Katie,

I'm sorry you have so much bitterness and hate in your heart that you can't see the truth. I pray that whatever caused you to be so miserable and hatefull will eventually lead you to God. He is real and He loves you, in spite of your nastiness!

Joel

If these posts were meant as a joke, then you need to re-examine their sense of humor. If not, then you need to re-examine much more than that. Whether or not you believe in God, everyone has something to offer the world (heard of Hellen Keller). Tom and Tammy are doing it py providing love and raising their daughters, Juliana and her sister will change the world in some way in the future, far be it from us to judge. I just hope that this family has the strength to get through such hate and ignorance that people like you show them.

Joel & Seth.

To bring a child into this planet with this disability is like bringing someone into hell.

Humans are endeavouring to become God via technology. If there was some way to heal this young girl fine. But is does not yet exist. The amount of pain she will go through is worse than death.

Yes, I am judging.

The litmus test is this. Would anyone willfully bring in a child to this planet with this horrendous problem?

No.

I rest my case.

For those of you that believe the kid should be put out of it's misery, do you have a line that has to be crossed before you wouldn't do that?

For example, if the kid is born with no arms, is that 'mutant' enough to put out of it's misery? What about no legs? No eyes? Hemophilia? Muscular Dystrophy? You've established that Treacher Collins Syndrome qualifies, but where do you draw the line?

Is it simply based on whether the parents want to deal with the mutant? If the parent decides that their child should be killed because it was born with only 2 fingers on each hand, is that OK with you?

I have a feeling you're just being trolls and trying to encite a big argument. Nobody can be that retarded on accident.

Joh 9:1 And as Jesus passed by, he saw a man which was blind from his birth.
Joh 9:2 And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind?
Joh 9:3 Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him.

God created human beings the way He wanted them to be so that His works will be manifest among us. Many people who became blind, deaf (by the way, I am deaf), ones with no legs, arms, even people jointed by heads or backs at birth. We see people taking this as excuse to hate God or deny that God existed. No matter how painful or sad it might be, God has a reason for it so that his work can be manfiest through them. Some of them will help others, their parents (like the Wetmores) who also showering with God's love, even if we don't really understand why God allowed those things.

Hang in there Wetmores, I really admired your courage and love for your daughter. I plead with every parents in the world to hug their children, healthy or not, to let them know that they are loved. Don't doubt with God, and He WILL make everything right if you have faith in Jesus Christ, wehther it will happen during your lifetime or in afterlife.

Peace,
Erik Diamond

Way to avoid the issue Jude.

Where do you draw the line? Who's going to determine the suffering threshold to warrant being euthanized?

You? The parents? Some third party?

Heck, some people will claim it will ruin their lives if their kid is born colorblind. Is that a good enough reason for you?

Some of these comments are quite honestly the most ignorant, and down right horrendous things I have ever heard in my life. I can't believe that there are actually people who have it in them to say such terrible things. This family DID NOT KNOW that she had the defect when the mother was pregnant. THEREFORE, terminating the pregnancy was not even an option. This child was put on this earth for a reason, and her parents are doing the BEST they can to improve and maintain her quality of life. I am disgusted by how absolutely stupid you people are.

I can't believe the horrible things that I'm reading.To even think of killing this innocent child,just because she has a disability,is absolutely absurd.God gave this child to these wonderful parents for a reason.God said he would not give us more trials than we can handle. Through God's grace,these parents can be a great example to those that have a shallow mind in this matter.God does not make mistakes,he knows what is truly special with Juliana.So don't question God and his ability. To those that think otherwise, may God have mercy upon your souls!!!!!

