Girl Born without a Face
This has got to be one of the most heart-breaking stories I have heard in a long, long time. It is one that actually had me weeping after seeing the video. It’s a story of God’s grace and of gratefulness for how good the majority of us have it in this life.
Jeannie Blaylock of First Coast News in Florida reported this story of a baby girl born without a face.
Here are some excerpts from the story…
When most parents have a baby, they spend months dreaming about what their bundle of joy will look like. Will she look like mom? Will he have dad’s eyes? But for one local Navy family, the birth of their daughter didn’t give them the answers to those questions. Their daughter was born without a face.
Little Juliana is missing 30 – 40 percent of the bones in her face.
“She has no upper jaw, no cheek bones, no eye sockets, and she’s missing the corner of her ear,” explains Tom.
Her birth defect is called Treacher Collins Syndrome. Doctors say it’s the worst case they’ve ever seen.
Juliana has to eat through her stomach, and she has a trach to breathe. Already, less than two years into her life, she’s had 14 surgeries. Doctors say she could need at least 30 more.
“God never gives you more than you can handle. I figure she has a lot to show everyone… to show the world,” says Tom.
Click here to see the video news story
The end of the article tells how you can get involved if you want to help the Wetmores. It’s a sad story, but it is also a testimony to how God can carry anyone through anything. Kudos to Tom and Tammy for giving Juliana the chance to live, and for loving her in spite of the incredible difficulties.
I am really bothered by this story. I also think the parents are really selfish. It seems like they focus so much on these facial reconstructive surgeries that are purely cosmetic. I think they need to accept her for who she is, instead of putting this little girl through operation after operation when she will never look like a normal girl (not saying she is not smart and beautiful on the inside).
I am supportive of the operation they mentioned so she can move her jaw and possible keep her tongue in her mouth. But again, that is cosmetic. The surgery is not so she can breath or eat.
Nonetheless, I admire her spirit and strength, and wish her the best, and that one day her parents will let her just be and stop putting her through so much.
Question for all you god jesus freaks: Wouldn’t god want Julianna to be herself, instead of trying to change her?
Were one of my sons to grow up and in fifteen or twenty years come home and announce they wanted to marry a girl like Juliana, I would weep — I would sob tears of joy that I’d raised a child who could be so compassionate and wise, who could look beyond the shallow surface of a person’s body, and was so willing to go through what would surely be hardship for a woman he loved. If any of you who have children can say differently, that you would rebuke your children for such a decision, that your emotional reaction would be revulsion, you are horrific monsters.
A couple of weeks ago, I saw a show on Juliana on the Discovery channel, along with my wife and two sons, 8 and 6 years old. It gave us a wonderful opportunity to stress to them how they should not judge others on appearance, and the hour-long show gave them a chance to be both interested in her plight and get used to the idea of seeing her as a person. My older son wants to be a doctor, and so is interested in all medical shows. It’s not the first time we’ve seen a severe facial deformity on tv, and won’t be the last.
The parents face some incredibly difficult decisions. I don’t think it’s fair to criticize their choice of whether to go through with the surgeries or not. The program did mention how the parents were struggling with whether they should continue with further surgeries that might not be possible for her later in life, or just let her be a kid now. They want what all parents want for their children — for her to have a fulfilled life, where she can contribute to society and feel love, if not sex (and frankly, who knows — there are likely some who can look past her facial issues).
I’ve worked with the mentally handicapped for several years, including many with Down’s syndrome and far more profound difficulties. Rarely did I find their happiness in life to be in any way related to their mental problems. The one I felt the most pity for was not the most disabled — he was the one who had started life normally, and was hit by a car at age 12 and suffered permanent brain damage. He was excrutiatingly aware of what he had lost.
One of the striking things I find about this thread is that it’s one of the few places on the internet I’ve seen where Christians are saying the things that they should be saying. Normally, I see them saying things that seem like complete and utter rejections of the philosophy they purport to believe, and I feel like I’m the most “Christian” of them.
Which is a bit disconcerting, since I’m an atheist. I don’t believe any god exists, nor that there is some divine purpose to Juliana’s existence. I write here using the pseudonym I usually use on “militant” atheist boards such as PZ Myer’s Pharyngula. I’d encourage other atheists to think about purpose for a moment. If you follow the new atheist rationale, you will assert that there is no divine purpose — there is only the purpose that we create for ourselves. Are you seriously willing to assert that it is impossible for Juliana to create a purpose for herself? Are you really just the dull materialists, so tied to outward appearance, as the theists would claim you are? Or do you really believe that people can make their own purpose, that people can overcome their own situations, and that people can learn tolerance — as I suspect the triad of Dennett, Dawkins, and (yes, even) Hitchens believe?
