as they're notified I think. It didn't used to be this way but they got into all kinds of legal and high exposure media coverage so they are more fussy now.

 

[xiaoxiongmao]

I was aware that due to some lawsuits in the past that they required the family to know before you do it. I was under the impression that they just needed to be informed that you were going through with VAD and that their approval wasn't required. Just that they knew. Don't think I like the idea of them having to approve too. You already need to get approval from so many other people to do it as it is.

this is also related to my age. For "younger" people (by whatever definition) they are more cautious.

Hello, could you please explain how a notarized letter works? Does the solicitor write the letter for you and then you sign it, or must the letter be written in your own words and signed by you, with the solicitor simply witnessing your signature?

It depends on the country. You can ask your local notary office what kind of statement they can notarize.

 

[ididnotconsent]

I guess mental illness is always seen as treatable no matter how bad it is because it's abstract stuff floating around in someone's mind, while for physical stuff people can understand more easily that stuff isn't treatable.

And it's clearly better for people to be throwing themselves off cliffs or stabbing themselves in the thigh looking for arteries rather than safe, peaceful deaths in the hands of medical professionals. /s

Swiss law states that a person must have mental capacity before getting a VAD. Mental illness throws a big wrench in that. That's why Pegasos generally doesn't accept anyone under the age of 50 solely based on mental illness.

The idea being that if you're 50+ and have a long history of depression and can prove it, you have mental capacity and aren't doing this on a whim or because you are temporarily super depressed. However i'm quite sure people in their late 30's and 40's have been accepted. We don't know how many because Pegasos doesn't like to advertise VAD's of relatively young people.

It all comes down to Swiss law and the issue of mental capacity. Even with all the red tape, I greatly admire the Swiss for allowing the VAD's of non terminally ill people. It's a great blessing for people who are not terminally ill but suffering from various diseases. I'd like to think Pegaos and other swiss VAD organizations want to be even more lenient, but that isn't possible with current Swiss laws.

 

[InTheAbyss]

Swiss law states that a person must have mental capacity before getting a VAD. Mental illness throws a big wrench in that. That's why Pegasos generally doesn't accept anyone under the age of 50 solely based on mental illness.

The idea being that if you're 50+ and have a long history of depression and can prove it, you have mental capacity and aren't doing this on a whim or because you are temporarily super depressed. However i'm quite sure people in their late 30's and 40's have been accepted. We don't know how many because Pegasos doesn't like to advertise VAD's of relatively young people.

It all comes down to Swiss law and the issue of mental capacity. Even with all the red tape, I greatly admire the Swiss for allowing the VAD's of non terminally ill people. It's a great blessing for people who are not terminally ill but suffering from various diseases. I'd like to think Pegaos and other swiss VAD organizations want to be even more lenient, but that isn't possible with current Swiss laws.

asking 12k for a little bottle is a shame. i'd prefere to give that money to poor people or animals rather than for my own death. but i understand people who can afford this

Since I haven't heard back from Pegasos still and am sure they aren't going to either. Especially since I've asked for financial help too. I started making an appeal to Dignitas. While I've heard that they are far more strict in who they allow to receive VAD. I'm hoping that 45 is close enough for age and that I at least have records showing I've been attempting to be approved for euthanasia in my country for over 3.5 years now. Would be enough to show that this isn't an impulsive decision. They've already responded with info on an official process to make an appeal on the fees they'd charge to do a review. Not overly thrilled with the process. But at least it's a process.

I do have mental health issues. But also non mental health problems and physical health problems now. I did read a swiss article that even there some of the VAD orginisations have difficulties acknowledging autism as a developmental condition as defined and not a mental health condition. Same as the MAID program here in Canada. The program clearly states that autism is a developmental condition and as the program is concerned not a mental health condition. But the doctors I've talked to are more like. "I feel that autism is mental health to me so I won't consider it." There's nothing to enforce the rules here.

 

[sevennn]

So if you're an orphan with no kids you should be golden! But seriously, if an applicant still has parents, that's a problem. Or children. Siblings are less important as long as they're notified I think. It didn't used to be this way but they got into all kinds of legal and high exposure media coverage so they are more fussy now.

i thought about this lmao. or what if your whole family hates you and is like "ok as long as you are paying for this. let me approve of this real quick" lol. i can def see holes in this

 

[matt.7890]

From what I read recently, unfortunately Pegasos has been even more scrutinised after they provided VAD to a 47yo man with apparently no illness / diagnosis and then providing it to a ~50yo mother who lost her child. In both cases, the family members were not informed about it and therefore shocked.. that's so f unfortunate tbh. I myself contacted them a few moths ago and being in my early 30s they responded straight away that I need a family member/s to accompany me during vad. Or I should wait till I am closer to 50yo...:C (I have been suffering for almost 5 years due to schizophrenia and trust me I cannot bear this suffering anymore). I have money but don't think like paying them CHF50k or more will help? If anyone has any ideas how to approach it in my case please let me know!

