AnCan Foundation is immensely proud that Delaware has joined a growing number of states committed to empowering individuals at the end of life. The Ron Silverio/Heather Block End of Life Options Act has officially become law, making Delaware the 12th jurisdiction in the U.S. to authorize medical aid in dying. Ron Silverio GRHS wife, Susan Lahaie is AnCan’s own Lead Moderator for our Care Partner Group, and a long time AnCan participant in the Advanced Prostate Cancer Group and Veterans programming.
1943 – 2018
This is a monumental achievement, born from years of dedicated advocacy and the unwavering courage of those who fought for the right to a peaceful, dignified death.
For too long, terminally ill Delawareans facing unbearable suffering had limited options. This new law changes that, offering a compassionate choice to mentally capable adults with a terminal illness and a prognosis of six months or less to live. They will now have the option to request and self-administer medication to end their lives peacefully, on their own terms, surrounded by loved ones.
Honoring the Legacy of Advocates, and a Tireless Champion
The act is rightfully named in honor of Ron Silverio and Heather Block, whose deeply personal journeys became a powerful force for change. Their stories, alongside those of Tom LaFollette, Chuck Knothe, Diane Kraus, and countless other terminally ill advocates, fueled a decade-long fight for this legislation. See and hear Ron speaking about innovating this legislation shortly before he died. In his own words:
“Along my journey, I have consistently told my multiple doctors I want to focus on the quality of my remaining days, not the quantity. I don’t want to die in a bed, unconscious and unresponsive under the influence of drugs, completely unaware of my surroundings. From the very beginning of this journey I have been worried about how I will die.”
Susan Lahaie, Ron Silverio’s wife, has been a truly remarkable advocate. A retired nurse practitioner and USAF Lt. Colonel from Dover, Susan has tirelessly continued her work in Ron’s honor since his passing in 2018. Her personal experience with Ron’s challenging end of life strengthened her commitment to ensuring others would have the choices he didn’t. At the signing ceremony, Susan expressed her family’s deep pride in the bill being partly named for Ron. She noted, “Ron would have said that terminally ill people of Delaware can now focus on living without having to worry so much about how they were going to die.” We were honored to support Ron and Susan throughout his prostate cancer journey here at AnCan.
Photo Credit: Spotlight Delaware – Brianna Hill
Susan’s tireless work on this groundbreaking legislation is nothing short of remarkable. She’s advocated relentlessly since her husband, Ron Silverio, passed away in 2018. Ron’s difficult end-of-life experience fueled Susan’s resolve to ensure others
would have the choices and dignity he deserved but lacked. Her personal journey transformed into powerful public advocacy, making a profound impact. Susan’s commitment to supporting those facing serious illness extends beyond legislative advocacy. She generously dedicates her time with AnCan, helping us provide vital virtual support groups for cancer carepartners. Her involvement with AnCan truly underscores her understanding of the comprehensive needs of individuals and families at every stage of their health journey—from critical end-of-life choices to the ongoing emotional and practical support that makes a real difference.
We’re honored to have Susan Lahaie as part of the AnCan family, and we congratulate her, and all the advocates, on this monumental achievement for compassionate care in Delaware.