“Take Me Out Feet First" is a compelling and deeply moving documentary that delves into the lives of extraordinary terminally ill individuals who have bravely taken control of their final moments. The film is an intimate portrayal of courage, dignity, and the human spirit in the face of unimaginable circumstances.
One of the documentary's greatest strengths is its ability to connect viewers with the personal stories of those featured. The individuals profiled are not just subjects; they are vibrant personalities with rich histories and powerful emotions. Their journeys are documented with sensitivity and respect, allowing their voices to resonate long after the film ends.
The filmmaker masterfully balanced the heaviness of the topic with moments of genuine warmth and inspiration. Each story is told with a profound sense of humanity, capturing the essence of what it means to live fully even in the shadow of death. The documentary doesn't shy away from the harsh realities of terminal illness, but it also highlights the incredible strength and resilience of those who choose to dictate the terms of their departure.
"Take Me Out Feet First" is a remarkable documentary that sheds light on a deeply personal and often overlooked aspect of the human experience. It is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and a powerful reminder of the importance of choice and dignity at the end of life. This film is not just for those facing terminal illness, but for anyone who values compassion, autonomy, and the beauty of living life on one's own terms. Highly recommended.”
“Take Me Out Feet First” was absolutely amazing. Eye opening, gut wrenching and inspirational all at once. I got through every episode in one night (I could not go to sleep until I finished them).
I have (unfortunately) been with three of my close family members while they passed from cancer and it was an unnecessary torture for them, and a necessary torture for me because I would never let them die alone. The first episode hit me particularly hard because having seen the stages of dying that normally takes days, basically happen peacefully and within such a short period of time was really moving.
Thank you for showing so many important perspectives on a Human Rights topic that does not get the attention it deserves. I hope there are more stories to come, and I hope this work is seen by everyone.”
— Danielle Frisone
“HUGE thank you to Serene Meshel-Dillman for making this much-needed docuseries, for doing it with honesty and finesse and for sharing her personal grief. I have been a proponent of Compassion and Choices for years. I love that Serene addressed many of the ancillary issues surrounding medical aid in dying, such as framing the conversation, lobbying our legislators, religious objections, how loved ones are impacted and ultimately showing us all how peacefully terminal patients can control their end of life experience. This series was so masterfully produced that I believe it will change the national dialogue and potentially win over the remaining 30% of Americans who may not already support this basic human right. Bravo Serene..”
— Ellen Brown
“I just watched the first episode and I’m kind of speechless. THANK YOU for this courageous and honest film. I’m a former hospice nurse and I was a caregiver for both my parents and with them when they each died. This series is vitally important for people to see so perhaps some fears of dying might be alleviated This subject is extremely important to me and I applaud you for having the courage to share the personal and vulnerable stories of your parent’s deaths. To me, the ultimate act of love is supporting those we love to have the death they desire and deserve. Thank you.”
— Lisa Schwartz
“This documentary is very touching and brings to light something we need in every state in the US. I have worked in Hospice, and watching someone take weeks to die in pain and agony is very difficult. Having a choice to go on your own terms when terminal should be available to all. Thank you Serene Mechel-Dillman for bringing this to light.”
“This show was so thought provoking and raw and sad and informative. Thank you for doing this. Every state needs to approve MAID.”
—Ceclia Motley Miller
“Death is something we don’t like to talk about yet something we are all going to experience. This thoughtful and informative documentary pulls back the curtain and shows the viewer that there are options when it comes to making that final transition. Beautifully done!”
— KFerreria
“Moving & beautifully done documentary. the first 6 episodes of 25 were included with prime; still trying to figure out how to access the rest of the episodes.”
— Marie Curie
“It's an insanely beautiful and real look at terminal illness and aging. Beyond a difficult topic to discuss with your loved ones, it is so important. It's very empowering to see people decide for themselves what is the correct way for them to pass on. An absolutely beautiful documentary that deserves so many awards! Hello Sundance take note!!”
— Dawn Marmorstein
“A moving and informative documentary about Medical Aid In Dying. A topic most want to avoid which makes it all the more important to watch this as people take control of how and when they want to die from a terminal illness. Especially important if you live in a state where it is not legal at this time and you want to advocate in favor of it. As of right now it is only legal in ten states and the District of Columbia.”
