Lily Thai, 23, has ended her life using SA’s voluntary assisted dying laws

On Wednesday afternoon, terminally ill and “much-loved” Lily Thai used voluntary assisted dying laws to end her life her way.

Terminally ill Lily Thai has used voluntary assisted dying laws to end her life.

The family of the brave 23-year-old confirmed the news in a funeral notice in The Advertiser, saying she “passed away peacefully” at Laurel Hospice in the Flinders Medical Centre on Wednesday.

“Much loved daughter of Kate and Le. Beloved granddaughter, niece and cousin. Treasured friend to many,” the notice said.

A funeral for Lily will be held at Centennial Park Cemetery on Thursday morning.

Inspirational Lily captured the hearts and minds of South Australians after sharing her story with the Sunday Mail last week.

Lily Thai in June 2017. Picture: Supplied.

Lily Thai, 23, receiving medical treatment in hospital. Picture: Supplied.

She took her last breaths on Wednesday afternoon, after doctors administered a fast-acting IV medication.

Her parents, who have been too emotional to speak publicly about her heartbreaking health journey, notified a small group of people.

Earlier, Lily revealed the painful and emotionally exhausting circumstances, which led to her difficult decision to access voluntary assisted dying laws, legal in our state since January 31 this year.

Her young life was marred by illness, with Lily diagnosed with Elhers-Danlos Syndrome at 17-years-old, then auto-immune autonomic ganglionpathy (AAG) in 2021.

Lily’s story has deeply affected South Australians, including Liz Habermann whose son Rhys was diagnosed with terminal cancer and chose to end his life, aged 19, in 2017.

Voluntary assisted dying (VAD) laws had been proposed many times in SA but had not passed by that point.

“I’m just grateful that they have got that choice now,” Ms Habermann said.

“Rhys didn’t have that choice. It would have been so much kinder for everyone involved.”

Ms Habermann said Lily was brave to take control of her life, and death, and the situation she and Rhys faced was “so bittersweet”.

“They’re at the prime of their life, they shouldn’t have to be planning their deaths, they should be planning their future lives,” she said.

“(But) they weren’t going to get better or recover. We were going to lose them anyway and we don’t want them to be in pain.

“That sadness is always there but knowing they’ve made that choice, that they can finally be free of pain ... it’s sort of comforting.”

Ms Habermann said Lily’s willingness to share her story “makes it real for people ... (that) younger ones are faced with this sort of thing”.

“People don’t like talking about death, let alone choosing your death,” she said.

“It doesn’t make it any less sad but if we can help just one other person through a situation by being aware ... we just need to talk about it more and let people know that there is this choice.”

Liz Habermann with her late son Rhys. Picture: Supplied

SA Nurses Supporting Choices in Dying group convener Susie Byrne described Lily as “utterly brave to have made that choice”.

“It would be the worst decision that a young adult ever has to make but it is wonderful that she could share her story,” Ms Byrne said.

“We’re used to seeing older people use this (VAD) pathway but let’s not forget that there will be some younger people who are eligible to use it … even as young as 18, which is the minimum age at which they can use the law.”

Ms Byrne was inspired to lobby for VAD laws after the painful death of her father-in-law.

She also encouraged families to talk about the laws, as she had done with her children now aged 30 and 34.

“It would kill me to say goodbye to them (if they needed VAD laws) but I would do it because it’s knowing that that’s the right thing to do and it’s their choice,” she said.

In a heartwarming tribute to Lily, friend Danika Pederzolli said, “She was confident in herself and her intellect. She was caring and nurturing, while also being dependable and always striving to better herself.

“Lily made you want to work hard and better yourself.”

In her last interview with The Advertiser, Lily said her last days on earth would be spent surrounded with family and friends in hospice.

Loved ones including friends Annaliese Holland and Danika, both 28, spent precious moments with her, offering comfort and support.

Danika has described Lily as “sunshine in human form”, and had gifted her a bear with a heartwarming handwritten note in honour of their friendship.

The pair met through a St John’s Ambulance cadet program when Lily was 15 years old, and their friendship blossomed during Lily’s agonising final years.

Danika said Lily’s family and friends were “very lucky to know her,” and Lily had “taught her a lot about herself”.

“She was just so happy, and she’s still like that now, she’s no different,” Danika said.

“I think she’s got such a vibrant attitude (and) even through this process, she’s just so brave,” she said.

Lily Thai at Flinders Medical Centre with friend Danika Pederzolli, 28, days before using SA’s voluntary assisted dying laws. Picture: Supplied,

Speaking to The Advertiser this week, Annaliese – who’s also diagnosed with AAG – said she had been doing everything in her power to make Lily’s last days in hospice as comfortable as possible.

“All I can do is brush her (Lily’s) hair or moisture her legs. I just want her to know that I’m here and people care,” Annaliese said, crying gently.

Annaliese also spoke of their legacy, which included raising public awareness for their illness.

They hoped there would one day be a hospice facility dedicated to younger people in South Australia, and more funding for medical research.

In lieu of flowers, Lily had invited donations to The Health Research Foundation Group.

Lily Thai, 23, at Flinders Medical Centre with friend Annaliese Holland. Picture: Supplied

Voluntary Assisted Dying South Australia president, Frances Coombe said, “this is a law that has been passed to make sure that people are not forced to suffer, if they have an illness.”

“Lily has had this condition since a teenager, so she’s battled this and received extensive care here and interstate, so she should not be forced to suffer,” Ms Coombe said.

“It’s very sad, but it’s really good that she can get relief from her suffering,” she said.

“She has means of relief now.”

After Lily shared her story, hundreds of thousands of Australian took to social media to share their heartwarming sentiments about Lily’s health journey.

“God bless you Lily. You are an inspiration! I just hope people realise what life means after reading your story. I have never met you but I am so humbled by your maturity and determination,” Pasquale said.

“Rest in peace Lily, pain free and forever watching over your loved ones. So sorry you have had to live with so much pain. My heart aches for you and your family. Strong, brave and beautiful,” Julie said.

“The immense sadness I feel for a complete stranger and her family is overwhelming me, I can’t stop my tears,” Jodie said.

“I will see another Angel in the sky tomorrow night. Fly high sweet girl,” Trevor said.

Originally published as Lily Thai, 23, has ended her life using SA’s voluntary assisted dying laws