Between the Voice of Reason or Emotion

The intriguing Charlie Gard’s story came to an end yesterday. I only pray that no parent will experience such agony. May we never be caught in the middle of such terrific dilemma. Having to choose between Let him die or watch him suffer!
If only Such Doggedness, tenacity, drive, passion and hope from the parent could restore the situation. It didn’t anyway.

One can only wish the Nigerian life would be apportioned such magnanimous level of glory and dignity in this lifetime or in the world to come.
In case you missed the story, see the summary below, not detailed though, just the much I could remember:

Charlie was born in sometimes in August 2016.

His health declined after 2 months when he was diagnosed with MDNA depletion syndrome

He was admitted at Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) for Children in October.

Charlie’s condition deteriorated afterwards and had to be placed on life support.

Charlie couldn’t see, hear, move, cry, swallow or breathe unaided. Charlie had severe epilepsy, suffered severe brain damage and had been kept alive with a mechanical ventilator. His Lungs had to be suctioned regularly and could only be fed through a tube.

The doctors (GOSH) decided to withdraw life support and allow him to die as there’s no valid treatment for the syndrome except for an experimental one which had not been tried on anyone with such MDNA case.

The parent disagreed with the hospital and requested that an experimental treatment be conducted on Charlie irrespective of how slim the chance of survival or improvement.

GOSH went to the High Court to seek an Injunction to withdraw mechanical ventilator/life support

Charlie’s parent argued that the experimental treatment will work.

Judge ruled that mechanical ventilator/life support be withdrawn so that Charlie can die peacefully.

Charlie’s parent went to the Appeal Court. Judgement was still upheld. (Life support to be withdrawn)

Undeterred, they headed for the Supreme Court; their permission for appeal was refused. (Supreme Court ruled that Life support should be withdrawn)

One last shot, they tried the European Court of Human Rights. Their appeal was again rejected.

They had earlier done personal finding about a Columbia University Medical Professor working on an experimental research on that syndrome.

Charlie's parents launched a GoFundMe page to raise money to bring Charlie to the United States for that experimental treatment. They raised $1.65Mil - more than the target of 1.3Mil.

The Hospital (GOSH) opposed this and stated that the only and best option for their client (Charlie) is to have the life support withdrawn and allowed to rest peacefully.

They appealed again to the UK High court that they have found a renowned medical professor willing to try the experimental treatment on Charlie since there’s a 10-50% chance of survival.

Professor Michio Hirano came to the UK to examine baby Charlie and speak with GOSH Medical team.

New scan revealed that the damage to Charlie’s brain is terminal and zero chance of salvation. This forced Hirano to state that the experimental treatment would be of no benefit to Charlie.

High Court Judge ordered that life support can be withdrawn and Charlie moved to an hospice.

Charlie’s Parent gave up on the fight. Life support was withdrawn from baby Charlie on 28th July 2017.

The length most parents can go for their children.. so sad.