— Artemis
“An outstanding production that shows in real life the importance of every one of us having the right to make the choice of how we exit this life, particularly in light of serious illness. It's brave, it's tender and touching, it's informative, it's real people telling their real stories. If you're not familiar with MAID (Medical Aid in Dying), and/or it's not legal in your state, or country, you definitely need to watch this.”
-Sheri Rangel
“I thank these families in sharing their stories and showing those who watch it how important it is in having a choice to use medical aid to die. I wish it were legal in every state. God bless these families.”
-Christine
“Challenging but important topic, thoughtfully considered and presented. Medical aid in dying is a topic that, gratefully, many of us don't consider. It doesn't come into the daily conversation. But that means there is an absence of attention. This documentary series highlights many people's authentic stories to help anyone feel rooted in empathy and understand the value of this type of end of life care. This option should exist in more states.”
-Laurel A. Dwyer
“This is a topic that is relevant to all people whether they realize it or not. This documentary did an amazing job of discussing a hard topic while being true to the stories of the individuals that it covered. I really enjoyed it and think you will too”
—Hira Shaikh
“Stories told with respect for the people in them.”
— Scott Oof
“This documentary gives an in depth and personal view of death and dying through Medical Aid. The first episode blew me away as the director shared her own parents experience in choosing to end their own lives after a terminal diagnosis
The episodes are each devoted to individuals who are grappling with the same choice. The subject is approached with sensitivity and grace. We all have an expiration date and”
— Adrienne Morosini
Erika, her mom, her daughter, and her brother are such beautiful souls. Thank you all for sharing your hearts with us. I am made better by seeing your gracious and warm perspectives.
Trisha. My gosh. What a cool person. Smart, witty, beautiful, part lucky + part brave. Thanks for sharing your greatness with us.
— @mleabruce
This documentary profoundly affected my heart. This should be an option for anyone who needs it.
— @txaandj
“You did such an incredible job in doing this series. We need to hear more on dying with dignity. I have studied palliative care from a caregivers perspective. I became interested in alleviating suffering through taking care of my mother at the age of 18. She was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer when I was young. She fought until she couldn’t fight anymore and with that she suffered tremendously. It was extremely painful to watch her suffering. Thank you so very much for doing this work in creating this series. I greatly appreciate you. Blessings and love too you”
— @Marinanboc_hawaii
“THANK YOU for this incredible series! Definitely savoring each episode since there’s so much to process. So glad this is exists!”
— @elderdaughterdeathdoula
“Your work is transcendent, miraculous and sublime. I’m just getting to episode 3 and I don’t want these to end. Congratulations to you and Mr. Dillman for forever raising the bar. Just recommended this to the ladies who trained me as an End of Life Doula”
— @Veramarinerstudio
“Hi, I’m not sure if you yourself Serene will see this, but I just watched the first episode with your parents and it was beautiful, very upsetting but wonderful at the same time. Well done, you are also so brave to do that. I think assisted dying should be available here also, my poor brother in law died of cancer at 37 and it was very drawn out and painful at the end, sounded like a similar to the process what your sister in law went through, and I think most people would prefer this option. I will continue the series, once I’ve got over this one hah. Lots of love”
—Laura from London, UK
“I’m a friend of Flack’s. Been following your beautiful work for a bit. I’ve only made it through the first 2 episodes, but wanted to thank you for capturing Flack and sharing his story and his mission. Thank you for sharing your story with us as well. Flack’s podcasts are a forever gift, and so is this documentary.”
— @Katyanahan
“Your documentary was amazing. I cried and even got some laughs in. Thank you so much for this”
— @Laurenluvmommy
“Serene… thank you for your work. I can’t tell you what it means to be able to hear and see Danna again, and you did it so beautifully. She would have absolutely loved it. Thank you”
— @Cristinacutts
“I have just watched every episode of your documentary ‘Take me out feet first’. I live in Australia. It is Awesome, heart wrenching, informative, loving, uplifting and so much more that I felt. Thank you for bringing this to light so that many more people suffering can discover options/ choices that may be available to them. Your personal story hit home for me as both my parents had a similar journey with cancer. I am grateful to you for sharing these stories with rest of the world. May every one benefit from your wonderful work. Warmest regards Lis”
— @Chalabromo
“I just watched your documentary and I wanted to thank you for sharing your family’s story. As a physician in New York State, I am an advocate for medically assisted death with dignity. I will refer to this documentary often in my practice. I hope I can eventually practice in a state that offers this option. You impressed me and your work will impact so many. Thank you! Nicole”
— @nicole.monserrate
“Kudos on your series “Take Me Out Feet First” on Medical Aid and Dying. Thank you so much for the courage in telling your own story with Mom and Dad and also in paying it forward with others by opening the dialogue on the End-Of-Life-Option Act. Death is a natural part of life and you are helping to make the conversation more normal. And death less scary. Thank you!”