Just how crippled is this child? Is it even romotely possible for her to live happily? How is it a good thing if a child is kept alive if it is only to suffer? Are the parents only prolonging there child’s existance in world where it will only be tortured? How is that love? Surely letting the child die would be the compassionate and merciful thing to do.
“Just how crippled is this child?”
You didn’t watch it, eh? She can’t eat, and has difficulty talking and probably some vision problems (but not blind). Her gross and fine motor skills seem within the normal range, and apparently her intellect is also normal. She probably can’t whistle.
“Is it even romotely possible for her to live happily?”
That’s quite a metaphysical question. Is it possible for any of us to live happily? If you were disfigured badly enough, would you choose death? Somehow, I doubt you would, but perhaps you are that weak.
“How is it a good thing if a child is kept alive if it is only to suffer? ”
This, on the other hand, is a silly question. No one “only suffers”, just like no one “never suffers”.
“Are the parents only prolonging there child’s existance in world where it will only be tortured?”
Excuse me, “it”????? The proper pronoun would be “she”. Wow. You really don’t think of her as human at all, do you? And see point above — she is not “only tortured”. She will experience pain, and probably more than average. How much depends not just on how the world treats her, though, but also upon how she reacts to the world. Like all of us.
“How is that love?”
You’ve decided that another human must not have the capacity to be happy, based on your own value system? Does it occur to you how stupid that is? Simply, you cannot judge how happy another person has the capability to be.
“Surely letting the child die would be the compassionate and merciful thing to do.”
Okay, the girl’s six years old. Letting her die would involve either starving her or treating her as a death row inmate and giving her a lethal injection. There aren’t too many states that allow murdering six-year olds, or people who would consider it a compassionate and merciful act.
Perhaps you should be asking yourself how many people with Treacher Collins Syndrome commit suicide, no? If it’s not significantly higher than normal, that kind of blows your whole stinking hypthesis away. Of course, it shows something that you didn’t even consider asking yourself the question.
Thank you for sharing this Joel. I agree with what you said to Katie – in response to her comments about how God does not exist. God does love us all and is very real. I appreciate your boldness and thank you for sharing this touching story. The link to the video no longer works.
This sounds just awful.
What a life you will have to live.
Loving and caring for any child that is medically fragile or one who has disabilities is not for everyone. The shallow, superficial, selfish, mercy killing fascination among some posters to this site comes full circle when you include the various sick personalities of the people writing about the quality of the child’s life or that the child should not have lived, or should be spared from life even now. These sick personalities are very similar to what Hitler’s thinking was and Hitler was mentally deranged, as we know.
Raising a special needs child is a very spiritual walk. I believe god chooses us very carefully to be parents of a child that needs lots of extra love and lots of extra protection from those that will hate the child for no other reason but their narrow view of what is normal. No child deserves contempt and no child’s parent that is raising a special child needs contempt toward what they are doing – what they are doing is really god’s work – raising the child and giving the child the best life it can have, no matter what the disabilities or medical complexities. If you can’t be supportive, and experience the joy of a special person, than stay away. It is your loss because your hearts and minds are too shallow, too superficial and too weak and pathetic to know real love or real joy at all.
Go back to putting your heads up your asses – god would never dare give you or allow you to know love from a special needs child because you would just respond with callous hate. And for those of you that have killed a special child in the name of mercy killing or want to or think you would given the chance, get a life. Go kill yourselves. Stay away from these kids that have a special place in the world and give the deepest love to those who love them. And honestly, their quality of life is 100 times better than your empty life will ever be, being negative and nasty and mean spirited and having bully personalities.
May god give you something to learn from, like having your own faces screwed up. And yes, I’m a mom walking the walk, that is why I can talk the talk. It’s not for everyone but if it isn’t for you – than mind your own damn business – parents that have special children don’t give a hoot about what a sociopath thinks about their child’s life.
This child was put on this planet for a reason, she has every right to enjoy life as we all do. My nephew has Downs Syndrome and our family is truly blessed to have him. And let me tell you, I know for a fact that he will always have more compassion and love for people than some of the people that have placed crude comments!!! SSS, Katie, I think that you have a disability that unfortunately does not have a cure!
