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14-year-old girl makes 'decision to die'

Posted at 1:30 PM, Jul 19, 2016
and last updated 2016-07-19 16:30:21-04
A 14-year-old Wisconsin girl is hosting a dance to celebrate her life after making the decision to die.
 
Jerika Bolen suffers from spinal muscular atrophy.
 
The disease causes constant pain and prevents her from using most of her muscles.
 
Because of that pain, she has decided this will be her last summer to live
 
Her mother says the decision to die was something that's been discussed for several years, since most people don't survive the incurable disease as long as she has.  
 
"I knew it was coming, but I also realized that she fought much longer than she would have if it weren't for her trying to protect me," says her mother Jen Bolen.
 
"I don't have many friends because I couldn't get out and do many things. I was in so much pain and this prom is my last dance," says Jerika.
 
Sometime in late August, Jerika will stop using a ventilator to breathe as she begins hospice care.