— @Huyler500
“Beautiful story. Beautiful film. Thank you for sharing your extraordinary story with the world. Your artistry is astonishing 🙏
”
— @Ericostrow
“Thank you so much for making this series. I watched episode 2 last night. Drew was a dear friend of mine and I loved him very much. This film was a beautiful gift. I want to thank you so much for making it. You did an incredible job with the film and showed Drew for exactly the beautiful soul that he was. My words cannot express the gratitude I feel for being able to watch this. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you”
— @Cath_kane
Just watched the first episode. Thank you for sharing and allowing us to witness such an intimate moment. I just had this conversation about the dying process and how after wading through the imense grief, beauty can be found in a peaceful passing. Thank you.”
— Shawn Crary
“I just watched the first episode starring your gorgeous and courageous Mum and Dad thank you for showcasing this form of transition. I watched both my parents die in palliative care and at the time wished I could end their pain/suffering sooner rather than later. Thank you for being so raw and inspiring I’m in tears as I write this as I felt your dads lovely carers pain. I do that for a living after caring for my parents for 15 years. Thank you”
— @reezie71
“I just watched the first episode starring your gorgeous and courageous Mum and Dad. Thank you for showcasing this form of transition. I watched both my parents die in palliative care and at the time wished I could end their pain and suffering sooner rather than later. Thank you for being so raw and inspiring. I’m in tears as I write this as i felt your dad’s lovely carergiver’s pain. I do that for a living after caring for my parents for 15 years. Thank you.
—Mimi Flannery
“This show was so thought provoking and raw and sad and informative. Thank you for doing this. Every state needs to approve MAID.”
—Samantha Dalton
I binged season 1 on Prime. Thank you for being a voice for that which gave your parents peace and dignity at the end of life, and thank you for perpetuating the voice of all of Andrew and all the other storytellers.
So many emotions…”
—Irisaida Zednem
“Serene, thank you very much for sharing this incredibly personal part of your family’s life. It touched me deeply. My Grandfather died unexpectedly when I was 15. That was the first death I experienced. At 62, I’m still seeking peace. I was with my dad a few years ago when he died of “old man” leukemia. Experiencing your mom and dad’s passing, while very emotional for me, was incredibly helpful. It’s a part of life for all of us, but seeing your parents in pain and struggling, well it is a uniquely difficult thing.
Bless you for putting this out to share with us. You and your folks, well actually the whole family, are very special people for allowing the public to see how MAID works. It is and will continue to be helpful to me with my journey of grief and celebration of life.”
—Cookie Norris
“Watched all episodes back to back. Beautiful photography, beautiful souls sharing with us , critical message. Erika.”
— Michael Stracener
“Through episode 4…I need to take some time to grieve each person before I can continue on…this should be seen by everyone…I’ve always been onboard with this since the days of Kevorkian…we have come so far & hopefully the rest of the states in USA can get onboard sooner rather than later…simply no need for suffering & pain…thank you to ALL who have made this beautiful documentary…much love & peace”
— Nancy Teresa
“First, I wanted to reach out and say how brilliant Take Me Out Feet First was. It’s such an important topic. But out of all the captivating episodes, the one that made the most impact and has caused me to be so incredibly heartbroken was Andrew Flack. He seemed like the nicest, most genuine person. By just watching that episode I feel like the world lost such a great soul. Who has 2 young roommates in their prime devoting so much of them to take care of Andrew? Only a special person could elicit those types of relationships. And I am a cynical NYer! That episode has been affecting me tremendously. I am a a 50 yr old atheist and if there was a god, what a horrible entity to take a person like that away from this world. That is not someone I would ever want to worship..”
