Debbie's Dying Wish |

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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.
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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 KZbin 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.

[@shawnrech7865]

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.

[@julieodonnell3408]

❤❤❤

[@NoodlesEaton]

I am so sorry for your loss. Loss of a sibling is heart wrenching. i lost my little brother to rectal cancer and I felt so alone.

[@richard8644]

I am so sorry for your loss. Your sister was a truly brave & courageous lady. Thank you to your family for allowing us all “in”. My Mom passed at the age of 47 of breast cancer. She left behind her husband & boys 6, 8, & 11 years old. This story really “hit home”.

[@judedimatteo8942]

Yes your sister is awesome I'm sorry for your loss

[@ClassicXL86]

What a sweet and tough lady she was .

[@eltonjohn3236]

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.

[@dondressel452]

You are not alone I was diagnosed with 4th stage prostate cancer My faith has kept me going I hope you are doing well as can be expected

[@GhettoToaster85]

@@dondressel452 what were your symptoms

[@witherbons8571]

Are you two ok now

[@GhettoToaster85]

@@witherbons8571 🤣🤣🤣

[@witherbons8571]

@@GhettoToaster85 What

[@skygazer6898]

Beautiful lady. Sweet Dreams, Debbie.

[@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.

[@tayllor2900]

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

[@vwynnr]

@@jantjaden836 Did you read the end credits? They state she passed away at home 4 days after the last interview.

[@jantjaden836]

@@vwynnr - Yes, I’m sorry, I should have deleted my question. I feel so sad for her family.

[@jenotteni7889]

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

[@eltonjohn3236]

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

[@jackiemerritt5107]

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.

[@notchuraverage2]

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

[@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. 💕

[@tommy7fun]

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

[@gayamaruyama7129]

Debbie is a beautiful human being …

[@Ray.M.12345]

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

[@joanglasheen5491]

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.

[@theolamp5312]

When I saw her throw that pitch at the beginning of the video - I knew I could throw it better - But I could never have thrown it with more heart & courage. I am humbled. Love to Debbie and her family. She will always be with them. Best wishes, Ted

[@BinkyTheGoddessDivine]

Oh Debby, you were a wonderful and beautiful person. RIP sweet angel. 😢

[@nancyragwar3970]

She was so brave despite her chronic illness. RIP. She had this beautiful smile n accepted her condition without questioning.."why me". This video of gives hope to Ppl in lots of Pain to have faith n face each day as it comes 🙏

[@ivarodrigues3601]

What a beautiful, fantastic woman. Faced her destiny with calm and dignity. Hope the family are doing well

[@jillnunnen1815]

What an absolute braveheart. God bless, sweet dreams...xx

[@vinkoivomilicdiaz6932]

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.

[@LA2Alaska]

Touching. Debbie what a sweet soul. Strong lady. Sorry that was your path so young.

[@ChristineRedfearn]

What a beautiful lady. How brave too. God bless her and indeed her lovely husband and family xx🙏🙏🙏xx

[@Tcbelvizz]

What a beautiful soul this lady had… she is truly in heaven I’m sure. I’m also sure she can see her family from heaven for she exists just is a different form .

[@jeancater1388]

Thank you to Debbie for showing me the way. ❤

[@W1433LA]

I’m sorry but everyone saying she was so brave she showed us how to die she was so scared and did not want to die no one does and it don’t matter if you die kicking and screaming or saying nothing at all everybody is amazing she is amazing I’d have love Tim have met her her smile was so beautiful and she was so lovely and must of all she was an amazing mum rip ❤

[@karenlynne1122]

What a beautiful soul. Wishing peace to her family. My heart aches for them.

[@saraanne7224]

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

[@GogoGogo-zy5et]

very strong, sensible , brave and wise woman, much respect for your wisdom, may you be with the LIGHT and enjoying the wonders of Heaven !

[@andreakelly8701]

Debbie was a brave Mom. How wonderful that she got to go to Disney! And wonderful she gor to be at home in the end she gurzs no more. She is now your Angel!

[@jillianchiddicks7768]

As you have four beautiful boys it’s only a thought but getting a book where they can put their own magic memories which they can always be able to add more

[@Hey_its_Koda]

She so brave. I would be terrified.

[@lindaschleicher435]

God Bless her. Prayers to her husband and children ❤

[@cecilemulvehill7032]

😢 prayers for her sweet family-they are all grown up. I hope They feel her with them always. 🌷

[@juliej5917]

Wow. Debbie is a warrior, both here on earth, and whilst watching her boys from heaven. 🙏🏽🌟✨

[@elcheapo9444]

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.

