A Victoria mother who candidly shared her experience with young-onset Alzheimer’s disease with tens of thousands of people is being remembered following her death over the weekend.
Rebecca Luna died Saturday, July 25th, after receiving medical assistance in dying (MAID). She was 49 years old.
“Rebecca passed away July 25th at approximately 1:15 p.m. surrounded by her loved ones,” read a message posted to her TikTok account. “Thank you for your support and privacy.”
Luna was well known on social media, and had built a community of more than 95,000 followers by speaking openly about her diagnosis, declining health and eventual decision to pursue MAID.
The single mother of two first publicly revealed her diagnosis in April 2025 when she was age 48. She said her symptoms had begun roughly two years earlier.
In the months that followed, Luna shared deeply personal updates about appointments, symptoms and the realities of facing a progressive disease at an age when few expect to receive such a diagnosis.
She also became an advocate for end-of-life choices, answering questions from followers and sharing information for others considering MAID.
Days before her death, Luna told followers she had moved her MAID date forward from early August because her condition was progressing more quickly than she had hoped.
“It’s a hard decision to make,” Luna said in her final video.
“Because I’m living in a body that doesn’t feel safe, good, nothing. It feels terrible.”
@wheredidrebeccago MAID—1 (maybe 2) years left #dying #terminal #alzheimer #dementia #saddness #grief #loss #anger #denial #death
She said Alzheimer’s had taken a great deal from her and that waiting another two weeks had begun to feel unbearable.
Luna emphasized that she had not chosen the disease or the circumstances she faced. What she wanted, she said, was relief from her suffering, supported by the people who loved and cared for her.
In her final message, she also reflected on the hardships she had overcome and the self-love she had found later in life. She encouraged those watching to stand up for themselves and learn to recognize their own worth.
Following her death, Luna’s eldest daughter, Maya Findlay, shared two emotional tributes to her mother.
In one, Findlay posted a recording of a FaceTime call in which Luna could be seen looking at her grandchildren through the screen.
“I miss my mom in a way that feels like homesickness,” Findlay wrote.
“Like I just want to go home, but home was her.”
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Findlay also shared photographs capturing years of memories with her mother, from childhood through more recent moments together.
Before her death, Luna created a GoFundMe campaign to help cover end-of-life expenses and ensure those costs did not fall on her family while they were grieving.
“I’ve been a single mama (proudly) all my life,” Luna wrote, explaining that she did not want to leave her loved ones with that responsibility “on top of their own grief.”
As of Tuesday afternoon, the fundraiser had collected $11,766 toward its $20,000 goal through 150 donations.
Luna’s openness connected with people far beyond Vancouver Island. Her story has since received international attention, with coverage appearing across Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom.
Young-onset dementia refers to dementia symptoms that begin before the age of 65.
The Alzheimer Society of Canada estimates that approximately 28,000 Canadians are living with young-onset dementia, which can create distinct challenges involving employment, parenting, finances and obtaining an early diagnosis.
MAID has been legal for eligible adults in Canada since 2016. Requests are assessed individually and must meet eligibility requirements and safeguards established under federal law.
Luna leaves behind two daughters and her grandchildren.
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