— @shilpakanani
“I have just watched every episode of your documentary ‘Take me out feet first’. I live in Australia. It is Awesome, heart wrenching, informative, loving, uplifting and so much more that I felt. Thank you for bringing this to light so that many more people suffering can discover options/ choices that may be available to them. Your personal story hit home for me as both my parents had a similar journey with cancer. I am grateful to you for sharing these stories with rest of the world. May every one benefit from your wonderful work..”
— @chalabromo
“ I just finished watching the first 5 episodes of Take Me Out Feet First and am completely in awe of what you achieved. Each episode is so raw and beautiful and you were able to profoundly capture the bravery of each person profiled, but also your own bravery following the deaths of your parents. My parents are in their mid to late 70s and these are very real thinks to think about in their lives. ”
— @darabara12
“Thank you, I just watched your documentary from start to finish while putting in my billable hours. I have to say I don’t watch tv, no time and no patience, but I was captivated. I cried, I laughed, I related to you and your family. I spent the rest of the evening googling states and their protocols for medical aid in dying. Thank you for your documentary. I am sorry about your beautiful parents each so unique, kind, talented and loving wonderful parents and grandparents. I laughed when your brother asked him about malpractice and your dad was so articulate explaining what type of law he practiced, professional malpractice for attys and accts. you can tell the pride he took in his work. what a legacy he left in all of you. Beautiful family and beautiful children. Such a blessing to know they didn’t suffer or lose their dignity. My mom passed last year at 93 at home in her sleep we/she was lucky. And my granddaughter was her gift to us. But my dad who was a Holocaust survivor contracted AIDS from a blood transfusion in 1983 and died in 93, he would have easily taken that had he been given the choice. So, Thank you for speaking about what so many are having to cope with. As a parent who cared for a dying parent, I don’t want my children to see that pain. I believe in choice and I am going to get involved and make a difference. I reside in Hawaii, NY and Florida. Right now only Hawaii has the option, albeit with way too many restrictions. I am a licensed atty for over 30 years, a prosecutor for 27. Now I am working for a civil firm. If I can be of help in any way, feel free. Many many continued blessings and success to you. Be well. “
— Gayle Dampf
“This documentary completely changed my thinking. I feel really privileged to hear from and watch those experiencing end of life. I don’t think I will ever forget the people involved and will now support the call for options in the U.K. Thank you”
— Clare Woods
“It was a wonderfully touching and informative series. Grateful for those who shared their stories.”
— Lisa Main-Reedy
“This is a wonderful, heartfelt, and sometimes difficult series on Amazon Prime. Yet again, it points to the importance of universal availability of Medical Aid in Dying across all states. I hope the state of Virginia will soon join the movement to allow our loved ones the dignity they deserve at the end of life if they so choose.”
— La Famigila Johnson
“This docuseries is one of the best I have ever seen. A MUST see! Excellent series. I’m gutted that I won’t have this choice in Ohio”
— Marla Stewart
“The story of Serene’s family was absolutely beautiful. I appreciate being able to witness thejoy, pain & sorrow they all went through. Her parents were amazing people and the love of the entire family was breathtaking. I have no words for how it touched me. I wll be an advocate for MAID as I go forward in life.”
— Tammy Charles
“I am in a hotel room getting ready to visit my sister who has terminal cancer. Texas has no end of life care and she is in miserable pain every day. She can barely eat as the pain meds make her sick. She begged me to find another solution when she was first diagnosed but as soon as she realized she’d have to die in a hotel room far away in another state she resigned herself to this misery for as long as her body takes to die. It’s so unfair and I’m so angry. She’s already suffered the loss of a child many years ago and just wants peace. I hope these laws change and compassionate care becomes the norm everywhere. We treat our animals with more care at the end of their lives than humans sometimes. It’s not okay.
— Amy Luker
“My immediate family cared for my mother during her end of life stages. We took good care of her and she died peacefully in her bed surrounded by family. (We are in NY) However the year getting there did not need to be endured. We all experience death and we deserve the fundamental right to die supported by medical care and the compassion of loved ones, without being forced to endure life extending measures OR the grey area of trying to get to palliative care. Refusing to face the fact of death doesn’t protect us from dying. We need to be adults and stop letting religious doctrine determine our access to care and human rights.”
