Rebecca Luna, the British Columbia-based TikTok creator who documented her battle with early-onset Alzheimer’s, died on July 25 at age 49 after choosing Medical Aid in Dying (MAID). Her family confirmed her passing in a statement shared on her account, noting she was surrounded by loved ones at approximately 1:15 p.m.
Diagnosis and Public Advocacy
Luna first revealed her diagnosis in April 2025, sharing her symptoms—including memory lapses, disorientation, and safety risks like leaving the stove on—with her 47,000 followers. Her videos, which included doctor’s appointments and discussions about MAID, amassed hundreds of thousands of likes, turning her into a prominent voice for those facing young-onset dementia.
Early-onset Alzheimer’s, which affects individuals under 65, accounts for a small fraction of the roughly seven million Alzheimer’s cases in the U.S. Patients typically experience faster cognitive decline and have a life expectancy of about eight years post-diagnosis.
Decision to Pursue MAID
In her final weeks, Luna rescheduled her MAID date from early August to July 25, citing unbearable physical and emotional distress. “I’m living in a body that doesn’t feel comfortable, safe, or good,” she said in her last TikTok post. “The idea of waiting two weeks felt like too much.”
Luna, a single mother of two, also addressed the legal and financial challenges of MAID. She launched a GoFundMe to cover living and medical expenses, writing, “I am terrified to leave [my children] alone with no financial security.” Any remaining funds were designated for her children’s future.
Legacy and Impact
Beyond her advocacy, Luna’s journey included a bucket-list moment: meeting singer Lily Allen, whom she described as “the best experience.” Her transparency about her condition and end-of-life choices sparked broader conversations about MAID in Canada, where the procedure is legal under specific criteria.
Luna’s family requested privacy following her death. For those affected by dementia or end-of-life concerns, resources like Canada’s 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline offer confidential support.