In this age of instant gratification and quick fixes we have lost faith. Faith is believing without seeing and hoping in a Power greater than ourselves. Hope means trust-trust that there is a reason for everything. Nothing happens by chance. I look at this family with great joy, because they have much love to give and they know it will not be easy. Could there have been anything more unfair than Jesus Christ dying on the cross? But there was a reason and so we trust in God that we are all in His care and He knows what He's doing. For those who want to discuss this intelligently, great, but for those who just want to throw out words and call people names, well...that's not very mature is it? So come on, have a mature conversation about this. Peace and love to all, Michael Weber

I applaud these parents for their unconditional love of this child. God does not make mistakes; in his eyes this child is perfectly normal and has a purpose to fulfill on this earth. My prayers and well wishes go out to this family, as they indeed have a lot of rough roads to cross. May God Bless You!

I am a 22 year-old french student and I do not believe in god, so perhaps I have little chance to be listened by some of you, but anyway I want to let my opinion in this page I found by accident as I was searching for more information about this incredible story.

As I was reading all your posts I was stuck by the radical nature of most of them (I won't take billy in account because I did not really understant the point).

First, I have to say I really admire the wisdom of the parents in the relation they have with their daughter. They did not choose their daugnter's appearance, nor they knew it before she was born, and nevertheless they did not reject her, they decided, as she existes and they cannot deny it, to give her the chance not to suffer even more than she already probably will. It is very courageous.

Now, let's talk about Juliana herself. I am very shocked py people calling her a "mutant" because in a way we all are mutants. As the ADN is very fragile, we all have inherited some mutations occured in the two of our parents' cells from which we were born. Juliana just inherited the wrong one…

But she exists, she breathes, thinks, she is a human being, and has been since her birth and even a while before according to the standards of the abortion limitations. Can we say wether we have the right to "terminate" her or we need to let her grow and let her the chance to choose herself what she wants to do of her life? Yes I think we can.

But for doing so, we have not to lose memory.Bob Douglas is right. We have to remember what happened in the nazi Germany. Terminate Juliana? How? Creating a dictature which would have the right to take away a child from their parents, against their will, in order to kill him because he doesn't fit the standards of the ideal human being? This has a name: Eugenism. And this should make you remind what really happened in the nazi Germany, if only you once really knew it.

That is not what you meant? ok, but, once again, where do you draw the line? This is playing with fire and taking the risk of losing control. This would be the gratest mistake of the mankind in centuries.

We are the only animal species on earth which has nearly suppressed the natural selection, and the need to deal with defects our science makes viable is the counterpart. The only thing to do now is to take on the results of our imperfect perfection.

Yes I'm done :) thanks to the people who read me!

Some people here are so ugly and need to grow up. There are more important things happening. Chances are that most people here posting are not deformed or aren't unfortunate as the girl this thread is about.
On another note, I'm a member of a car forum that has been following this girls situation closely. Go to http://www.newtiburon.com/forums/showthread.php?t=28060 and we are collecting donations until the end of Jan to help this child out. This isn't a con, our site has over 5000 members. Our drive has stalled around 700+ dollars. Anyhelp will be appreciated!!!!

Today is the first time I've heard about this story and this condition. I am rarely moved to the point of tears, but this little girl got me. Her parents are brave, loving people and I hope that I will always be the same to my healthy son.

I am a friend of the Wetmore family and believe me she is not a mutant and she will lokk pretty normal by the time she is 8. There is no cure because it is just a thing that happens not a diesease. She is not suffering at all and is extremely strong. For all of you poor people who have no concept of love for children, I hope that someday you understand the beauty of pure love for a part of you. I hope that you have children who are not afflicted by any problems because they sure wouldn't deserve a parent like you.

Charlene is living in a fantasy world. The child will look "pretty normal" by the time she is eight?! She's "not suffering at all?"! The child will NEVER look normal. She has severe medical problems, so she is indeed suffering. I would bet anything that Charlene is a die-hard Christian. I knew a lot of them in college; young people gooned out on religion. They would flit around campus saying to anyone "Jesus loves you" and had a rosy, beatific view of the world. Everything was "God loves you, Jesus loves you, the world is wonderful because God made it, everything is wonderful, everything is going to work out because God in his infinite wisdom takes care of everything, God loves you, Jesus loves you"...GIMME A FREAKING BREAK. I am uncomfortably reminded of these people after reading several of the comments here about how little Juliana will be fine, she had love and support, God loves her, yadda, yadda, yadda. Face reality, people. The child is in for a lifetime of misery. MISERY! I'm not in favor of her being euthanized. But I will say that it would have been more merciful if she had died at birth.