— Sarah Sinistre
“My mother wasted away to skin and bones, maybe 40 or 50 pounds in the last year to two years of her life. Literally a bedridden prisoner, trapped in a shell of skin and bones. We came from New Jersey to North Carolina where you don’t have any options. We’ve got to do more to change how we leave this earth. We need to be able to make decisions that are humane, just, kind and compassionate. And of course legal. Where is the humanity? Where is the freedom to decide how much suffering we are to endure before some so-called natural exit from this planet? My mother’s body function and her brain were totally gone. I’m not even talking about anything more than the basic ability to swallow and she was kept alive on vitamin water and baby food. “
— Robin Ann
“I got to hold my father’s hand and tell him how much I loved him. I feel that death is so feared in our society. It was such a beautiful passing. No pain, no struggle, just went to sleep.”
— Betsy Gotelli Richards
“My mom died from ALS, a disease to this day there is no cure for. She told us immediately, no respirator and no feeding tube. She was very firm in her decisions. It made it so much easier for me and my four siblings. She died in my living room on a cloudy November day with music in the background, surrounded by her children. The moment she died, a ray of light came through my bay window and shone on her face. It was an incredible and heartbreaking experience.”
— Karen Hart Druckman
“I absolutely chose this. I have stage 4 NSCLC and I will fight as long as I can but I will take the medications on my terms.”
— Brenda Boutte
“My best friend’s 47 year old daughter had ALS and refused to be intubated. Friends lined up outside her home to say goodbye as she quietly started slipping away. At the end she was surrounded by her family. She had secretly set up a flash mob for her funeral mass. When the priest left, a beautiful blues singer stood up and started belting, “I’ll Get By With A Little Help From My Friends. One by one, those of us in the know, stood up and joined her in the song. At the end, all were standing, arm in arm, swaying and singing. We floated out of that church. It was a beautiful parting gift that our dear friend had arranged and left for us.”
— Bert Monroe
“A very dear friend of mine was terminally ill in acute, unmanageable pain and she made the decision to end her life under Washington State’s death with dignity law. It gave her so much peace at the end and I’m so grateful she could access this medical care.”
— Helen Toliver
“My husband suffered for months with rectal cancer and begged me to help him go. It was the most painful experience. We are kinder to animals. Thank you for this film.”
— Susan Boyce Murphy
“My uncle, an MD who taught at a medical school for 40 years, fought cancer at age 86. When it recurred at age 93, he chose to end his life by medical means in the presence of his daughters and his oncologist, who’d been his student in medical school. It was a bit shocking at the time, but it was his choice and he well knew what the end would be like if he did nothing. At the agreed upon time, the rest of the family waited down the hall, a nephew at the piano and sister in law playing the flute while my uncle ingested the meds. It was his choice. I thought it was amazingly brave. ”
—Barbara Hopkins
“Such an impactful documentary!!! Even as a child I wondered why we let people suffer. Thank you for making this and thank you to the families who shared their stories.”
— Polly Negrete
“Take me out the same way, with my boots on!.”
— Dennis Liberty
“Thank you for creating your doc “take me out feet first”. I am surrounded by cancer in my family and I myself am an 18 yr survivor. I actually decided to watch your film a second time and am even more touched than I was a few weeks ago on my first viewing. You and your parents are and were incredible people! Your talent in this film-making process is so beautiful and is a deeply loving tribute to your parents for all of us in the “real “ world of life and death. My mom has been “living “ with multiple Myleoma for 9 yrs. I know she would never make this choice but I feel it is so valuable in knowing and understanding the choices one could make 👍👏👏👏👏 Thank you so much for showing /making this film.”
— Marianne Dalton
“I have watched every episode of your documentary ‘Take Me Out Feet First’. I live in Australia. It is awesome, heart wrenching, informative, loving, uplifting and so much more that I felt. Thank you for bringing this to light so that many more people suffering can discover options/choices that may be available to them. Your personal story hit home for me as both my parents had similar journeys with cancer. I am grateful to you for sharing these stories with the rest of the world. May everyone benefit from your wonderful work.”