The Wetmores were proud to announce that Uncle Sam has paid 3 million dollars for this girl way back then. I’m sure the amount is now well into the 5+ million range. The Wetmores can’t even watch their own damn kid thoughout the night. We taxpayers have to pay for a 3rd shift nurse to help out. Tammy doesn’t even work and she can’t give the kid her medicine and stuff like that? How pathetic! I’m tired of seeing this little freak on the television and internet. No matter how much of OUR money is spent to repair her face, it’s never going to look right and the girl will never be right in the head. If she’s so damn smart, why the hell is she wearing a f-ing diaper at 4+ years old? She is a mutant! If it didn’t matter to the Wetmores how bad she looks than why the hell are they allowing all of this money to be spent so the doctors can continue with their lab experiements? Meanwhile, we have vets coming home without limbs and seious mental problems from war and they don’t get properly taken care of. But this little alien girl with her insect eyes and her tounge that’s 4 times the size of her mouth gets all of her needs taken care of without question.
why does everybdy think that people are out on earth for a reason- heck this child has just some bad formation(or lack of formaion) in her face which were probably due to some broken chromosome or faulty parts f dna.
I think all of you claiming to be good christians should think about that whole do not judge thing, it not really your place, its Gods, so why are you so concerned about it. She’s just a child, you don’t know that she’s not going to grow up to be a perfectly happy individual regardless of her condition. She is being loved by her family, she has friends, and she is learning all the things a child her age should. Alot of you are trying to draw lines in places you have no business. Regardless of your feelings on feeding tubes, mutations, or some aparatus to help you breath, stop being so close minded and accept the fact that everyone has there different opionions on the topic. Since its not you, don’t worry about it and if you ever have to deal with it deal with it in whatever way you feel appropriate but don’t sit and down others for there views and thoughts. Its that kind of close-mindedness and self-rightousness that is destroying humanity. Grow up a little and accept that you might not be right all the time for every situation and an opinion is just an opinion. Your intitled to it just like everyone else and that family has every right to raise that child to the best of there ability beacuse it is their child and if they feel they are doing the right thing and are attempting to do what they feel is best. Them let them do it, you wouldn’t want others stepping in telling you what to do how to think or act.
May love find all your hearts.
peace
God bless this courageous, loving family.. and most of all, God bless Julianna! What a brave, brave little girl!!! My thoughts and prayers are with her… (her story melted my heart..truly)
Her life is obviously not the easiest but it’s clear to see that this little girl makes the most of it!!!
This little girl HAS a future because of the love, care and time her parents have put into their daughter’s life. Yes, she’s special needs because she can’t talk and such.. but this doesn’t mean that she has no quality of life. That little girl is bright and shine’s like a star!!!! She has the will and drive to live and SURVIVE. God bless her.. and the family that loves her..
Mike: Will you PLEASE remember that it’s not Juliana’s fault she was born with this? How dare you denigrate her as if she chose this disability. At least veterans currently have the CHOICE to sign up for service. They know they may get their limbs blown off. So how is it their right more than Juliana’s to get the medical care needed? What if she was your daughter? You would fight tooth and nail to do anything for her, if you are a good parent.
Wow…I can’t believe people anymore. So let me get this straight, because this little girl was born as a “mutant”, as it is so easily said, we should kill her. So now I am lead to believe we should kill anyone with a deformity, right? Set aside religion and all that stuff the last time I checked EVERY American has the right to LIFE, LIBIRTY, and THE PURSUIT of HAPPINESS regaurdless of what they look like. This is what I faught for in 2 theaters of war. If I believed they way these cowards do we should also kill every veteran that was injured in combat and lost the limbs and and suffered other extreme injuries because they are mutants now right. Lets go beyond that, lets just kill anyone that was born normal but was hurt in someway that caused a major deformity because they are to ugly to live anymore. I am a parent and reguardless of what problems my children may have I will always love them. I cannot believe that the people who would write such malice about a little girl could have children of their own. How about this because they’re is less of you people that believe she is a monster and more of us who believe that family is brave and loving and hope that we ourselves have it in us to deal with what they do everyday. How about we call you deformed and terminate you and rid ourselves of the monsters in our life that appear ugly to us. How does that sound. Well we can’t and maybe you should thank your parents for not helping us out when they could of.
I had to eat through my stomach, I would not want to continue living.
That pregnancy should have been terminated. That poor child will probably die early in life, god willing.
What has happened to society?
Mutant?! No. She’s a human being!!! Just like the rest of us.
It is sad that anyone would wan’t this little girl to die. I agree that she will suffer and that with our technology that her suffering could have been prevented. But that is a choice. Nobody can simply say that the mother should have terminated the pregnancy, unless you are the mother. Why is it that this girl is so humble and will probably always be so, and most of humanity who has been fortunate to not be born with her condition is so hateful? I see so many tough people on these posts and wonder if you’d really be able to be as cold as you claim you are. I doubt it very much. I am not a nice person, and I have taken lives. But I’d never be stupid enough or willing to “get rid of” one of God’s innocent Children. And for you who claim that there is no God. Obviously you’ve never spent any time in a foxhole.
