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Susan Torres
[8/3/2005 Update: Baby Susan has been born!!]
[7/21/2005 Update Here]
If you haven’t seen Susan Torres’ story, check it out.
Wild Wisconsin says “What an example!”
Jeremy summarizes.
Justin Torres, the borther of Jason, Susan’s husband, has written an article worth reading.
In this midst of this tragedy and the grief that lingers like a context, like a fog, over every conversation and meal and moment in the hospital, we have hope. Doctors believe that they may be able to save this baby, keeping Susan alive long enough to deliver the child prematurely. It is no more than a fighting chance, far less than a certainty, that the baby will live. But we have hope. Keeping this baby alive is Susan’s last act of love, one that has been tremendously moving to watch even as it makes you question everything you thought you knew about the fundamental justice of the world.
Truth and Action, Frank J, Michelle Malkin and others are encouraging you to donate to help with the costs of keeping her body functioning to save this baby.
Pink Flamingo’s heart goes out from her personal experience.
I certainly can relate to the premature infant in the NICU for a long time thing. But I have the benefit of a wonderful wife. Jason’s the real hero in this story.
Dave Lucas thinks the plug should be pulled, saying that the life inside of her is not worth the money.
Why keep Susan alive any longer? Why foot a 400-thousand dollar medical bill for all of this? If the couple didn’t already have a child, I would understand. But they do.
Voice Potential has an interesting statistic (though he doesn’t source it, that I can find).
According to statistics, 9 comatose women have given birth to children in the United States. And if all goes well, Susan Torres will be the tenth.
http://myopiczeal.blogsome.com/2005/06/17/susan-torres/trackback/
Fatal Event
Imagine being 26 years old, and your life is over in a flash. Susan Torres lived her last day on May 7th, about a month after she complained of headaches and nausea her doctors attributed to pregnancy. Susan was pregnant with her second child. Doctor…
Trackback by Capital Region People — June 19, 2005 @ 4:51 pm
You are correct. I failed to source that statistic which was from an article in last week’s Washington Post. An oversight on my part; however, the statistic is accurate. I have been researching these other cases for a future article.
Comment by Keith Eubanks — June 21, 2005 @ 10:00 am
THe Little baby inside Susan TOrres is more precious than any amount of money. I say that her husband is most definiantly doing the right thing. Any mother would want it.
Comment by raney2 — June 23, 2005 @ 1:11 am
my heart goes out to susan may god be with you and your precious children may god give jason the strength also to get through this
Comment by cecilia — July 1, 2005 @ 8:46 am
The hope is there for the family with this baby, A mother would wont a child to live, I know cause am a mother of two, 27 and 16 yrs. old, May god bless the family
Comment by Linda — July 9, 2005 @ 9:24 pm
Thank you, I just wanted to give a greeting and tell you I enjoyed reading your material.
Comment by Anonymous — July 10, 2005 @ 7:49 am
A pleasure to look at, go on with this! Thanks!
Comment by Anonymous — July 12, 2005 @ 4:27 am
Hi I thank you for a wonderful site. You have done very good job.
Comment by Anonymous — July 12, 2005 @ 6:24 am
Baby Torres Update: Delivery Date Soon
Since I’ve been gone this last week, I just checked in to see how things are going with Susan Torres and her baby. The latest update was posted on July 6th and said that both Susan and the baby…
Trackback by Reasoned Audacity: Politics in Real Life — July 14, 2005 @ 11:59 am
Please visit some helpful info dedicated to- Tons of interesdting stuff!!!
Comment by Anonymous — July 15, 2005 @ 4:34 am
I read that Susan Torres’s misfortune was caused by malignant melanoma on the base of her brain. Does anyone know if she was aware of her cancer prior to her collapse?
Comment by Rebeka — July 18, 2005 @ 4:11 pm
an article i read said susan was not aware her meanoma had returned and attacked the base of her brain. she had refused prenatal testing. her doctors just attributed her nausea and headaches to her pregnancy.
