Medical authorities trying to force Hodgkin’s patient to submit to chemo and radiation

Was it arrogance or cowardice? It was probably both.

You’ve probably heard much more about Abraham Cherrix since the June e-Alert (“Getting Ahead of Relief” 6/12/06) in which I featured this young man from Virginia who’s been put in the absurd position of having to fight the system while he fights cancer.

Last summer, when Abraham was 15, he was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s disease. He immediately underwent three months of chemotherapy, but when doctors recommended more chemo and radiation, Abraham and his parents decided to pursue alternative treatments.

Ah, but that sort of freedom doesn’t exist in America. So of course local authorities responded as if Abraham and his parents were criminals.

Abraham appeared on the Today Show last week, flanked by his father and his attorney. Without casting aspersions on the medical authorities who are trying to force him to submit to chemo and radiation, Abraham simply stated his case: He and his parents believe their decision is preferable to the exceedingly harsh recommended treatments. Abraham understands his life is in jeopardy, but he’s feeling better with the alternative regimen, and he intends to stay with it, come what may.

At the end of the segment, interviewer Ann Curry noted that lawyers, doctors and other officials who are opposing Abraham’s wishes were invited to appear, but all declined.

What do you suppose kept them from joining the interview? Arrogance? Cowardice? They have the law on their side, but their nonappearance implies a long shadow of doubt: They’re completely in the wrong and apparently they know it.