Parents allow child to make life or death decision

Summary

Juliana Snow, a 5-year-old girl suffering from a severe neuromuscular disease, faces a heartbreaking decision as her doctors present her parents with two options: allow her to live out her final days at home or in the hospital with uncertain outcomes. With remarkable wisdom for her age, Juliana decides to stay home, surrounded by her family. Her parents, supported by doctors, honor her wishes. The story highlights Juliana’s courage, the emotional impact on her family, and their unshakable faith as they navigate a heartbreaking journey of love, loss, and difficult choices.

Takeaways

• 😀 Juliana Snow is a 5-year-old girl suffering from a neuromuscular disease that severely limits her ability to walk, breathe, and use her hands.
• 😀 Doctors have told Juliana's parents that if she contracts another cold or infection, her body will be too weak to fight it off, and she is likely to die.
• 😀 Juliana's parents, Steve Snow and Michelle Moon, were presented with two heartbreaking options: Juliana could die peacefully at home surrounded by family or go to the hospital where treatments may not save her and could result in a poor quality of life.
• 😀 At the age of 4, Juliana was asked whether she wanted to go to the hospital or stay home. She chose to stay home, even if it meant she would die.
• 😀 Juliana expressed that she would be okay with dying, as she believed God would take care of her.
• 😀 Juliana's parents believe that since she is aware of her condition and the implications, she has the right to make such decisions.
• 😀 The doctors support the decision of Juliana's parents to respect her wishes, acknowledging her wisdom and understanding at such a young age.
• 😀 Juliana enjoys her remaining time with her family, including her big brother, Alex, and her favorite characters, Elsa and Anna from Frozen.
• 😀 Michelle and Steve find strength and comfort in their faith, believing that Juliana will be in a better place when her time comes.
• 😀 Juliana's mother hopes that people will remember her for her loving heart and the immense love she shared with those around her.
• 😀 Juliana's doctors emphasize that there is no cure for her condition, and they support her parents' decision to keep her at home in her princess room, where she can pass away surrounded by family rather than in a hospital.

Q & A

What is the medical condition that Julianna Snow has?

Julianna has a neuromuscular disease that is progressively taking her life. She is unable to walk, breathe on her own, or use her hands to play.

What is the prognosis for Julianna if she gets another cold or infection?

Julianna's doctors have told her parents that if she gets another cold or infection, her body will likely be too weak to fight it off, and she may die.

What two options were presented to Julianna's parents by her doctors?

Julianna's parents were given two difficult options: she could either pass away at home in her pink princess room surrounded by family, or go to the hospital where treatment may not save her and could result in a poor quality of life.

How did Julianna's parents approach the decision about her care?

Julianna's parents decided to ask her what she wanted, even though she was just 4 years old. They asked if she would prefer to stay at home or go to the hospital, fully understanding that her choice could mean she would pass away if she stayed home.

What was Julianna's response when asked about staying home or going to the hospital?

Julianna responded that she did not want to go to the hospital, even if it meant going to heaven, and reassured her parents that God would take care of her.

How did Julianna feel about the hospital and the procedures involved?

Julianna hated going to the hospital, particularly a procedure called suctioning, where a tube is inserted to clear her airway. Despite this, she trusted her respiratory tech, who was there to help her with the procedure.

How did Julianna's parents feel about the choice they made for her care?

Julianna's parents felt that their daughter had a right to make her own decision about her care. They were fully aware of the implications and wanted to respect her wishes.

How do Julianna's doctors feel about the decision made by her parents?

Julianna's doctors are supportive of her parents' decision. They believe that Julianna is an exceptionally wise 5-year-old and that her wishes should be honored.

What does Julianna's family hope for her in the time she has left?

Julianna's family hopes that she feels loved and enjoys the time she has left with her family, especially her big brother, Alex.

What do Julianna's parents want people to remember about her?

Julianna's parents want people to remember her for her heart and the immense love she gave, emphasizing how loving and caring she was.