Debbie's Dying Wish | #WhatMattersMost | FRONTLINE

If you knew you were dying, what would you do with the time you had left? For Debbie Whitmore, a young mother diagnosed with colon cancer, the answer was simple: spend quality time, including a trip to Disney World, with her husband and children.

CREDITS:
Producer: Lauren Mucciolo
Producer, Editor: Nelson Ryland
Field Producer: Carla Borras
Senior Producer: Frank Koughan
Line Producer: Julie Rasquin
Principal Photography: Brian Dowley, Tim Gruzca, Tom Jennings, Mrinal Desai
Additional Camera: Lauren Mucciolo, Nelson Ryland
Music: John E. Low, APM Library
Assistant Editor: Jaclyn Lee, Anastasia Fedoryaka
Production Assistants: Jabari Canada
Intern: Hillary Hubley
Archival: Pond5, Mark Whitmore, Fox Sports

A Special Thanks to Debbie Whitmore and her family

Funding for FRONTLINE's YouTube channel is provided by the Knight Foundation. FRONTLINE is made possible by PBS and CPB. Major support is provided by The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation. Additional support is provided by the Park Foundation, the Ford Foundation, the Wyncote Foundation and Jon and Jo Ann Hagler on behalf of the Jon L. Hagler Foundation.

[shawnrech]

Debbie is my little sister. She died with grace and strength. She was given months to live and fought for three years to make memories with my nephews. She really was as awesome as the show made her appear.

[notchuraverage]

What a very courageous woman and husband. Thank you for helping us by teaching us in such an intimate way.

[eltonjohn]

Two years ago, I commented on here about how strong Debbie and her husband were. Ironically, I now find myself diagnosed with anaplastic thyroid cancer that is quite aggressive and not very treatable. I'm so glad I saw this before I faced my own cancer. I made the best decision possible, and have spent my final days doing what really matters to me. I'm very grateful to Frontline, and the Whitmore family for putting this out for public consumption. I learned a lot, and I hope others do too.

[tayllor]

She seemed so alert and four days later she was gone. Life is crazy.

[tommyfun]

Thanks for helping others. RIP to Debbie, and may her family find strength & peace.

[jackiemerritt]

She is, she was and she will always be an incredible person. There is a big hole on this planet without her.  God Bless her soul and what a beautiful it was.

[elcheapo]

I am 60 and completely healthy but I can't help researching death and dying. I have no fear of dying and the thing I fear is that I may one day become helpless. I am single and I take care of my dad who's 94 and quite healthy too. Personally I'd like to leave while I am still healthy which is a contradiction in.terms.

[PetersPianoShoppe]

What a sweetheart. She looks like a person who has been smiling her whole life. Glad she was with family and they made the best choices for themselves.

[jenotteni]

Glad she got to spend time with her family in Disney land before she died my grandfather had colon cancer he is still alive

[Macy-hgor]

I will refuse chemo and/or radiation if my cancer progresses. For me why prolong life with suffering?
My husband fought incurable cancer. He went through chemo and radiation at the same time. He was so ill! Why go through treatment to give you some more time?
A personal choice ❤ 5:24

[johnmohanmusic]

As a medullary thyroid cancer survivor (so far), I say this: FUCK CANCER.

[joanglasheen]

Such an amazing life lived to the fullest and to the last second. Debbie Whitmore taught us all how to live well and die fighting.  God bless her and her family.

[mperdue]

Think I'm going to stop watching YouTube and get busy living my life.

[eltonjohn]

She and her husband were so strong. I admire them.

[oldman]

And in America there is the added worry about the cost of treatments.
America - the worst governed country in the modern world.

[saraanne]

She didn’t get to see Christmas . So sad. RIP Debbie

[Ray.M.]

She seemed like such a sweet lady may her soul rest in peace. ❤

[vinkoivomilicdiaz]

A good way to remember Deb and their example of die with dignity. Thank you to FRONTLINE for this profound moment in our lives. #FrontlinePBS  is the best. Thank you 'GBH.

[patnewson]

How dreadfully, dreadfully sad! Is it jut my algorithm, but I am seeing so many. videos of young mothers dying with cancer! what is going on?

[ShreyaChoudhuryMusic]

I know it’s been 8 years since this video was uploaded. But, I couldn’t help myself into watching such a powerful and admirable woman, the beautiful Debbie. She was truly a warrior and had fought to stay positive for her family even in such a grueling time of battling such a deadly disease. Cancer sucks and I don’t wish it on anyone, not even on my worst enemy. However, these kinds of scenarios are such important lessons of how to not take our love and life in general for granted. 🙏 life is too short to live in regret and we never know when we may lose the opportunity to see our loved ones again. So, it’s an important message to let one another know while we’re still here that we are all grateful to have one another and love each other so very unconditionally. 💕 god bless her beautiful soul and May she continue to rest in eternal paradise as she watches with her star that’s forever shining on her husband and her sons. 💕 I’m sure one day we will all unite on the other side. We love you Debbie. You will always be an inspiration and will forever live on in the very many hearts you’ve touched with your story through your footprints forever etched within - until we meet again. 💕