Isaiah May, a four month old who has been at the centre of a legal controversy since January has been removed from life support. He died at 12:11pm on Thursday in the arms of his parents.
Lawyer Rosanna Saccomani delivered the news on behalf of Isaiah’s parents Rebecka and Isaac May on Thursday afternoon. She read a statement prepared by Isaiah’s parents about their son.
“Over these last four months, we have cherished every moment with our son. We have marvelled at the perfection of his hands and feet and face, at the colour of his eyes and the shade of his hair. We have wondered who he most resembled. All along, it was our hope that his condition would brighten and improve. It has not.”
Baby Isaiah was born October 24th with the umbilical cord wrapped around his neck, causing severe oxygen deprivation. He remained on a ventilator at the Stollery Children’s Hospital until the decision was made to remove it.
In late January Isaiah’s parents received a letter from Alberta Health Services explaining that doctors at the Stollery Children’s Hospital planned to remove the baby from life support. His parents went to court to fight the decision, hoping to get an outside medical expert to review their son’s case.
A neonatologist from Victoria came to the Stollery to assess the baby in late February and was supposed to give the couple his recommendation.
Through the specialist the family learned that their son could not live without being hooked up to a machine to help him breathe.
“Isaiah has reminded all of us once again that life is precious and fragile … we will never forget the miracle of his birth, the Christmas we spent together and the early spring day when we said our goodbyes." Rebecka and Isaac May said in their statement through Saccomani.
“We have set our tiny miracle free and he’s now home in the arms of angels.”
Alberta Health Services sent condolences to the family on Thursday.
“Understandably this is an extremely emotional time and it is important to be respectful of the May family’s need for privacy given the difficult decision they have made,” the statement reads. “All Alberta Health Services’ physicians and staff who have been involved in caring for Baby Isaiah were touched by the May family’s strength. Our deepest sympathies go out to the family. At this time we would ask that the family’s request for privacy be respected.”
Rebecka May posted a message on Facebook on Tuesday thanking people around the world for their support.
“We are doing OK,” she wrote. “Whatever we have to face all things are possible with God.”
With files from The Edmonton Journal
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