— Liesbeth Jephcote
“Kudos on your series “Take Me Out Feet First” on Medical Aid and Dying. Thank you so much for the courage in telling your own story with Mom and Dad and also in paying it forward with others by opening the dialogue on the End-Of-Life-Option Act. Death is a natural part of life and you are helping to make the conversation more normal. And death less scary. Thank you!
— Margaret Baker
“I just watched your documentary series. AMAZING! Please continue to share more stories until every state makes it legal.
This was so raw, so important. People living with a terminal diagnosis need to see the reality of the process for their comfort. So the patient can choose for themselves and know what to expect.
Showing the process of your parent’s experience, as emotional as it was, was extremely powerful.
Thank you for sharing the strength of these souls.”
—@belladonnadyesco
“Well done! Thank you for your sensitive and skillfully produced piece,and a thank you to all of those who were willing to share their most intimate thoughts, hopes and experiences. Truly profound and extremely important for the world to see.”
@Psc50
“Holy smokes this series on Prime is as raw and powerful as any documentary I’ve seen. It intimately follows people who are using medical aid in dying. A great program for any human to watch and I am infinitely grateful to live in a right to die state.”
— BoBoBellBingo/Reddit/R/HospiceCare
“I just watched the first episode about your parents. 👏 thank you for sharing their (and your) story. I am a palliative care nurse in Ontario and am so thankful that our patients have access to MAID. I appreciate you showing the humanity and the dignity of MAID. ❤️.”
— @Betzer
“I have always believed in death with dignity and I am so happy that you made the film "Take me out feet first". Thank you for doing the film and I hope people who are unsure about the idea watch it and learn from it..”
— @steelergurl4lyfe
“I watched the first episode (so far) BEAUTIFULLY portrayed!! My Dad passed on home hospice after 8 days in 2015 (he was in PA, I’m in NJ). Not sure if he’d have gone thru with it given the option. As difficult as it was to watch it was easier than seeing what he went through (prob more so what family witnessed). All that to say… immense gratitude to you and your family for letting us in on that sacred time. Bravo.”
— @gldj312
“I watched your documentary. Wow just wow.”
— @julie.j.mclaughlin.5
“Thank you for creating your doc on “feet first” i am surrounded by cancer in my family and i myself as a 18 yr survivor. I actually decided to watch your film a second time and i am even more touched than i was a few weeks ago on my first viewing. You and your parents are and were incredible people! Your talent in this film making process is so beautiful and deeply loving tribute to your parents and for all of us in the “real “ world of life with death. My mom has been “living “ with multiple Myleoma for 9 yrs i know she would never make this choice but i feel it is so valuable in knowing and understanding the choices one could make thank you so much for showing /making this film.”
— @belle2011
“I've been watching your show on Amazon called take me out feet first. It is an exceptional documentary series that people should be more aware of! I am not ill but dementia and Alzheimer's runs in my family. I am 66 years old and in good health and active and that's always on the back of my mind. I had four sisters three have passed away one was very overweight and had an MI my other sister passed away from niceria meningitis. My eldest sister passed in 2010 and my second eldest sister passed in 2011 they were both at the age of 66. My sister who I just lost in July passed away from Alzheimer's at the age of 68. As I get older I think more and more about the outcome and if I ever do get sick I will be relocating to a state that allows death with dignity. Death is such a Fickle bitch. I just want to say thank you for putting this documentary out there I am letting all my friends know especially the ones that are terminally ill. Just wanted to say hello and thank you..”
— Bill McCollum
“I wanted to thank you for your unbelievable documentary. My heart and love goes out to you and your family. Thank you for sharing this vulnerable chapter in your life, it’s a beautiful story that will forever resonate with everyone who watches it. You have forever changed my prospective on life, love and the inevitable. Thank you again for allowing us into your journey that we all will experience..”
— Miribel Rivera
“I just watched your episode. My heart hurts. What an amazing tribute to your parents. I lost my mom to breast cancer in 2017. We are in Arizona so did not have the option your parents did. I am a lifecaster and specialize in hospice and memorial castings. So I spend a lot of time with families in this space. Love your work. Thank you for sharing it. Hugs!.”
— Lisa Vicklund Nisleit
“I’ve just finished the first episode with your parents & I can’t thank you enough for doing this. So many more people need to see the compassionate choice we all have a right to make…I was born in 1959 & from the time he made news, Dr. Kevorkian, I have been wholly onboard with medical aid in dying. Looking forward to the other episodes that I’ll watch in doses because death will always be overwhelming. Thank you for your immense compassion on creating this series that will hopefully make this a national option in dying.”