I have many of these comments, and I must say that I do agree with the people that think this should have been an abortion situation. There is no denying the parents do not love their daughter, but this girl will never lead a normal life, not even close. She starts school soon and that is when the torture will begin by all the mean kids that live in this world.
There is no reason why this girl should be put through at all. The parents knew something was wrong from the start and there is no way they didn’t know it was more serious than a lip problem. I watched the Discovery special as did everyone else. Love will not erase the countless surgeries this girl has had and will have in the future. I think it was something like hundreds of surgeries she will end up having.
She cannot eat, she cannot breathe on her own without assistance, she cannot talk, she cannot do so many things that almost every other kid in this country can do and she will be ridiculed by the nasty little devil children that plague our school systems now.
Aside from being emotionally abused for the rest of her life, which she will, she is going to have to go through the extremely painful surgeries for the rest of her life. This is for whoever watched her crying on film……Did you see the tears running down her face after the one operation? Would you put your child through that if you could have prevented in the beginning? I don’t think you would have.
As for god, I don’t believe in god myself, but for those of you who do, leave god out of this. If there was a god, he/she would not let these types of things happen. This is an innocent life and you’re telling me god hurts innocent people who haven’t had the chance to commit a sin yet? C’mon! You god fearing people need to relax with the god crap.
God is not saving this poor little girl. I don’t know what else to say about this subject. This girl should not be hear on this planet. I am not being mean, I am being honest and I am being a realist. C’mon everyone, be realistic. This girl doesn’t stand a chance. They will not have anything as far as medical advancement or scientific breakthroughs that will magically make this girl look well enough for the mean people of the world to not pick on her.
And please do not misunderstand me when I say her parents should have terminated this situation in the beginning. I am not saying they should have done this simply because she would get made fun of, but for the little girls own good. Her life will be a very long, painful, and sad life. Regardless of the love her moronic parents will give her, it is not enough to make her feel better when her life begins with school very shortly. This is where it will all start.
1.) Definition of a fool: – One who believes there is no God
Psalm 14:1 The fool has said in his heart, “There is no God.”
This sheds some light on why some people say those things they said. Don’t know any better.
2.) Reason for Juliana’s birth defect
John 9:1-3 Now as Jesus passed by, He saw a man who was blind from birth. And His disciples asked Him, saying, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” Jesus answered, “Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but that the works of God should be revealed in him.
Hopefully this one answers some of the questions we all have in situations like Juliana’s which are understandably, very difficult to grasp.
OKAY I AM LIKE A HUMONGUS CATHOLIC! JESUS PUT THIS INNOCENT CHILD ON THIS EARTH TO TEACH ALL YOU SNOT NOSE PEOPLE, THAT BEAUTY IS NOT WHAT LIES ON THE OUTSIDEE (SURE IT HELPSS MAKE FRIENDS, BUT IF YOU WERE A GOOD PERSON YOU WOULD WANT TO BE EVERYBODIES FRIEND!) ITS WHAT LIES ON TTHE INSIDEE (YOUR HEART, PERSONALLITY, SOCIALNESS.) WE WOULD BE LUCKY TO HAVE THAT CHILD AS A FRIEND; SHE IS PROBALLLY THE SWEETEST PERSON IN THE UNITED STATES..
AND HOW CAN YOU SAY THERE IS NO GOD!! WHAT ABOUT WITH 9-11; SURE HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE DIEDD AND THATS TERRIBLE, BUT THOUSANDS LIVED. YOUR MOTHER COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED OR YOU, BUT YOU WERENT. DONT YOU THINK GOD HAD A LITTLE SOMETHING TO DO WITH THAT!GOD LOVES ALL OF YOU. (NO MATTER HOW SNOT-NOSED YOU MIGHT BEE) HE LOVES YOU AND IF YOU LOVED HIM YOU WOULDNT HAVE TO SPEND ETERNITY IN HELL WITH SATANN..(EVEN SATAN BELIEVED IN GOD ONCEE) GO TO MASS, READ THE BIBLE. YOU CANT READ THAT AND TELL ME ITS ALL FAKEE! IT WAS ALL MADE UP.. YOU JUST CANT DO IT..ITS IMPOSSIBLEE!!
