Bailey Jean Matheson was only 35 years old when she passed away from leiomyosarcoma, a rare cancer that affects muscle tissue.
But in an unusual move, Matheson had penned her own obituary, which her parents had published on her behalf.
Matheson, from Halifax, Nova Scotia, began her obituary with a nod to her parents.
"To my parents, thank you for supporting me and my decisions throughout my life. I always remember my mom saying losing a child would be the hardest loss a parent could go through."
When Bailey Jean Matheson found out she had two years to live, she decided to make the most out the time she had le… https://t.co/54ZiawOAFj— NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt (@NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt)1555529400.0
When she discovered she had only two years to live, she made sure to live life to the fullest. Bailey Jean Mathes… https://t.co/GK2lk08kxg— New York Daily News (@New York Daily News)1555548447.0
"My parents gave me the greatest gift of supporting my decisions with not going through chemo and just letting me live the rest of my life the way I believed it should be. I know how hard that must have been watching me stop treatment and letting nature take its course. I love you both even more for this."
She continued with a tribute to her friends and boyfriend.
"To my friends, being an only child, I've always cherished my friendships more than anything because I've never had siblings of my own. I never thought I could love my friends more than I did but going through this and having your unconditional love and support you have made something that is normally so hard, more bearable and peaceful. Thank you and I love you all so much.
Woman who died from cancer at the age of 35 writes her own obit #BaileyJeanMatheson https://t.co/uFsRzCnpoC via @MailOnline— #FlyHighSqwoosh (Heather H)👩🏻⚕️ (@#FlyHighSqwoosh (Heather H)👩🏻⚕️)1555626895.0
"35 years may not seem long, but damn it was good!" https://t.co/NPuTrku611— Women's Health (@Women's Health)1555599984.0
What a beautiful good-bye. Bailey Jean Matheson | Obituaries | Cape Breton Post https://t.co/eDcBLwq37X— David Coon (@David Coon)1555010681.0
"To my Brent, you came into my life just three months before my diagnosis. You had no idea what you were getting yourself into when you swiped right that day. I couldn't have asked for a better man to be by my side for all the adventures, appointments, laughs, cries and breakdowns. You are an amazing person and anyone in your life is so fortunate to know you. I love you beyond words."
Past the loving tributes, she included one poignant quote that everyone is reflecting on.
"Don't take the small stuff so seriously and live a little."
Thank you for the reminder, Bailey Jean Matheson. Rest in peace.— drew olanoff (@drew olanoff)1555524279.0
“Don’t take the small stuff so seriously and live a little.” ~ Bailey Jean Matheson (in her own obit).— Curt Harding (@Curt Harding)1555529775.0
“Don’t take the small stuff so seriously and live a little.” A message we should all take to heart from a courageou… https://t.co/Z6QZE3ohIa— Arran Andersen (@Arran Andersen)1555549615.0
If you have time read this, life lessons from someone taken too soon https://t.co/6MTihHunUJ— Irene Preklet (@Irene Preklet)1555015454.0
This is so beautiful and poignant - what an inspiration Bailey Jean Matheson is. May we all be this fearless in the… https://t.co/FLyQo0ZKXu— Meghan McCain (@Meghan McCain)1555641354.0
This is so beautiful! Rest in peace Bailey Jean Matheson 💙 https://t.co/cjRxRBk9Gc— Katie Couric (@Katie Couric)1555699052.0
According to the New York Post, Matheson took full advantage of the time she had left by traveling to "more than a dozen countries, spanning the globe from Ireland to St. Lucia."
"Thank you for all the support, donations, fundraisers, food, messages and calls over the past two years. It means the world to me."
Bailey Jean Matheson reminds us to seize each day and live a little. https://t.co/DBCjBVmzAS— C Frederick (@C Frederick)1555071408.0
“Don’t take the small stuff so seriously,” she wrote, “and live a little.” Bailey Jean Matheson, a 35-year-old Cana… https://t.co/fd5nibQJ8k— sam logan (@sam logan)1555650612.0
I just read this post about Bailey Jean Matheson. I teared up throughout the entire read. What a beautiful soul. A… https://t.co/DWjDbSldHi— Jason (Black Panther & Captain Marvel) (@Jason (Black Panther & Captain Marvel))1555643781.0
So sad yet perfectly written. Bailey Jean Matheson | Obituaries | https://t.co/g4V6ovvln6— Tom Marshall (@Tom Marshall)1555609938.0
A heartbreaking reminder to live your live thoroughly. “Don’t take the small stuff so seriously and live a little… https://t.co/ixXcaXC1J6— Amanda Guerra (@Amanda Guerra)1555603338.0
"In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Melanie's Way or Young Adults Cancer Canada."
Rest in peace, Bailey.