Comment by lilkunta — July 18, 2005 @ 5:03 pm
i hate that anyone would criticize this man for saving his child. i think that children are on of the few things in this world worth saving — just because it is unborn does not mean that it’s life is of any less value. you don’t let your child run into the street full of moving cars. if your child makes bad choices you you don’t give up hope that they will turn their life around into something better. why should he give up on this child. and why shouldn’t Susan’s family have the right to bring some joy out of this situation, i know that i would want my husband to do the same if it was me even though i already have children with him. you never know this child might become one of the most influential people in our country in the future. i stick to the idea that each person has great value reguardless of how we choose to use it. i think it is very admirable that Susan’s family has made the decision that they have and applaud them for the strength of character and love that thy are displaying.
Comment by emily — July 20, 2005 @ 9:57 am
Hi - big thanks (great site!).
Comment by Anonymous — July 20, 2005 @ 10:39 am
I praise Jason ahead of time for taking on two small children on his own! I agree with your decision as a mother of 3 boys. My husband died 2 years ago and you will be able to see her through those children. You will always have a part of her with you, so cherish every moment! I will be praying for you and your family!
Comment by Libby — July 20, 2005 @ 7:48 pm
I must say that I was surprised to find this web page, but - - - Good Job.
Comment by Anonymous — July 20, 2005 @ 8:37 pm
This is such a wonderful and informative way to reach others. I Will be more than glad to share this site
Comment by Anonymous — July 21, 2005 @ 4:51 am
To the Family of Susan:
I recently heard of your unbearable grief, and was overwhelmed. I want you to know that from the moment I read the article my heart has been overwhelmed with a profound sense of sadness for your the family. “Silver or Gold have I none, but such as I have, I give to you” Acts 3 vs. 6 (The Holy Bible). In the name of Jesus I am declaring that Susan will be miraculously healed from her disease, deliver a health baby and live a long life with her Husband… I don’t know if this family knows the Lord, But in times like these we search for answers from up above, & I just want to let you all know that I am standing Proxy for Susan before the Almighty, pleading her case. And with assurance I can say to you that right now Jesus is making intercessions to God for you. The bible declares that “He (Jesus) can be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; Therefore be rest assured that He is making those intercessions for you
Romans 8:26 - Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
Continue to also lift up your Susan’s name to Jesus Christ and watch what happens. If you are not Christians, please try Jesus, he’s never failed anyone yet, I know from experience. About a year and a half ago, doctors found an unexplained lump in my throat, and after MRI, I was told that the best option I had was to have surgery. I had a 3 year old at the time and couldn’t see myself going through that. So I lifted up my Faith in Christ and asked him to heal me. Within weeks the Lump disappeared much to the amazement of my doctor.
Please If you’ve never been to the Lord in prayer,
Pray this prayer : Dear God in Heaven, I come to you today in earnest desparation. I believe that you are the one and true God, and that you sent your only son Jesus to die on the cross for me. God it is with this knowledge that I come to you today, I know that because of Christ’s Death, I can come boldly to the throne of heaven and declare our Susan healed. for the Bible declares in : Isaiah 53:5 - “But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. ” And so lord I stand on the word of God ( Bible and it’s promises) today and Declare Susan be healed in the name of Jesus.
I love you in the Lord…
Comment by nadia taylor — July 22, 2005 @ 12:23 pm
To the family: I just wanted to say that ever since I heard about your situation I have been praying for the precious little baby. I also wanted to give you hope, this story has touched my heart. My daughter was born at 30 weeks and weighed 1 pound and 14 ounces and was 13.5 inches long. She is now doing wonderful today and I believe Susan’s little baby will be healthy and a complete joy. I have also heard this baby is a girl and little girls are strong fighters during prematurity. I have prayed to God many times and I believe this baby is a blessing and is special. God bless you and your family.