[@bobs1356]

Your very lucky, I Shirley and 72 but still full of life, but kind of tied down because I need a hip replacement and the doctor said I will have a better quality of life. He made me fell like I am still young and still have time to enjoy life. I guess this is better than having cancer so I won't complain.

[@nickywilks7928]

Gorgeous brave woman, what a beauty.

[@AmericanPride1234]

So heart breaking to watch these kinds of videos where someone knows they are at the end stages of life. On one hand you are able to say your final good byes and fulfil any last requests and spend time the way you want. on the other hand its hear breaking for the ones who will out live you. I hope i die quick and without pain. 10-11-16

[@Macy-hg2or]

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

[@angelabayern]

I am sorry for your loss. You never know if you are going to respond to treatment, if you have young kids (or aging parents) you try to fight as much as you can. In any case it is up to the patient to take the decision and that is always the right decision. I’m stage IV breast cancer, so far doing ok, some days are tough but most of the time I enjoy my life. One day at a time.

[@aileenm.939]

@@angelabayern hi how are u now? Im same with but i feel tired

[@aileenm.939]

@@angelabayern by the way how long have you been stage 4? Where does it spread?

[@xiniafyor9304]

Thank you for your gift of sharing this. It means so much to us. We support you and we believe that what you are sharing is the ultimate gift.

[@patrickstanley6794]

that is a wonderful mother you are Debbie your kids will always cherish your memories.. god bless you all

[@edithbannerman4]

@Hello there, how are you doing this blessed day?

[@luctran1540]

What a sweetheart. Debbie loves life ssoo much, she was willing to get another treatment. But some people has good health take their own life because of small issue in their life. GOD bless you debbie. God is waiting for you to be with him.

[@traciemarsh1611]

if someone takes their life its no way a small issue. i suggest be careful what you say

[@tommygirl6659]

Until you have lived a life of the shoes of someone who is considering or has died by suicide,don’t you EVER judge someone else, and what they are going through. Walk one week in my shoes, if you want to carry on, by all means. I am only still alive because I can’t bear to leave my service dog behind, to live without me. Otherwise, no one person or thing is worth living to me. It’s definitely no “small” issue. It’s living a life with no quality, happiness or joy for over 30 years, trying treatment after treatment, but nothing working. Don’t tell me I didn’t try

[@KTen-cm6wx]

Debbie you truly were a Warrior❤️‍🩹 God bless you and your family🙏

[@joelbroker8668]

I hope I can be as brave when it’s time.

[@sawdust2556]

Sending blessings to Debbie’s family 🙏🏼 and love to Debbie in heaven!❤

[@bobs1356]

I understand the Disney trip but she was so ill what fun was it for the family while she was really suffering.

[@jameshoopes6467]

I just donated $25 towards colon cancer research in memory of Debbie, who has been gone almost 10 years. I didn’t know her, but her story moved me. I hope her family can smile now at her memory.

[@maryhill5877]

She's just crossing over to heaven. That's the whole purpose of our journey here.

[@Terri-o3d]

If I were ever diagnosed with cancer, i will tell the oncologist to send me home and keep me comfortable

[@hilarymorrison8211]

Love and respect.

[@williamfoley5687]

Being mortal,good stories

[@pirateslifeb]

A coupe months ago I was told that I have the beginnings of cancer cells forming in my breast tissue. It won't turn into full blown cancer for a long time according to the doctors I've talked to, but the thought of dying from the horrible sickness is always in the back of my mind.

[@Missditabomb]

sophie B, Just asking, so don't freak out on me, but have you thought about the removal of your breasts so that the cancer CAN'T go any further; not just in your breasts, but elsewhere in your body? God Bless You, Sophie, with every choice that you make. I hope you are doing well. xo

[@TheFurreid]

this is so sad..

[@angelicaortega6720]

😢God bless their family .. what a strong warrior 😥😣🙏🏽❤️

[@williamfoley5687]

Time to go to as many beaches as you can

[@Terri-o3d]

Rest Debbie 🙏

[@chuck51561]

I know a women that had cancer in both breast and they took them off and she lived for another 30yrs and still ended up with cancer only to die from it in her 60's. So like everyone says where only here a short time and make do with what you got.

[@chuck51561]

Also the women I just mentioned had a very lonely life..Never had a man, Not one at all in her life. She lived with her father till he passed and she only lived another few years afterwards. I often think was she miserable not being attractive, she was old looking even in her younger years. She never smiled and all ways kept to her self at work. I just think how sad of a life to have.

