I had to comment on this thread.. pardon me though because it has only been three weeks since I made the decision to remove my Dad's breathing tube and let him go..
I have followed the case from the beginning for a few reasons, my Dad was in the hospital on a vent when I first heard about this case, I have had my own tonsils out two years ago at the age of 43, and my daughter is a candidate for a tonsillectomy right now.
Regarding the function or no function of the girl, my Dad had suffered an anoxic brain injury due to prolonged CPR, and as a result, he had brain function, and was not brain dead. We had the choice to insert a feeding tube and a trach and send him to a nursing home, or to take out the breathing tube and let him go. Of course, we chose the latter since I know my Dad would never want that type of life (who would?). However, it is still the worst decision I have ever had to make in my life. My Dad opened his eyes, but did not track and he would yawn and cough with the vent in place. He lived 24 hours to the minute after we removed his tube. Heartbreaking.
I have a daughter only a few years younger than this girl. My daughters ENT is recommending a tonsillectomy due to tonsil stones (which I myself suffered from for years). I had a tonsillectomy two years ago at the age of 43. It went well, but I was in that small percentage of adults who bled out - 10 days post op and went back to the ER for cauterization. That was very traumatic.
As well as I have worked as a death investigator for the Medical Examiners Office for many years and have dealt with thousands of cases, and these types being one of them.
I feel for the family, I really do and I as well wish they would let her go. However, it is not my decision to make. It is theirs. I actually do know what they are going through.
I do not see any actual evidence that the family fed her a cheeseburger and I think that is absurd and will not believe it - I think this family has had a huge disservice done to them in the media and I feel terrible for them.
Regarding the state of the young girls body it is hard to say really - I have taken investigations on many people who are brain dead and donating their organs (or not). I hate for people to mention that she could have donated her organs because that is a personal choice and not one that all agree with. In addition, someone mentioned embalming. As someone who graduated from mortuary school as well, I can say that embalming is not a requirement and I highly doubt anyone but family would be viewing her - in addition cremation is what over half if not more of families go with today. So embalming is a moot point and really not relevant.
I just wish more would go easy on the family.
Thanks for reading, Lisa