Comment by Sandra Wuorinen — August 1, 2005 @ 11:48 am
Susan Torres Gives Birth!!
Susan Torres has given birth to baby Susan. The new baby is 2 pounds and 13.5 inches long.
Previous MZ coverage here and here.
…
Trackback by Myopic Zeal — August 3, 2005 @ 7:57 am
To the family, in a time like this theres not really much one can say to ease the pain. Your strength has been rewarded by the birth of this wonderful baby girl. This is Susans last gift to you. She wanted this baby, and you all did the right thing in fighting for her when she couldnt. The comments that they already had a child are a disgrace to say the least. One child can never replace another this little girl was a living miracle. I just want to say May God bless you and your family, and may he give this tiny miracle the strength to make her mother proud.
Comment by Liz — August 3, 2005 @ 8:22 am
When I first read the blurb on this, I thought, how heroic. And then when I realized that she was only 17 weeks along when this happened, I was absolutely shocked. To turn this poor woman into an unconscious incubator for months, just to give birth to a seriously premature child that will probably have a lifetime of medical issues, is a sick travesty. Dad quits his job to hold vigil next to gestating brain dead wife. Anti-abortion agencies around the country rally to raise money to save the child! Good god, there are millions of children in this country without health insurance. Send your money to THEM! The anti-choice league is getting more and more grotesque in the causes it champions. Ick.
Comment by Pam Scott — August 3, 2005 @ 8:58 am
i am proud for the faimily that they came along this far to reach their goal they have been wanting to reach… to the comment above mine but you dont know if the baby will have health problems the first year you ust have to give them time remember life doesnt come easy let me tell you so why dont you have some hope for others and this is THEIR CHILD,SISTER,NIECE,GRANDAUGHTER i know you woud wanyt her to survive too…. i had twin baby girls born at 30 weeks both weighing 1 lb each and yet both are doing great! they are 4 years old just about to start preschool and they do not have any set backs what so ever… Congratulations to the Torres family!
Comment by anonymous — August 3, 2005 @ 10:15 am
the dad is being there for the family that is why he quit his job he wants to be there for his wife and daughter
Comment by anonymous — August 3, 2005 @ 10:17 am
My father had the same type of cancer and it is like seeing him all over. I can’t say enough to express the sorrow you must feel and my heart goes out to you and just let your heart be at ease knowing you made the right decision, and everytime you look into those beautiful eyes of your little girl just know that Susan is watching you and will always be with you.
Comment by Beth — August 3, 2005 @ 10:51 am
For Susan:
Congratulations for your precious baby. I know you know your baby is fine. From where ever you are now….keep protecting and sending your positive energy and as soon as you feel everything is finally settled….go and rest in peace. God bless you and your family.
Comment by claudia — August 3, 2005 @ 11:44 am
Only a few comments I’d like to make here. First and foremost, to Susan’s family, I am so sorry for your loss. There are definetely times in life that no matter how hard we search for the answer, it is nowhere in sight. Find your peace in your children and focus on the love you shared with Susan when looking at them. Time will ease your pain. For Pam Scott..you have the right to free speech and expression, although I think it is totally inappropriate for you to post negativity on a website during an obvious time of grief and heartbreak for everyone to read. Expend and spend a little more of your time,energy and money on those children with no health insurance. By the way, you will find that there are programs out there designed so that no children will be without health insurance. Liberal minded people use that issue as a scare tactic. And those children without health insurance are the ones with parents that aren’t out there looking for solutions or jobs. The other point I’d like to make is to Dave Lucas…please. Did you only bring the Terri Schiavo story into this whole mix because you lack material? In both stories, the husbands fought to do what they believed is what their wife would want. So why would the people who supported Terri’s husband NOT support Susan’s husband in the same case? Your story made absolutely no sense.