[@bahjt]

From Saudi Arabia thank you frontline

[@omarkhalil-gc4vx]

So sad but you can hear she has great heart never was angry.sometimes it is the path that has been given

[@Rodmic-hd9pn]

It’s HER CHOICE MR ONCOLOGIST THIS IS HER ONE LAST FIGHT

[@ariella4444]

Cancer is not the only reason why one needs to die and to be from a life of full misery. My life has always been extremely and unbearably miserable. I don’t want to go on like this anymore. I also have every right to end it.

[@evelynlivingston6761]

Condolences 😞

[@kathleendiblasi9035]

Rest Well in God's Arms

[@natalieweishuhn3283]

Well that was heavy.

[@chantelcuddemi7646]

My grandmother died of stage four colon cancer.

[@ronsmith2241]

That has got to be very difficult. I am not judging at all. But if it were me, I would wonder if the doctors were only prolonging death not giving me a longer life. But they are not prolonging life. If it were me, I would just want to be kept comfortable and pain free and be let to pass away comfortably.

[@kathydavidson3772]

God bless the family...Debbie is now with our Lord and Savior...

[@johnmohanmusic]

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

[@williamfoley5687]

Hospice was terrific for my Dad in 2016

[@edithbannerman4]

@Hello there, how are you doing this blessed day?

[@sheilacarter7875]

Rest in peace Debbie

[@rhoefferle]

Brave lady

[@c_farther5208]

When she said she wanted Christmas, so every Christmas will be sad for her family. It won't be a refuge of fun to break up the gray days of winter. There is a time during the death journey when you have to think about everyone else and your sad influence. A time to let go of plans, worries, this human thing we call life on earth.

[@miathompson7226]

RIP debbie

[@Martin-t5q5i]

I feel so sorry for you my thoughts are with you bless you

[@Itssfra]

😱😢😥I'm so sorry😿😿💔💞

[@daisyguzman8481]

heart breaking, cancer really suck

[@Rodmic-hd9pn]

What does one tell their children

[@deniseblackburn33]

Wow powerful

[@williamfoley5687]

Quality of life is the key,she has something to live for,I DONT,in Tucson

[@ronaldjimenez2923]

🙏🏽

[@jeanmyers1787]

I watch programs about people dying from Covid unvaccinated, or young people abusing alcohol up to stage when they need liver transplant, then I read about Debbie. who hasn’t abused her body in any way & I reflect on unfairness of life.

[@mperdue12]

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

[@Ceerads]

Watching KZbin IS living one’s life. 🤠

[@patnewson6908]

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?

[@johnnycash578]

I like most take my health for granted sometimes i wish I appreciated life more it would wake me up and I wouldnt be so sad

[@MonaWoollaston]

So heart breaking my love goes out to the famiy❤

[@traciemarsh1611]

rip debbie

[@katarinaaslin6609]

❣

[@henriettapilcher1130]

I personally would not undergo chemotherapy or radiation which prolongs the suffering, especially at advanced age. Who knows, your body might cure itself if you give it a chance.

[@leandra3542]

No it wouldn't. The tumor would spread and the cancer cells would keep rapidly reproducing. Once it's there, your body needs help. But chemo kills bad and good cells and it's toxic

[@aaeyeshadowinthedark]

henrietta pilcher it would and relatively fast .before u even know it, u are gone.

[@williamfoley5687]

At Fenway,cool

[@williamfoley5687]

Her face looks good

[@christopherdidonna2796]

God bless

[@oldman1734]

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

[@evelynlivingston6761]

Rip 🙏

[@carolinesmith8024]

RIP sad

[@bobs1356]

I know that that was her wish but she should of never gone. Fo you want those kind of memories on a vacation getting sick and liver not functioning. No vacation that's for sure.

[@fufurabumbacka]

Does his wife still live?

[@islasmith5528]

The woman in the video, Debbie is dead.

[@godschild3640]

@@islasmith5528 did she get to have pain meds , because I have 🫁 cancer and don’t want to suffer

[@kathymullins6358]

Wow what an incrediable woman !!!!

[@Rodmic-hd9pn]

Hi how are you? How TFk do u think I’m doing

[@RandomPerson-ug3ol]

Is Atul Gawande the narrator ?

[@blueshinystar]

Omg so sad crying my eyes out😭😭😭

[@274pacific]

aaaaaaaand I'm a blubbery mess