Marc Girod, a 44-year-old French-born artist and former Google employee, died on his birthday, 20 April 2026, by euthanasia after being diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as motor neurone disease. In a heartfelt account published by The Guardian, Girod described his journey from diagnosis to his final day, emphasizing that he had a full and happy life despite the terminal illness.
Diagnosis and Initial Reaction
In December 2023, Girod noticed weakness in his right arm and an uncontrollable pinky finger. After physiotherapy failed to help, a neurologist diagnosed ALS in April 2024. The disease causes progressive muscle degeneration, leading to paralysis and eventual death. Girod recalled the shock: 'I had to lie down for 10 minutes, and after that it was one step after another.' He immediately informed his family and friends, who were speechless.
A Year-Long World Tour
Despite the diagnosis, Girod embarked on a luxurious year-long world tour, visiting northern Europe, Burning Man in the US, the Day of the Dead festival in Mexico, Taiwan, and Japan. He traveled first or business class and stayed in five-star hotels, funded by his life and income protection insurance. 'Having life and income protection insurance ended up being life-changing,' he said.
Progression of the Disease
In the final six months, Girod developed severe nerve pain, difficulty swallowing and breathing, and required 24/7 care. He decided on euthanasia from the day of diagnosis, wanting to avoid being connected to a breathing machine. He chose his 44th birthday as the date to ensure he could still use his voice to say goodbye to loved ones.
Support from Family and Friends
Girod expected someone to try to dissuade him from euthanasia, but no one close to him did, including religious acquaintances. 'They were respectful and understood that only I know what it’s like to live with my disease,' he explained.
Life Philosophy
Girod lived by two rules: not doing to others what he wouldn't want done to him, and focusing on what he could control rather than what he couldn't. He urged others not to waste time in unfulfilling jobs or lives. 'Too many people hate their jobs and lives, and don’t change a thing because change is scary,' he said.
Background and Career
Born in Le Chesnay, France, Girod moved to Paris at 18. He studied mathematics, worked odd jobs, and later earned a master's degree in internet technology. He was hired by Google in Paris and later transferred to Sydney, Australia, where he enjoyed the weather, beach proximity, and safety. Although he never married or had children, he embraced a single life full of travel and parties. At 39, he became an artist, painting every evening and organizing an exhibition within a year.
Final Days and Party
In his last weeks, Girod spent mornings alone, afternoons with visiting friends, and nights on video calls with overseas friends. The day before his death, he hosted a party with performances and a crepe stand, with a theme of dressing up as something related to him. He wore a T-shirt reading 'I am faking it, stupid,' reflecting his dark humor.
Views on Death
Girod viewed death as 'from dust, to dust' and believed there is no proof of an afterlife, though he would be happy to be proven wrong. 'Life is amazing because it ends,' he said. 'I’ve had a great life with a lot of people who love me – I’ve been really lucky.'
Marc Girod died on 20 April 2026. His story was told to Jane Zhang.