CONCERNED 12 YEAR OLDD*** , :/
–MALLORY–
I just recently saw Juliana’s story on Discovery Health. I was so touched by her story. What a sweet little angel. Watching her play with her toys and her little drum made me smile and cry and feel so much compassion for her. She is just a little girl who was born different. I haven’t been able to stop thinking about her since I saw her story. I have seen on the internet videos of her growing up, dancing and playing just like little girls do. Every picture, she is happy and surrounded by family and friends – love is the only thing I see in every picture.
She was put on this earth for a reason. She has already touched my life. Happiness and love go so much deeper than what’s on the outside. Dear little Juliana, I think of you often and pray for your health. You are blessed with a wonderful mom and dad. Keep having fun and play and dance.
I wish the absolute very best for you and your family.
Pam
wow some of you guys really need to pay attention. one person is saying one thing and the other is assuming he meant something else and rants off about it…
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QUOTE…
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For you holier than thou humans, who regal in suffering, why don’t you then choose to have children like Juliana?
Because you know it is wrong for people to choose pain.
You are the ones who are evil, for you are the ones putting suffering on the innocent.
You are the ones who should be ashamed of yourselves.
You are the ones living out the dark ages.
You are the ones who should be euthanized for choosing another to suffer.
You are so blind to make that child suffer.
I pity you Honey Bee, Marco Polo & Bailey. You choose suffering over quality.
If anyone knew one month into the pregnancy that their child would be born with this condition and did not abort, is a more heinous crime that death.
It is a rape on a persons destiny.
It is wrong. Humans are now God. We can destroy the planet and manipulate genes.
If there was such a way through gene therapy to repair her, then I am all for it.
If her parents want her to live, that is their choice. But I would never hoist this suffering on anyone. If I knew that she would be like this one month into the pregnancy, I would tell my wife to abort.
Why let someone suffer needlessly?
If parents choose to create life, they can choose not to bring in life. The state nor religion does not control who can have children.
Anyone who allows such suffering is the devils pawn and is insane.
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i couldn’t agree more with jude. jude said if you know the baby is going to be born a freak like that 1 month into the pregnancy, killing it would be the right choice. the baby isn’t even alive yet, and if everyone is still sooo upset about killing something that’s not really alive, then you better be furious with ever single male in the world for playing with himself because he lets millions of little babies slip through his fingers throughout his life time (it’s like genocide really)…
however, jude also said that since the baby is already born then the parents don’t really have the right to kill the girl. jude didnt say to kill it after it was born, so pay attention to that before you start screaming and crying about how you can’t believe jude would want the born baby to be killed when jude only said it was ok for abortion in the 1st month. after reading what you said honeybee, you really are the person who should go jump off a cliff.
oh and STOP TALKING ABOUT GOD YOU MORONS, HE ONLY EXISTS IN BOOKS.. GUESS WHY IDIOTS……….
how many different religions are there in the world?
MANY, many many many religions and different gods people believe in.
why is this? well lets think about it, if the god and religion you believe in is the real god and real religion, then all the others MUST HAVE BEEN MADE UP. why? to control people. now that we know all the other ones are fake, how do we know the one you believe in isn’t fake too? hmm guess what, THEY’RE ALL FAKE.
so please stop saying how GOD put her into this world.. duhh HER PARENTS put her into this world 9 months after a fun night 🙂
W0W i cant believe that some of yall would actually say that this little girl didnt deserve a chance. God doesnt put anything in our life that we cannot overcome and handle. If it wasnt meant for her to be living then she wouldnt have made it this far. It saddens me that people are so cruel to want abandon a life!!! People are born with disorders everyday…does that mean they dont deserve a chance also????
Juliana has made it this far because she is strong willed and its meant for her to grow up and tell her story!!! So that years from now when another family is going through this rough time in their life someone will be there to give them encouraging words.
I pray that none of these unique precious children ever cross your path, whether it be in the streets or one of your own!!!!
Something for the haters to think about: If your mothers had felt the same way about you as you do about this child, you wouldn’t be here now to propose killing others.
I can’t believe how disgusting and cruel some people who commented this are. Just because she was born this way (IT WASN’T HER FAULT, YOU IDIOTS) you think she shouldn’t have had a chance? God…she’s a human being, not an object and she deserves to live! More so than many other excuses for a person…
Thats sad, i know how she feels i was born with only 1 kidney. I couldn’t get a kidney from my sister because she has lukemea. I had to get one from my cousin because my real mom died in a car accident and my dad was in Ohio at the time (they divorced). Me and my sister both needed surgery at the time her for blood and me for a kidney the surgeries turned out fine and we moved to Ohio with my dad, step mom, and step siblings.
This is a true story, say i’m lying if your one of those heartless people like Katie or sss.
