That's when Brittany decided that she would end her life before the tumor did — with her family by her side. She was living in California, however, which does not allow doctor-assisted suicide (though Brittany takes issue with the word "suicide," as she told People : "There is not a cell in my body that is suicidal or that wants to die," she clarified. "I want to live. I wish there was a cure for my disease, but there's not"). Only five states — Oregon, Montana, New Mexico, Vermont, and Washington — currently have death-with-dignity laws in place, meaning that terminally ill patients who qualify can access medication that will quickly and painlessly kill them if they choose to ingest it. Most patients who receive this medication never actually take it . Instead, it serves to give them peace of mind — an option for if and when their suffering becomes too great. Brittany, however, is almost ready to say goodbye.