Comment by N Aguirre — August 3, 2005 @ 1:13 pm
God bless Jason, Peter and baby girl
Comment by miriam moore — August 3, 2005 @ 2:48 pm
Pam:
The only “sick travesty” is your post. How do you know this child will have a “lifetime of medical issues”? Are you the doctor on the case? This husband suddenly loses his wife to a stroke, discovers the child inside her can be saved, and decides to save it. Instead of two tragic deaths, one life is actually saved. But I suppose it’s easy for someone like you, championing abortion-on-demand, to decide who should live and who should die. God bless the Torres family with their new baby, and God bless you too, Pam.
Comment by Joe — August 3, 2005 @ 3:21 pm
Being the mother of a 24 year old pregnant daughter who lost her first child while in gestation because of a severe case of brittle bone disease, I think it is wonderful that Jason decided to do what he wife would undoubtedly have wanted - the birth of their 2nd child. Any mother who is a loving and caring mother would want the same thing under the same circumstances. My daughter didn’t have a choice with her first baby and the pain that she went through was unbelievable and there was nothing that anyone could do to help her, she had to “ride the storm”.
With regard to the medical expenses, it’s only the “system” here in the USA that makes this situation exist. My home country has the National Health Service which is funded by everyone in the country by way of a small deduction from your salary so that when you have to visit a doctor or, as in Susan’s case, are hospitalized in an ICU for a number of weeks, there are no charges to individuals, it is paid for out of the small contribution made by everyone in the country, there are no insurance companies making millions off of everyone and the pharmaceutical companies charges are capped so that the rich don’t keep getting richer. The care that patients receive is also just as good.
Jason, my heart goes out to you and your family and I hope and pray that little Susan will develop into a lovely young lady so that someday you can look back at these sad times and know that you did the right thing.
Comment by Christine Patrick — August 3, 2005 @ 4:00 pm
When God allows life it is always a miracle. The father has as much right to want his child if it is medically possible. I believe the Torres family has done the right thing because it is always easier to give up but great strength is always needed when one chooses the more difficult road. Also, to Pam, why don’t you sell everything you have and give it to the poor instead of making other people feel guilty. Go cast the first stone at yourself before you choose to hurt people already in grief.
Comment by Asha — August 3, 2005 @ 4:04 pm
Blessings to the Torres family! Choose life everytime - even if it’s not easy or what anyone else would do. As for the comments by Pam - grotesque would of been to let the baby die. Every life has potential and deserves a chance. Go back and re-read your comments and look how selfish they are. What really breaks my heart when I read your comments is that years ago I would of said the same thing you did. But then as a young, unmarried woman I found myself pregnant. I worked at a minimum wage job and had friends/family who said abort. I didn’t listen to those who said abort. I carried my baby and delivered him without others approval. It was not always easy - but worth it!!! He is now a young adult finishing college. What a horrible thing it would of been had I gave in to pressure to abort him. One other comment about your comments God has a captial G in His name and yes He is good.
Comment by Jan — August 3, 2005 @ 4:05 pm
Pam -
If you had done a little research into the family and read a little more info (easily available by googling Susan Torres) you would have discovered that her family determined that this would be her wish. She was Roman Catholic and her family and husband believed that she would want nothing more than to save her baby if at all possible. As for expense, I’m happy for you that you’re willing to put a price on life, but personally, I don’t think it’s appropriate. Let me remind you that the money donated to assist her family with medical costs most likely would not have been donated elsewhere. Let’s face it, people are attracted to a sensational, amazing story like this one and are more likely to donate there than to the local homeless shelter.
Children born very premature are more likely to have slower development and may have more medical issues, but it’s not a guarantee - just a risk (”Overall, 64 percent of the ELBW group had at least one functional limitation, compared with 20 percent of NBW children.” Journal of the American Medical Association, July 20, 2005.). So yes, there’s an increased risk of some kind of problem. Does that mean the child is ineligible for life? Does that mean the child would prefer to have never existed at all, rather than live with some form of impairment, which may or may not occur at all?
