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A 23-year-old who passed away after rejecting cancer treatment that physicians believed offered a strong likelihood of recovery was negatively influenced by her parent who promoted unproven claims, a coroner has stated.

Paloma Shemirani died at age 23 in July 2024 after declining conventional treatment for a type of cancer. The coroner leading the investigation determined that the impact of her parents contributed significantly to her death.

It seems that if Paloma had been encouraged and guided to accept her diagnosis and considered chemotherapy with an open mind she probably would have followed that course,

stated the coroner during the hearing. She noted that the parent played a major part in advising Paloma and facilitating access to alternative treatments.

Medical Recommendations and Parental Influence

An NHS doctor told the inquest that she was concerned the parent, known as an social media figure, had influenced her daughter's decision to decline cancer treatment.

Arunodaya Mohan recommended medication and a diagnostic imaging, to which Paloma had nodded in agreement. At the moment of her diagnosis, doctors had informed her that treatment offered an 80% chance of recovery.

The physician described a conversation with the mother, during which multiple concerns about the recommended therapy were expressed. When asked if the parent was affecting Paloma’s choice, the specialist replied, That’s right.

Later, Paloma declined the care. When asked for a explanation, no specific reason was provided, the inquest was told.

Individual Decisions and Shifting Views

After graduating from university, Paloma was employed and living on her own and had been estranged from her parent until her illness was identified.

She later went to live with her parent after leaving the medical facility. The doctor observed a change in Paloma’s attitude after her release, saying:

Yes, I was very concerned because at the time of the stay she had not declined chemotherapy, she was just considering about it, but after leaving she entirely rejected the therapy which I was very disappointed about.

History of Online Presence

Using a alternate identity, the parent had attained prominence on online platforms while disseminating pandemic-related conspiracy theories. She was removed as a healthcare professional in 2021, with a oversight committee finding that she had shared misinformation that created a serious risk to the public.

In written statements, Paloma expressed that she had refused conventional treatment partly due to her background in natural healing. She stated that she had always relied on her mother for advice, noting her as a trained nurse and diet expert.

Paloma told the high court she was delighted with the alternative treatment she was pursuing and was sure she would regain her health if permitted to proceed.

Family Views and Official Hearings

Paloma’s sibling stated that his mother had given up his sibling due to personal beliefs. He told the investigation:

I blame my mother completely for my sister's death, by obstructing her from obtaining treatment.

He added, I am convinced that she gave up Paloma’s existence for her own beliefs, I think that she should be held accountable for Paloma’s death.

Final Incidents and Emergency Response

During the inquest, the mother claimed that her child's demise was due to serious failure by medical staff, stating that her daughter had deteriorated catastrophically when emergency responders became involved.

She stated her daughter had been healthy on the morning she fell ill, appearing in good condition and in good colour. After the collapse, the mother did not immediately contact an ambulance, but called a acquaintance instead, who later called paramedics while they began CPR.

On a recorded 999 call, the mother was heard exclaiming, She is passing away. In spite of this, she later informed the court that the situation went horribly wrong after the responders came.

Paloma was transported to a medical center in the city on a ventilator, and loss of brain function was confirmed on 24 July 2024 after a set of standard medical checks.

In a prepared witness statement, the parent accused the investigation of trying to shift focus from the real cause of Paloma’s demise. She said, Every effort to place responsibility on me is false – the individuals who need to be answering are those who did not manage to verify diagnosis, administered medications without her agreement which could have damaged her cardiac health.