P.S. God is real
It’s heartbreaking to know that this unfortunate little girl, and her parents are going to spend the rest of their lives dealing with the stares and repulsive comments they’re sure to get from shallow ignorant people.
Life is precious!
The pain of having a less than perfect child is hard enough to bear without having to deal with the ignorance from people that think being attractive is a prerequisite to life.
Next time you’re putting on your makeup, having your teeth whitened, or getting Botox think…this could have been you, or, your child! Would your
life be better if you or your baby had been euthanized?
Euthanization is a Nazi belief…that was the first step in their killing spree…read your history and wake up!
I know that Juliana will make it, irrespective of what anyone thinks. Just to prove a point, God will perfect everything concerning her life to show that He is God. Put a tab on this because time will tell. Her life is so precious to God and for this reason will not allow His name to be dragged in the mud.
Guys, guys, stop talking about god -w- I know most of you are silly Americans who still believe in a deity who protects you from pain and death and other weird beliefs of yours. He exists, but he doesn’t care about you, worthless humans. ANYWAY,
little Juliana will make it, I’m sure of it. There are cruel people in this awful world, there will always be. But the are more an more good ones appearing around, just waiting till you notice them. And they will help you no matter what. I’m crossing my fingers for Juliana, the Girl with the Most Beautiful Invisible Face in the World.
hello,
i am a 14 year old girl and to read these comments upset me very much. It saddens me that you people dont know the real truth about God and how important a life is. If you do not think god is real then do you really think that the beautiful sunset was just an accident or the gorgeous mountains. It was not a mistake this couple is trying to do the best they can for this child to have a normal life. They obviously love this child so much that they want it to live forever and what mother wouldnt want that. it also mentions in the episode of this matter that they did not want to put the child through any kind of pain. people need to research more before they just go running their mouths. I am an opened minded person but i also take reality into consideration. thanks , ally
To read some of the first comments makes me want to puke…for some of us we can’t find out about these diffences in our child until it is to late for a “termination” I found out to late and I thank God for this my child is the MOST loving child I know. My son is 2 and has undergone many surgeries as well. My son has a trach to breathe and he eats through a tube in his tummy. He just had surgery to reconstruct his head. You act as if though is the Child’s fault when in all reality it is not. I feel sorry for those of you who have so much hatred in your heart that you can’t let a little girl who so FULL of life to live in peace without be subjected to the judging of cruel people such as yourselves. Maybe God shouldn’t have let you live because no one is perfect maybe your imperfections should give you a dealth sentence. Juliana and my son are making break though medical discoveries so in the long run your children or your grandchildren will be able to live a joyous life! I would never wish apond someone a child like mine he is a lot of work but I do wish a child like mine on someone who needs love in their life because that is all he gives to wake up and look at his beautiful yet different face with him smiling on you can melt you BLACK heart.
I was at a complete shock when I watched this documentary from a Singapore TV.
As a father to a daughter, I couldn’t stop my sober for a pity girl like her, when she cried before operation. So much suffer, 29 operations, can anyone image what she has gone through?
Yet, I am happy the parents really love her and never abondon her, which in an eastern country, she may even been killed!
The courage it took to even love her, is shocking!
May her happy always!!!
I am left speechless and in tears after watching the vidoes on Juliana, I wish her and her family all the best of luck: may all the love and good of this world come your way. Juliana is an amazing, sweet and lovely little girl. I wish you little angel all the best and may your and her wishes come true, all of them. It is an amazing story of love and devotion, I will never forget the lesson it teaches. I lack words…
With all these comments there is so little to say,I know god exist and i think he made us the way he wanted to make us or armaggodden wouldve came and destroy humans so god can start a new world with new creatures
Since all those of you, who are so sane and righteous, truly believe that Juliana should’ve been allowed to “live” (even though she’s not living but merely existing and is being continuously put through all kinds of pain and torture that get progressively worse, interrupted only by the ever-increasing anxiety attacks) then I sincerely and lovingly wish all of you to have children (hopefully, more than one) with Treachers Collins Syndrome (since they are just “as good and normal as the rest of kids”). If the mother thought of what the child would have to go through (or at least bothered to do some basic and primitive research about people who grew up with very mild forms of this mutation while her daughter has the most severe form ever witnessed by the doctors) as she gets older (other children are already telling her that she’s ugly and disgusting and are crying and running away when they see her), thought about the pain and suffering and the permanent psychological trauma that those dozens of recurring surgeries will cause/already caused, about the fact that she is a girl and she’ll want to be loved by a handsome man just like any other woman and would love to have children and that’s NEVER gonna happen (most likely and very unfortunately at best, another invalid will decide to join her in her struggle), that her life will be in constant danger (as a matter of fact, she almost died on several occasions b/c her negligent and careless parents let her out of their site) because she can’t breath nor eat w/o someone’s assistance and that she needs a nurse to keep an eye on her while she’s asleep and cover her eyes with plastic tape to make sure she doesn’t loose vision in that ONE eye, thought of the fact that she’ll be deaf and practically mute – the list goes on and on! if the mother thought of her daughter FIRST and how her daughter will feel and ONLY THEN about HERSELF and her “love” to the child… There’s nothing right with this girl, sadly… Now, tell me please – what did this girl do to her parents to deserve such torture and humiliation that they subject her to? If the girl was born even 70 years ago she simply would not survive and the fact that today’s technology allows her parents and curious doctors to prolong her agony doesn’t necessarily mean that they should apply such technology (often times progressive technology may cause just as much harm as benefit – think, for example, of the invention of nuclear fission).
