Connecticut Girl Speaks Out After Being Forced to Undergo Chemo

A 17-year-old Connecticut girl has spoken out after the state Supreme Court ruled she isn’t mature enough to refuse chemotherapy treatment.

“I do not agree with the court ruling. I feel that myself and anyone else should be able to make their own choice when it comes to their body. I’m not sure what exactly is going to be done as far as an appeal, but this fight surely isn’t over,” Cassandra said to WFSB.

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Cassandra was diagnosed with the disease in September. Doctors believe she will have about an 85 percent chance of surviving if she undergoes chemotherapy. She would almost certainly die without chemotherapy.

A trial court granted the Department of Children and Families temporary custody so she could go through the treatment, according to court documents.

She doesn’t want to be in the custody of the Department of Children and Families, but told WFSB that they have been incredibly nice. Hospital staff have also been very kind.

Her doctors told her that she is responding well to treatment.

Cassandra told WTNH that she would prefer a treatment that was more natural and she would take vitamins and remedies to fight inflammation.

She added that she feels her rights were violated and that everyone should have a right to what happens to his or her body.

Once she turns 18 she plans to leave Connecticut and start a life somewhere else.

Read the full WTNH story here.

Read the full WFSB story here.

Related stories:

• Connecticut Supreme Court Decides Fate of 17-Year-Old Who Refused Chemo
• Cassandra pens an op-ed piece

Image via Windsor Locks PD