A recent inquest has revealed that Paloma Shemirani, a 23-year-old from Uckfield, East Sussex, died after rejecting chemotherapy due to the influence of her mother, Kate Shemirani, a former nurse known for her anti-vaccination stance. The coroner, Catherine Wood, stated that the pressure exerted by her mother and others led Paloma to opt for alternative treatments instead of the medically recommended chemotherapy for her non-Hodgkin lymphoma diagnosis.
Paloma was diagnosed in December 2023 and initially consented to chemotherapy. However, after moving in with her mother, she began following alternative treatment methods, including coffee enemas and juices. Tragically, she collapsed in July 2024 and died five days later at Royal Sussex County Hospital. The coroner confirmed that with proper treatment, Paloma had an 80% chance of recovery.
During the inquest, it was noted that Paloma’s mother, Kate, had previously been struck off for her medical practices and had frequently blamed medical staff for her daughter’s death. The coroner remarked on the significant familial dysfunction, highlighting how the family dynamics played a crucial role in Paloma's treatment decisions. Her brothers expressed their frustrations, stating that the state had failed to classify her death as unlawful despite recognizing breaches in their mother's duty of care.
The case serves as a poignant reminder of the potential dangers associated with alternative treatments and the impact of familial influence on health decisions.