 

[forgivemegod]

I heard Athanasios is cheaper and nore accesible, what do you guys think?

 

[matt.7890]

I heard Athanasios is cheaper and nore accesible, what do you guys think?

Athanasios is CHF9.5k for non-Swiss residents. Not sure if more accessible, depends what you have in mind. From what I know these are former Pegasos people so I guess they have similar approach. In short, as long as you are over 40yo, think you should be fine.

 

[forgivemegod]

Athanasios is CHF9.5k for non-Swiss residents. Not sure if more accessible, depends what you have in mind. From what I know these are former Pegasos people so I guess they have similar approach. In short, as long as you are over 40yo, think you should be fine.

I'm 26 y/o, and I dont have a terminal condition, just really bad chronic pain and disability :/

 

[matt.7890]

I'm 26 y/o, and I dont have a terminal condition, just really bad chronic pain and disability :/

So sorry to hear that... I feel you - my illness started around that age. However I heard that in case you have the support from your parents, there is a high chance they could help you (read that there were cases where parents came with their child who was on wheelchair for VAD).

I wrote and asked about VAD for long term MDD at a relatively younger age (35)
They require family's support letter, notarized, and also family to accompany to the appointment.
I think it's a fair requirement.

I do not actually agree that it is fair. What if someone like me has parents who are super religious and conservative - it basically means it is impossible.

 

[ididnotconsent]

From what I read recently, unfortunately Pegasos has been even more scrutinised after they provided VAD to a 47yo man with apparently no illness / diagnosis and then providing it to a ~50yo mother who lost her child. In both cases, the family members were not informed about it and therefore shocked.. that's so f unfortunate tbh. I myself contacted them a few moths ago and being in my early 30s they responded straight away that I need a family member/s to accompany me during vad. Or I should wait till I am closer to 50yo...:C (I have been suffering for almost 5 years due to schizophrenia and trust me I cannot bear this suffering anymore). I have money but don't think like paying them CHF50k or more will help? If anyone has any ideas how to approach it in my case please let me know!

It seems like they will accept people in their 30's for mental illness but they need to be accompanied by family members. Maybe this requirement goes away once you hit 40 or something.

 

[matt.7890]

It seems like they will accept people in their 30's for mental illness but they need to be accompanied by family members. Maybe this requirement goes away once you hit 40 or something.

Yeah to survive so many years more.. easier said than done. I will be trying as much as I can, this is my final project and I have nothing left to do so let's hope I find a way. Wish me luck!

 

[sevennn]

its really really weird cus ive talked to someone on reddit who got approved young, around 30. for the same conditions i have. and they said they didnt need any notarised letters. but they refused to further talk to me about it which was very annoying
but does anyone know if a person needs family approval once they hit 50? i dont think i can play the long game but just interested

 

[ididnotconsent]

its really really weird cus ive talked to someone on reddit who got approved young, around 30. for the same conditions i have. and they said they didnt need any notarised letters. but they refused to further talk to me about it which was very annoying
but does anyone know if a person needs family approval once they hit 50? i dont think i can play the long game but just interested

They want you to notify your family at least at any age, but they don't require family come with you if you're 50+ for sure.

 

[sevennn]

They want you to notify your family at least at any age, but they don't require family come with you if you're 50+ for sure.

so no matter the age you need prove of family being notified? i find it so ridiculous since not everyone has a good, supportive family. you'd think at 50 at least you'd be your own person at last

lol, alos some people on reddit have said pegasos too the whole amount of money and ghosted. very sus organisation. someone said their mom didnt get any money back and they ghosted her. im so confused as to how this kind of thing can be real. sounds very bad

 

[ididnotconsent]

so no matter the age you need prove of family being notified? i find it so ridiculous since not everyone has a good, supportive family. you'd think at 50 at least you'd be your own person at last

lol, alos some people on reddit have said pegasos too the whole amount of money and ghosted. very sus organisation. someone said their mom didnt get any money back and they ghosted her. im so confused as to how this kind of thing can be real. sounds very bad

No. You don't need to necessarily prove that your family is notified, just a "yeah all relevant parties know" should suffice. They want to make sure you left a letter or a note or something. They don't just want to disappear people of the face of the earth or have families calling them and saying why did you kill our loved one. It's not easy when family members of people they help lose their shit, or kick up a media storm. That's why they have to be careful. Pegasos is actually the most liberal of the VAD organizations IMO.

