Family Fights To Keep Mother Of 7 Declared Brain Dead By Hospital On Life Support
ANAHEIM (CBSLA.com) — A battle is underway to keep an Orange County mother's breathing tube connected at Anaheim Regional Medical Center.
As KCAL9's Michele Gile reports, Lisa Avila's husband accuses doctors at AHMC of misdiagnosing and not properly treating her ectopic pregnancy nearly six weeks ago, which apparently led to cardiac arrest.
According to a letter provided by the family and written by hospital staff, Avila's ventilator will be removed no later than 4 p.m. Friday as she has been declared brain dead.
Her loved ones insist, however, that's impossible.
"When we talk to her, she reacts to us," said Jessica Jule, an aunt. "She'll move her fingers when I hold her hand. Those are all stimulations from her brain."
Roberto Chavez wants AHMC to give Avila, his wife and a mother of seven, a few more days so she can be weaned off all medications and moved to a long-term care facility.
According to Avila's lawyer, a transfer document is needed from the hospital, which hasn't been done.
Avila's family refuses to discontinue life support and tell Gile they won't leave her side out of fear it could happen.
"However long it takes, I'm gonna be here with my wife. I just want her home with us," Chavez said.
The hospital statement in part says: "This is a very difficult situation. We extend our deepest, heartfelt sympathy to the family and friends of the patient."