When Cassandra C. was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma in September 2014, she opted out of chemotherapy with the support of her mother. Cassandra was, however, forced to undergo treatment by the Connecticut Department of Children and Families -- a move resulting in her remission.
Although Cassandra is still upset about being forced into chemo, the 17-year-old says she's happy to be in remission. While she still thinks she should have been given a say over her own body, the positive results are helping her accept what happened.
Given the choice, Cassandra wanted to seek alternative treatment that wouldn't "poison" her body. The doctors who testified said that without chemotherapy, Cassandra would most certainly be dead within two years. Chemotherapy has put Cassandra's chance for survival at 85 percent.
When Cassandra went to court, she invoked "mature minor doctrine," which states that some children are mature enough to make important life decisions on their own. Though Cassandra and her camp weren't disputing her need for cancer treatment, they wanted the state to recognize the teen's competence. Mature minor doctrine has been adopted by several states, including Pennsylvania, Illinois and Maine.
Cassandra will return to court next week in an effort to end her DCF custody. If her appeal is granted, she can go home immediately, rather than having to wait until her treatment is finished. Cassandra is currently at the Connecticut Children's Medical Center and hasn't seen her mother since New Year's Eve. The DCF gained temporary custody of Cassandra after she missed several treatment appointments last year, when she was still under the care of her mother.
The DCF is pleased with Cassandra's progress.
"We understand how difficult this has been for Cassandra and her family, but we have had full confidence throughout that the medical professionals involved in her treatment would be successful in saving her life," said Joette Katz, DCF commissioner.
Cassandra will turn 18 in September, and will then be free to decide treatment options on her own.
Photo: Alexander Romero | Flickr
