Ilena Rose wrote:
Opinion
A tragedy in our imperfect nation
By Michael Simonson

http://www.diamondbackonline.com/vne.../44dc4ab133004

August 12, 2006

A tragedy is occurring right this instant in the United States, right
in Virginia, and it can be stopped. It involves a young man, by the
name of Abraham Cherrix, 16, of Chincoteague, Va., who is being taken
advantage of by the government and medical system of this country.
Unfortunately, Abraham has a deadly form of cancer. The tragedy that
has ensued since his diagnosis of Hodgkin's disease goes like this: He
voluntarily underwent chemotherapy, a physically punishing procedure
that can treat, but not cure, the cancer. After being physically
crushed, but temporarily relieved of the cancer, Abraham decided he
would not undergo the therapy again, with his parents' wishes, even if
it meant dying.

The cancer did come back, and he stuck with his choice of not going
through with the chemo. Instead, with the help of his parents and
others, he discovered a legitimate, well-researched organic process of
treating Hodgkin's. But the government and medical establishment of
the United States adamantly opposed his choice. The impersonal powers
that be are saying that, at age 16, Abraham is unduly influenced by
his "unknowledgeable" parents, and that the treatment plan he wants to
be on is "deadly," compared with the chemotherapy.

While it is not wrong that our government wants to protect minors that
are harmfully influenced by their parents, this case does not fall
under such circumstances. In fact, this case involving this boy has
nothing to do with bad parenting. This case is about our government
wielding its power in a dangerous and immoral way. This case is about
a boy being physically dominated and beaten by what many consider, and
rightfully so, the greatest country in world history. But our homeland
is not acting in a great way. It is acting in a way that better
conjures images of a totalitarian society such as the ones that exist
in stories such as 1984 by George Orwell, or the recent movie V for
Vendetta .

The chemotherapy the government is forcing on Abraham does not cure
the cancer, and it treats it for only a short period of time, if at
all, in many instances. Most important, though, are the chemotherapy's
brutal side effects, which could take from Abraham the ability to
fully enjoy life ever again. In addition to these resounding facts of
the procedure's ineffectiveness (it already failed once for Abraham),
there is the reaction of Abraham himself. Another round, at higher
doses, "would kill me, literally. No joke about it," Abraham said to
USA Today . "The first round of chemo almost killed me in itself.
There were some nights I didn't know if I would make it." The current
treatment he and his family have come up with is logical and
well-researched, and above all, it gives him the physical, mental, and
emotional quality of life that chemotherapy has, and will, destroy.

Just recently Abraham and his family took the government to court,
hoping and praying they would be given a reprieve on Abraham's
persecution. The court upheld the government's decree, though. Abraham
and his family may not have anyone else, or any other place, to turn.
It could be days before he undergoes the chemo again.

But this tragedy can be stopped. Abe has not gone through the chemo,
yet. Not only can his life be saved, but a powerfully important
message can be sent. Here is our chance to be like the heroes we see
in the movies. Let's rescue Abe, and change the world. Contact anyone
with a voice, and tell them this story. Tell them you want the
government to free Abraham. Here's a website with further information,
http://www.abrahamsjourney.com/my_story.html.

Michael Simonson is a senior American studies major. He can be reached
at msimonso @ umd.edu.

That's it in a nutshell. It's totally insane to give chemo to someone
who truly believes it will kill him and has had the prior experience of
nearly dying from it already.

Revici v. Schneider: people have the right to decide for themselves if
they wish to go outside mainstream medicine.

The parents believe it's well researched. They are making a decision
based on their reasonable beliefs. Meanwhile, according to the article,
Abraham is apparently doing well on the Hoxey/organic program.

Any attempt to butt in ought to be derided and crushed.