MADELINE KARA NEUMANN, an 11 year old girl who lost her life (ironically on Easter Sunday) because of untreated, UNDIAGNOSED Diabetes, as she stopped breathing and slipped in coma, then death: she spent her last month in agony, as her body went into Diabetic Ketoacidosis in which the body lacks insulin but builds ACID in the blood. It is a terrible condition that when NOT treated can lead to a miserable death (by violent vomiting, excessive thirst,
shutting down of internal organs, nausea, sharp abdominal pains, extreme lethargy, blindness, and the list goes on and on). Her parents did not obtain the treatment that could have saved her life. Instead they chose prayer over a doctor and depended FULLY on God to save her.
Like many others, I am saddened by this story. Now, I believe prayer is a beautiful act, in terms of requesting guidance and hope and that some people do indeed draw strength from it. However, I don't agree that it's a cure-all. People believe in free will but leaving things in only God's hands should not be a reason to decline help from other sources. God is merciful,yes, but we cannot guarantee His deliverance above all. He lends His hand in disguisable ways and it's sad when people do not recognize it.
The difference in Madeline's situation is she was a child, under parental control and influence. If she was an adult who made her own decision about her medical condition, this wouldn't be such a controversial issue. That's why Wisconsin authorities will consider filing charges against them for not allowing medical intervention for their daughter. I don't know her parents, of course, but as a Type- 1 Diabetic myself, I am partial. I have suffered the condition (that Madeline died from). I do not wish it on my worst enemy. It bewilders me to know she was forced to face this all alone. Her dying had nothing to do with God (but everything to do with neglect).
I believe God holds the physician in honor, for they are essential to humanity. It's through His mighty work that we have access and are given knowledge in the first place... whether it's knowledge to heal, to ease pain, cure disease, to prepare medicine or to just help people in dire need. There is far more to the notion of divine intervention than unexplained miracles. Doctors skill to cure patients is miraculous and that makes life and the human body miraculous! It's tragic that there are those so blinded by fervor who cannot see the divinity of what is right in front of them. Furthermore, even more of a misfortune when those depending upon them (like Madeline Kara) lose their lives due to their ignorance.
Rest in Peace, Kara. (May God have mercy on your soul since your parents couldn't have mercy on your life!)
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