— Nancy Zuk
“Thank you for this documentary. I thank God every day that my mom was able to pass peacefully and as she wished. I commend you and your family for honoring your parents’ wishes and making their passing so beautiful. As a MICU nurse in NY, I wish these same laws were passed here. I am most proud of my ability to help people pass peacefully and with dignity. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case and something I will always struggle with here in NY. Thank you again for this beautiful documentary.”
— Kellie Anne
“
I have watched your documentary series. I live in the south and am a Christian who fully believes in God’s will. I have never been in nor have known anyone in a situation where MAiD could be a consideration. But this has opened my eyes and my mind as well as my heart. Thank you for sharing all these stories.”
— @acravey29
“I think your documentary is masterful! Kudos to you and your team. So moving and I learned a lot. I'm 80 and don't have anything terminal that I know of right now (except life ). However, I know I can have the option if I need it. Thank you!”
— Andrea Eagles
“I watched out feet first though the subject is difficult it was so helpful and I want to thank you for making documentary series so important.”
— @ginlyn911
”Thank you sharing the beauty of life and the choices your parents made. I am so supportive and moved by all of it. My father was a bklyn dodger fan just like yours.”
— @pattifleischer
“
Beautifully done 🤍 Each episode perfectly encapsulates the beauty in medical aid, and the positive spirits of the terminally ill. Thank you for sharing..”
— @mizzsnap
“Looks like I’ve got some work. I’ve got to start doing in my home state of Georgia, i’ve been lucky enough to have two beautiful hospice experiences first with my grandmother and then with my father. How anybody could call this suicide is beyond me God has nothing to do with pain and suffering. Grateful to all the families that came forth with this most personal experience to share this with all of us.❤️.”
— @Hayesfarmliving
“
I helped my father do this on May 20 of this year it was the most peaceful thing. Thank you for making the smoothie so people know that it’s an option..”
— @myfrienddoodle
“My husband and I watched your documentary yesterday- it was absolutely gut wrenching and beautiful . Every state should have this law so people at least have a choice in their end of life journey. May your parents fly high wherever they are and thank you for sharing these stories. ❤️.”
— @happyday128677
“Thank you so much for making this series. As a 3 time cancer survivor it’s something people at terminal diagnoses need to know. Your parents story is heartbreaking, but something I wish was something we could have done when my parents who suffered so much from pain with ALS and Alzheimer’s.”
— @jeannielasch
“Thank you for having the strength to share your story. I’ve been crying watching it, and your parents were so brave and beautiful. I just wanted to thank you for moving me so deeply and for loving your parents through the process. Balancing directing and being present in the moment must have been tough, but it was so clear you loved them and they were safe and supported to a comfortable end. We all fear this day with our own families, and I hope more people will watch and be able to make the right decision for themselves and loved ones with all options available to them..”
— @perfectpearlhunginthesky
“I have just finished watching your incredible documentary. I totally agree with all states having MAID. Your parents stories and those of all those that shared theirs with you will stay with me.”
— @audreyk53
What People Are Saying
“Such a touching documentary on a subject that most people don’t want to talk about. It sheds light on an option that can give terminal patients a sense of control. I feel it will help open the door to more people talking about their wishes when dealing with a terminal illness. Thank you to these courageous souls and their families for sharing them with us.”
— Patti
“”I have only watched the first episode and I have to say it was such a beautiful episode. The life Mariam and Robert shared was one of pure love and passion for one another, Robert loved her more than anything. It was genuinely one of the most real and emotional thing I’ve ever watched. I did end up crying!! 😭😭
— Fallum McColgan
“It’s the first of its kind. Admittedly- only watched first episode- but that within itself is a must must must watch. The music, the edit cuts, the willingness to reveal such personal footage. All amazing. I have never seen anything like it- nor did I know this was an option in the United States! Thank you thank you!”