Wow! I just seen this post for the first time, & am blown away. I can’t believe how people want to turn this into an argument & force their oppinions on others. Joel commented on this situation because it was something that touched him, & all of a sudden people are jumping in trying to tell others how they should live their lives. We can’t comment on how the little girl feels or should be, as we are not her. This is why I no longer watch news or read about the destruction we cause in the world. The human race never ceases to amaze me, (both good & bad). Telling people how they should or should not live is not much different then the way a terrorist thinks. I wish everyone well.
Oh yeah.. blame this one on OBAMA.. PRobably his socialist agenda.. OH wait.. I’m sorry this happen under Bush Watch.. LOL.. People leave these people along, it is there decision to make whether they wanted to keep the child or not..
Hi Joel
I recently got your book Twitter Power.
I havent gone through it all, yet though.
But its very enjoyable reading.
You mentioned being carefull on a lot of things though.
Isnt this one of them?
Im just curious, of how smart a move it is to mention god, when your selling a product. That isnt related to religion.
I really dont know how i would have reacted if i saw your website, before i got Twitter Power. It seems like a bad idea to drag all your personal stuff into your business.
Where i live, if you mention god like that.
While selling a book, or any other product.
You wouldnt be taken seriously. This country is teeming with atheists on the defence. (with all the islam stuff going on)
I am going to school to become a special education teacher and learning and watching Julianna’s videos make me fall in love with special education so much more. I want to be able to help these children!! Reading some of these things people have to say truly irritate me. How can some of you people be so cruel about a child that is not even yours? I agree with some of you some people are not fit to be mother’s and father’s!! I want Julianna to know she is beautiful and always will be and for her family and friends to know I am greatful there are people like you in this world!! God bless!!
GOD EXIST!
I will pray to Jesus for this girl, we should all pray to Jesus for this little girl.
Today God has taught me another lesson or two that I needed to learn.
* Unconditional love- Her parents are great examples of how to love unconditionally, God placed this child in the “RIGHT FAMILY” HE HAS TRUSTED THEM TO CARE FOR HIS ANGEL while she is here on planet Earth.
* Appreciation- My life could be better during these difficult economic times, but God has certainly blessed me with a Mind and Body that has worked to perfection for my 49 years of life, regardless of how much abuse I have subjected it to, Thank you Jesus.
For those of you that do not believe in God perhaps you should give it some serious thought and be thankful for your blessings.
I just spotted this piece and I’m fascinated by the responses. As an outsider who was horrified by the Schiavo case yet spoke with many caring, genuine American people who believed that the right thing was done, it does seem that America has more than its share of Spartan philosophy where quality of life is seen as a benchmark for right to life.
I might risk flaring this all up again but I wonder how much of that is due to the lack of free health care and the hard choices people have to make because of that. Perhaps it becomes a defensive coping strategy to try and dehumanise those one couldnt personally afford to save?
Anyway, having found this post, it was much much easier to find Juliana’s website. Her nurse posted just before Christmas:
__________
“A Wave and a Smile
December 14, 2009 8:00 PM
Since my last update Juliana has had several surgical procedures, and will have another one in a month or so. Each procedure is but a step in the direction of Dr. Wolf’s goal, and our goal, of providing Juliana with a functional face that doesn’t hinder her in presenting the wonderful person she is to the world.
Actually, Juliana’s level of self-esteem and self-confidence is so high, she has never held herself back from anything. She has refused to be hindered despite ongoing challenges. She greets the world with a wave of her hand and an exuberant friendliness, expecting a similar response.
She’s been through so much physical pain, I couldn’t bear for her also to be hurt by human meanness. There’s an incredible amount of it out there directed at her, but so far it hasn’t touched her. She’s very special and very loved, and she feels special and loved.”