When I heard about this story, I told my husband that if anything similar happened to me, I would want to be kept on life support to give my baby a chance.
Just for the record, I’m a pro-choice liberal.
Comment by Julia — August 3, 2005 @ 4:06 pm
Jason, my heart breaks for you and your family for the loss of your wife. How blessed you are to have a beautiful baby girl. You followed your heart and your wife’s wishes and it will all work out for your family. Your children will always know how loved they are and how much you loved Susan. Any mother would have wanted their husband to make the same decisions you have made. I pray that you and your children will have long happy lives and you will be able to share your wonderful memories of their mother with them.
Comment by Liz — August 3, 2005 @ 4:11 pm
As I stated above, my daughter was born at 30 weeks and weighed 1 pound and 14 ounces and was 13 1/2 inches long. Almost exactly the same size as little Susan! Doctors told me preemies were usually slower, but this is not the case with my little one. She is healthy and doing great and is not slow at all. She is petite for her age, but certainly not slow, in fact she is very advanced for her age. To the husband: I know it has been hard but you made the right decision. God wanted this child here for a reason and if my daughter can do well your will too. God Bless You and I pray for you and your family every day! Keep your chin up! I know how hard it is and how stressful it is to have a preemie and every day is a different situation, but she will make it! Love to you and your family!
Comment by Sandra Wuorinen — August 3, 2005 @ 4:50 pm
i am 34 w pg. i am very pro-choice and very liberal. i also have severe health problems. my husband knows that if ANYTHING happens to me, he MUST ensure the health of our baby. this has nothing to do with pro-choice/pro-life. this has EVERYTHING to do with a mother’s love for her child, and i don’t know a single mother on any side of the fence that would want any different.
i take it that posters think the father should have taken the money spent on his wife and child and used it instead for an uninsured child? i am not even going to address how ridiculous that idea is.
this family did the right thing by their child, no matter what anyone thinks. it’s just horrible someone would recommend allowing the child to die as well when the family is already facing the horrible reality of losing the mother.
i think that’s just sick.
Comment by anonymous — August 3, 2005 @ 4:59 pm
First and foremost, I would like to extend my deepest sympathy to the entire Torres family for the loss of Susan. Yet I would also like to say Congratulations on one of the Greatest Joys in the world, the birth of a beautiful daughter. I am the mother of a child who was born 2 months premature, only weighed 3 lbs., and was also born with Hydrocephalus. Now mind you, I was told when he was only 7 weeks old that he would not live, and if he did by some slight chance, he would be “Brain Dead”, and handed a pamplet on Nursing Homes. I was “advised” by many people to not treat my son, just let him go in peace, don’t waste all the money, you don’t have insurance that will cover all the bills, however…. the extreme love that you have for your children, I elected to ignore everyone’s “advise” and do everything I possibly could to try and save his life….well guess what…. My son just graduate in the top 7% of his high school class, is now 5′8″, 175 lb, muscular handsome young man. So much for they have no viable chance at life. God bless the entire Torres family, and may all the angels in Heaven, including Susan, forever watch over this VERY LUCKY LITTLE GIRL. Always keep your chin up!
Comment by Tina — August 3, 2005 @ 6:08 pm
Being a melanoma survivor, my heart goes to you & your family. Congratulations on the birth of your daughter- a great gift from God.
Comment by Lyn — August 3, 2005 @ 7:40 pm
Susan: Thank you for your last gift in life. God bless you in Heaven and your children in Earth…one last word, you’re a great mom!!
Comment by Antonio — August 3, 2005 @ 11:19 pm
I read an article on Susan Torres for the first time today and I must say I was choked with emotion. It made me feel both happy and sad. I don’t think I need to mention why I felt sad but Happy because people like Jason still exist. They know how to live by their wedding vows and love unconditionally. I honestly salute the Torres family for being a pillar of strength for Susan and not giving up. Only because you had faith in her, the birth of Little Susan was possible. May God bless your family and may people follow your example. i.e. WHERE THERE IS LIFE, THERE IS HOPE. People like Pam who are insensitive and think otherwise need to seriously stay from forums which provide people with the strength and courage to live.
