Paloma Shemirani’s Death Linked to Mother’s Anti-Chemotherapy Stance
Paloma Shemirani, a 23-year-old from Uckfield, East Sussex, died in July 2024 due to complications from non-Hodgkin lymphoma after rejecting chemotherapy. Her decision was significantly influenced by her mother, Kate Shemirani, a former nurse known for her controversial anti-vaccination stance.
Details Surrounding Paloma Shemirani’s Diagnosis and Treatment
Paloma was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma in December 2023. Following her diagnosis, she moved in with her mother and opted for alternative treatments, including juice diets and five daily coffee enemas, rather than conventional chemotherapy.
Coroner’s Findings
A coroner’s inquest led by Catherine Wood revealed that the pressure from both her mother and family friends had a critical influence on Paloma’s treatment choices. Wood stated, “The influence that was brought to bear on Paloma… did contribute more than minimally to her death.”
Despite initially consenting to chemotherapy, Paloma’s doubts about treatment emerged once her mother became involved. The coroner cited that had Paloma received chemotherapy, she would have had an 80% chance of a complete cure.
Events Leading to Her Death
In July 2024, after a sudden collapse at home, Paloma was rushed to the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton, where she passed away five days later. An osteopath reported he had never encountered a lymphoid mass as severe as Paloma’s in over four decades of practice.
Impact of Family Dynamics
During the inquest, the coroner expressed concern over the evident dysfunction within the Shemirani family. This familial turmoil played a notable role in Paloma’s treatment decisions. Her brothers, Gabriel and Sebastian Shemirani, publicly held their mother accountable, stating she obstructed their sister’s access to appropriate medical care.
- Paloma Shemirani’s Age: 23
- Diagnosis: Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
- Initial Treatment Option: Chemotherapy
- Alternative Treatments Chosen: Juice diets, coffee enemas
- Coroner’s Conclusion: Death linked to untreated curable disease
- Chance of Cure with Treatment: 80%
Concluding Remarks
The inquest clarified that while the family’s beliefs heavily influenced Paloma’s treatment, the actions of medical staff were appropriate. Neither Kate nor Faramarz Shemirani attended the conclusion of the inquest, despite the findings pointing to a breach in the duty of care provided by her mother.
This case underscores the significant effects of familial influence on medical decisions and highlights the dangers of alternative treatments over conventional medicine. The tragedy of Paloma Shemirani serves as a cautionary tale regarding the importance of informed consent and appropriate medical intervention.
