A Public Journey Comes to an End
Rebecca Luna, a TikTok creator known for courageously documenting her journey with young-onset Alzheimer’s disease, has passed away at the age of 49. Luna chose to end her life through medical aid in dying (MAID) after experiencing a rapid decline in her condition.
The Final Announcement
On Saturday, July 25, a statement was shared on Luna’s TikTok account confirming the news: “Rebecca passed away July 25th at approximately 1:15 p.m. surrounded by her loved ones. Thank you for your support and privacy.” Her daughter, Maya, reiterated the announcement on a GoFundMe page that had been established by Luna in June to assist with end-of-life arrangements.
Choosing Medical Aid in Dying
In the lead-up to her passing, Luna was transparent about her decision-making process. On the fundraising platform, she wrote: “I’m 49 and I will be accessing MAID as my decline has come faster than I had hoped.”
Medical aid in dying is a legal practice in certain jurisdictions—including British Columbia, where Luna resided—that allows physicians to provide patients with a terminal illness the means to end their lives in a controlled and peaceful manner.
Advocacy for the Young-Onset Alzheimer’s Community
Luna first gained social media attention in April 2025, when she went public with her diagnosis at age 48. In her initial video, she expressed a desire to fill a void in online support:
«I realized there’s not a lot of resources out there for young people facing this terrible disease. I’ve been able to connect with a few people, but it feels incredibly isolating.»
The Final Days
In her last video, posted on July 22, Luna shared that she had moved her final date forward by two weeks. She spoke candidly about the physical and emotional toll the disease had taken on her, explaining that living in her body had become increasingly difficult.
“It’s a hard decision to make, I have to tell you, because I’m living in a body that doesn’t feel comfortable, safe, good, nothing,” she shared with her followers. “It feels terrible. And so the idea of waiting two weeks felt like too much.”