I read an article recently by a mom whose child was denied a kidney transplant at CHOP because the child's IQ is too low and her future "quality of life" is low. I have insufficient words to describe how positively furious this makes me. Who determines quality of life? Should we only give life-saving medical treatment to those who provide the biggest contribution to society with their brilliant minds? Is this some cruel form of doctor-directed natural selection? Why provide medical treatment to people with low IQs at all? Why bother? They aren't pulling their societal weight like the rest of us rocket scientists. Where do we draw the line?
Link to Article and Link to Petition
What I also need to mention is that this child has Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome. In short, it's the "opposite" of what Jackson has. Jackson has a duplication of the short arm of his 4th chromosome, Amelia has a deletion of that same arm. So, in an odd way, I feel like this issue really hits home. Not just it's another child with special needs, but with a small chromosomal twist, we could be in the same boat.
Please read the article and sign the petition to help Amelia get the surgery she so desperately needs. Think about those you know and love who may not qualify for this surgery under CHOPs standards. If you don't have anyone directly in your life, think of Jackson.
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