P.S. I live in India and if there is anyway I can help please let me know. I honestly don’t know what I can do but if there is something that is possible please let me know. God bless you all.
Comment by Valentina — August 4, 2005 @ 5:19 am
HAPPY BIRTHDAY SUSAN ANNE CATHERINE TORRES! YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL! MAY GOD BLESS YOU!
Comment by Valentina — August 4, 2005 @ 5:25 am
I would like to give my condolences on your loss. I remember the first time hearing this story, my heart just broke. I am 28 and just had my 1st daughter in Feb.. Granted, she was very healthy, but I got diagnosed with breast cancer when she was 5 1/2 weeks old. My husband and I talked about Susan’s situation and he would’ve done the same thing as Jason.. I THANK GOD that there are people out there who will fight for what they believe.. I believe in right for life, but that isn’t the issue at hand. Yes, this family lost someon special, but look at what they gained.. The Lord works in mysterious ways and HE would’ve taken that child, but apparently he has special plans for BABY TORRES.. God Bless Jason, Peter, and Baby Susan.. And never regret what you did.. May God be with that baby and may she grow up healthy and know the Love of her family and the Lord!!!
Comment by CRISTY WILLIAMS — August 4, 2005 @ 6:11 pm
The courage this family has shown during their darkest and brightest moments, should inspire us all that something good does come out of everything. My heart reaches out to the family and I hope in time you will find comfort through the miracle of death and new life.
God Bless…………….
Comment by brenda — August 4, 2005 @ 8:28 pm
How amazing that we can find the money to save one white baby when that same money would have helped tens of thousands of children in other countries. I also wonder why anyone with insurance would have 400,000 in bills that aren’t covered? This case might make people who donate feel “good” but it really isn’t the best use of limited resources.
Comment by Cassie — August 4, 2005 @ 8:34 pm
Premature Babies have a very high risk of long term problems actually.
Among the children who were born prematurely, 41 percent had general cognitive deficits while only 2 percent of their full-term classmates did, the researchers report in the Jan. 6 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
Comment by Ed — August 4, 2005 @ 8:39 pm
Pam,
Stop your utilitarian babbling. Those kids who are born already have a chance in this country with free education and subsidies. To use your rationale that a new life is worthless is part of the reason liberals just don’t get what mainstream America is about. God bless him for being there for his wife and child.
Comment by Joey — August 9, 2005 @ 8:46 pm
So sad to hear that baby Susan has passed away. As for Joey’s last comment (about Pam and liberals) - u sound just as ignornant as Pam. I am very liberal, very pro-choice, and a mother of a beautiful 2 year old girl. Anyone with even moderate intelligence would be able to read Pam’s comments and disregaurd them. I would hope that it is obvious that she does not speak for the “Mainstream Americans” that are pro-choice or the pro-choice movement itself.
I can not imagine going through what the Torres famliy has endured. Given the sad loss of baby Susan, I still believe they made the right decision. I can’t imagine any mother not wanting that for her unborn child, and honestly if u wouldn’t be willing to do that for your child perhaps you shouldn’t be having children to begin with. My prayers are with the family in there extended time of loss. God Bless.
Comment by Jessie — September 13, 2005 @ 2:21 am
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Comment by testanchor79 — October 15, 2005 @ 7:44 pm
I sit here and cry….yea! She had baby Susan and she is ok. I read down farther and my heart breaks for the Torres’ family. I so wanted to keep updated on the story. But I have to read these posts that people like Pam write. It makes me angry. Everyone has a right to life even the unborn. I am so sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to you and I will keep your family in my prayers.
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