As for the money, they will keep $1200 of the initial $5,000 deposit if your official application is not approved.

 

[TBONTB]

Dignitas does state this on their mission statement - that the goal of Dignitas is to not have to exist. And some of their funds are spent in trying to pass legislation in other countries.

As far as family notification, I would say each situation is unique and should be communicated with them directly. it's rare, if ever, that they need any kind of "approval" but they prefer to have family members not surprised after the fact. If you have parents that are still living it's more of an issue than if they're both deceased. And if you don't have any children or brothers or sisters then I hardly think it's going to be a problem.

I have already read the threads here about Pegasos, and I became familiar with the fact that it is not as ideal as it can seem. I recently found out about their website and at first, I was completely hyped for like a day (''Oh it will be just a matter of finding money, which I can try to work around for some time, but it IS possible! They don't care about the circumstances, they just respect the decision to die of an adult, this is fantastic!''). It was a good day. Then I felt quite foolish after reading some of the experiences of rejection here--and yes, it does make sense that they are pickier than they describe themselves to be, given the laws, societal taboo, backlash and all. However, it was good to find out that one can apparently get an impression of whether they have any chances whatsoever via email, instead of wasting 1,500 dollars (cca. after the refund from the application submission), which hasn't occurred to me before reading about it here.
This is something I would like to assess because in the case of a flat ''no'' I can plan better rather than hold on to a fruitless, ignorant hope.

So, my question would be for anyone who has written to them, or even applied after the initial email, or those with similar experiences with other organizations, if you could tell me how did you compose this email, or give me some advice how to write it. Did you describe in detail why you want to apply, or were you concise? Did you include any initial ''proof''? Would you consider doing it again at some point, if you received a negative response? Basically any information about the communication with Pegasos would be helpful. I do not think that a particular style or the amount of information can change anything if they, for example, have a hidden policy of ''no young people whatsoever'', but I have the impression it may increase the chances of receiving a more informative response. I would just like to know whether something like Pegasos is a feasible option for me, and--if possible to know at all--under which circumstances it actually would be.
For context, I am 31F diagnosed with a chronic illness that will ultimately lead me to a life of dependency and disability. I have been a caregiver for many years of my life, and I simply cannot go through this again or take anyone down with me. I have other mental health-related issues, but the main reason I am considering to CTB is the chronic illness and the personal choice not to suffer and gradually lose myself.
Thank you for taking the time for reading my post!

I hope you have a good discussion with Pegasos, I'm sorry for your chronic illness. I'm sure you noticed the discussion about a companion...do you have someone who can accompany you?

 

[sevennn]

No. You don't need to necessarily prove that your family is notified, just a "yeah all relevant parties know" should suffice. They want to make sure you left a letter or a note or something. They don't just want to disappear people of the face of the earth or have families calling them and saying why did you kill our loved one. It's not easy when family members of people they help lose their shit, or kick up a media storm. That's why they have to be careful. Pegasos is actually the most liberal of the VAD organizations IMO.

As for the money, they will keep $1200 of the initial $5,000 deposit if your official application is not approved.

maybe. its just so confusing cus i keep hearing different things about the approval and money. everyone says somethign different. i wrote to them again. not damian but someone else is responding to me. i think the other guy left

 

[sevennn]

No. You don't need to necessarily prove that your family is notified, just a "yeah all relevant parties know" should suffice. They want to make sure you left a letter or a note or something. They don't just want to disappear people of the face of the earth or have families calling them and saying why did you kill our loved one. It's not easy when family members of people they help lose their shit, or kick up a media storm. That's why they have to be careful. Pegasos is actually the most liberal of the VAD organizations IMO.

As for the money, they will keep $1200 of the initial $5,000 deposit if your official application is not approved.

no chance "Given your relatively young age , you would need to submit a notarized letter from your family and next of kin, attesting to their support of your application. The other critical component would be seeing support from your family in the form of accompanying you to your VAD, as they would also serve in the critical and necessary role as witness, which is legally required as part of the identification process."

 

[ididnotconsent]

no chance "Given your relatively young age , you would need to submit a notarized letter from your family and next of kin, attesting to their support of your application. The other critical component would be seeing support from your family in the form of accompanying you to your VAD, as they would also serve in the critical and necessary role as witness, which is legally required as part of the identification process."

How old are you if you don't mind me asking?

 

[sevennn]

How old are you if you don't mind me asking?

26

 

[r.m.216]

26

As if that makes it better. Just means you're suffering longer.

I am so fucking sorry you're going through this.