— Alice Ann
“Although this show can feel incredibly sad, it sheds a beautiful light on the uncomfortable topic of chronic terminal illness and death. It is enlightening and inspiring to hear and see the experiences of people forced to face this uncomfortable topic due to their own diagnoses and how the rest of us can be compassionate and give them a choice to end their suffering when the end is near and do it in their own comfortable way. When death is the inevitable outcome, why force prolonged suffering for the patient or their loved ones. I appreciate this documentary giving everyone an inside look at why this is such an important conversation and needs to be brought to light, as uncomfortable as it may be.”
— Allison Smith
What People Are Saying
“I would like to thank the family for showing us beginning to end the steps taken to end of life story. I know how very private something like this should be, but they were all kind enough to share with the world their parents story!! I cannot tell you how much that means to me. Thank you so much!!”
— Robin Wanner
“As an upper midlife person, watching this was reality through the lenses of life. This situation is at the present moment my reality, so watching it was absolutely gripping emotional, real, so many things to contemplate and consider as our parents go through end of life..”
— Alisia Collins
“This a thoughtful well produced documentary that stands the mirror of truth in front of us. This mirror will be for all of us eventually. It’s an amazing documentary..”
— gs
“It’s the first of its kind. Admittedly- only watched first episode- but that within itself is a must must must watch. The music, the edit cuts, the willingness to reveal such personal footage. All amazing. I have never seen anything like it- nor did I know this was an option in the United States! Thank you thank you!”
— Alice Ann
“Filmed with compassion and love. Very thought provoking.”
— Victoria Anderson
“I would like to thank the family for showing us beginning to end the steps taken to end of life story. I know how very private something like this should be, but they were all kind enough to share with the world their parents story!! I cannot tell you how much that means to me. Thank you so much!!”
— Robin Wanner
“As an upper midlife person, watching this was reality through the lenses of life. This situation is at the present moment my reality, so watching it was absolutely gripping emotional, real, so many things to contemplate and consider as our parents go through end of life.”
— Alisia Collins
“ I am not terminally ill. However I watched your entire docuseries in two days. I could not stop watching it. It was INCREDIBLE. REMARKABLE. Sobering. Thoughtful. Mindful. Raw. And not just the individual stories, but how you told the stories. The quality is of the best I’ve ever seen. I am totally for medical aid in dying, and have been for many years because of Brittany’s story. The whole of humanity needs to see Take Me Out Feet First. Your team is beyond talented and should consider as many other related opportunities to tell stories the way in which you’ve done here. I just can’t say enough. Despite the fact that I bawled through it, my experience was worth every tear I cried. Well done. Well done.”
— Denise Dowell
“This was one of the most beautiful films I have ever had the honor to watch. I'm a Death Doula and a hospice volunteer and I felt so blessed to have been able to share the store of your parents. I live in Oregon so I'm very familiar with MAID.”
— Lynda Sorenson
“I just finished the first episode & this was so beautiful. Thank you for sharing your parent's journey. You have a beautiful loving family. How lucky to be able to die with dignity.
Thank you for sharing your story.”
— Julie Speicher
“Hi Serene. I’m just finishing up the last episode of ‘Take Me Out Feet First’. What you have created is something I just don’t have words for. You have put together these stories so sensitively and with so much care and compassion - I don’t have enough words to tell you how blown away I am by it. Everyone should see it. My greatest fear in my life is losing my mum and dad - they’re my whole world. I am so sorry that both of yours have passed. But seeing the entire process of your beautiful dad passing has made me feel so much less utterly terrified - I think it’s the fear of the unknown. It was so dignified and something he had full autonomy over. Something that also struck me for the folks who are utilising MAID is this incredibly privileged position it puts both themselves and their family members in to say goodbye, to elucidate their thoughts, to say the things that they want to say, for them to be able to make arrangements for them to be farewelled how they would like to be farewelled - in turn then taking any pressure for those decisions off of a grieving family. I obviously have so, so many questions. Have you considered a podcast or a guest spot on a pod where your audience can ask questions of you? I also just wondered - and the reason for my message - I can’t seem to find Trish on socials. She particularly struck me (and Erika) as I feel like her and I would just get on like a house on fire and be amazing friends. I just love her attitude to everything!”
— Charlotte Berrill
“Hi! I’m a 19 year old from Texas. I watched the documentary, and there was so many emotions my family and I felt. Conversations we don’t normally talk about in a South Texas Hispanic Christian family, were talked about. Thank you for bringing this topic up.”
— Isela