_________________
Whatever others might think of what this little angel has to endure, it seems she is personally happy to be alive, and that’s reason enough for me to cheer her on.
I am doing a paper for my college English class on TCS. I am 17 years old and think all of your comments are utterly repulsive. Whether or not a person believes in God does not give one the right to say someone else should euthanize a child because of the struggles the child will have to overcome. And even if you do believe in God saying someone has an ugly soul and has a cold heart is not exactly being “Godly” either. This story isn’t for people to sit here a judge one another on their beliefs, it is to eventually show the outcome of this little girls future and that even though she has a genetic mutation, she is going to turn into a bright little girl. Treacher Collins Syndrome is a genetic disorder and that is it. It does not progress as one gets older, and it does not have complications that cannot be fixed. There might be surgeries for this child to endure, but it is going to make her stronger in the long run and she is loved for who she is.. This happens to 1 in every 10,000 births and it could happen to any one of you. It is not only passed from parent to child, it can happen without warning. It is no one’s fault how she was born and she is going to live a happy normal life anyways despite the surgeries. Every family goes through struggles, and it is not the struggles that matter. It’s the good things that matter.
I feel so sorry for her no human bein should have go through that god loves her and shes a nice girl but its your selfishness to keep her alive how would,how would you fell about getting surgeres not try to be mean but im a12 year old girl
I can’t believe this discussion has been going on for over 5 (!) years.
I’m glad some of the people who are commenting are not in charge of MY destiny!
Talk about holier than thou. That’s exactly what people who think they have the knowledge and/or authority to decide the fate of others are being, holier than thou.
There are A LOT of assumptions being made here based on NO FACTS, just personal conjecture. Some of these commenters should try accepting the situations they’re dealt, not immediately taking the easy way out.
The easy ways out for the type of situation described in the original post have labels, they are homicide and suicide. Just say NO!
The child is alive and despite having severe health issues in relation to her deformity, she has managed to survive more than 10 surgeries with the help of current medicine and loving parents. Enough of your pseudo-spiritual Bible preaching, AND enough of your pseudo-liberal “irresponsible parents/ failed abortion/victimized child/ mercy killing?” BS. Watch it, read about it, learn from it, make a positive contribution or nice gesture to the family if you can and move on. The world doesn’t need another opinionated judgmental ignorant person chewing more than he can swallow. Not everything in the world has to serve a 3 hour round table discussion for egos to masturbate upon.
We have essentially altered and largely reduced natural selection on ourselves in the last few hundred years and have become a society of physical deteriorates. Part of this is genetic and part social (e.g. look at the level of obesity). But there really isn’t a solution as any plan or mandate would be Nazi like. So we’ll continue to deteriorate over time.
Wildtype – perhaps our Olympic athletes are our last reminders of who we once were and who we could be – at least in the physical. I find their athleticism and physical grace compelling.
I hope the relevance of these points is not lost on the reader.
Ok, so, I just want to make a few pointers:
I DO believe in God.
Ok, so …
1. I feel sorry for this girl, and her parents. Hardness. :/
2. The Bible says God will never give us more than we can take. Remember that.
3. The Bible says you shouldn’t make other people suffer.
4. This is failing. :L
5. I don’t believe that abortion is the right thing. Horrible. :/
6. Keep the child alive. She deserves to live, just like the rest of us.
7. She is NOT a mutant.
8. In a way, we’re all mutants. Somewhere in the family chain … understand?
9. What was I gonna say … ?
10. STOP COMMENTING ON THIS STUPID POST! 😐
11. And 11 … whoever posts after this, is an idiot. :/
Thank you. Goodbye. 🙂
OK then. Guess I’m an idiot and I’m commenting on a stupid post.
I’m an atheist and I believe in both abortion and euthanasia. Bite me. I also think that Juliana has a right to life.
I’ve researched her story a little and her parents are trying to give her a normal life and to make it better for her. I don’t know yet if she’s old enough or mature enough to decide whether her life is worth living, and that ultimately should be her decision – not that of some person on a forum that she’ll probably never know. And keep this in mind – without all the surgeries, her life would be even worse…
At least her parents are trying to help her.
No other species on this planet would allow this kind of suffering to continue… Surgery, eating and breathing through tubes without communication is NOT life. And as for accusing people who think like I do of being a Nazi or of the same thinking as one. Come on now. At any other point in human history that poor child’s life wouldn’t have continued a moment longer than necessary. The west has become cowardly and sickeningly, disgustingly sentimental. Poor, poor child.