iv read all these posts, a bot have a good point, one asks how can you make a child go through such a hell when it is so young, and the other says that nothing is deformed enough to die. well i say, who cares? i mean really, i would understand if this child some how effects you, but chances are she dosent. this child will never know the diffrence of being normal and abnormal becuse she was born this way. its like feeling bad for a guy who got his cake taken away even though hes never tried it befor. she wont know the diffrence. besides be glad you dont have to go through what her parents are goin through.and on a finall note about how she will never ammount to anything, were all here to push a little button. like space monkeys. she could be the girl that sneezed and blew the spek of dirt that flew into the eye of the diver that made him crashed into the man that was the father of the next hitler. who knows?ah forget it, im never commin back to this site. im out

Well...gee...there were allot of positive/negative feelings and comments here. Heres what I have to say:

First of all, for all you "jesus loves you" christians. That really doesn't matter here.

Second of all...all the athiests who don't believe in god, the statment of whether or not a god exists has nothing to do with this situation.

What matters is that Julliana was born in a world where she can be accepted for who she is. Granted that life is full of ups and downs, highs and lows, and assholes and angels, and it's possible that school may be hard for her later in life...but she has a chance. She has that fighting chance to turn her situation into somthing amazing. What that is, we don't know. But how can we if we don't give her a chance? How do you think braile was created? or Sign language? The fact is that she's here now, in our world. It's up to us to make the world a better and more comfortable place for people like her. I was always taught to accept people for all that they are and all that they aren't. Everyone has allot to give. I feel pitty not for Julliana and her situation, but for the people who can't see past their own bias. I wish her and her family all the best, and I hope that everyone else can rise above their own boundries.

I just wanted to say that I live very close to this child and saw her just last week. She is as happy and alive as any 2 year old. From behind you would never know there was a thing wrong with her. I am thankful that she was born in this time as there is so many more things that can be done for her now than, say, even 20 years ago. I know. I myself was born with a facial disfigurement and went through a lot of operations in the late 70's through the 80's. And a lot of what was done to me was experimental and is probably some of the things that will be used on this child.

The family didnt know what was wrong before she was born. It was thought she might have a cleft palate. But for those of you who havent actually seen her in person, she is a very beautiful child and looks a lot better in person than she does on tv. She has already been though about 14 operations I think and still have about 30-40 more. I can assure you of this, those of you who think she is a mutant and shouldnt have the right to live, she already has more stength and beauty, and life and humanity than you all ever will.

This child is lucky right now. She doesnt know she is different. She is learning to sign so she can communicate. She and her 4 year old sister sign to each other all the time. But I hope to God that He never allows losers like you to come into her life or affect her in anyway.

There is a special place in hell for you all. What goes around, comes around. You will all get yours.

After I post this comment, I will take a moment and pray for people like Jude, Billy, Katie, Cynthia and SSS. God is real Jesus does love you. One day you will be held accountable for your hateful ways when you stand before God. The good news is that you will be exonorated for your wickedness if and only if you accept Christ as your Savior.

Juliana's parents are brave, wonderful people. They didn't bring Juliana into this world, God did. They gave their little girl a chance at life and God will bless them for it. Aborting a child because it has a birth defect is deplorable. Where do you draw the line? I hope you people realize the evil of your ways before it is too late. Otherwise, you will find yourselves cast into the lake of fire.

God Bless,

Gale

WOW. . .I am researching TCS (what Juliana was born with) for a presentation at school. I know Tammy from school (high school and middle school), and she is friends with my sister (Juliana's mom). From my understanding, that she is healthy other than missing facial bones, that are being reconstructed. So, in retrospect, the problem lies more in people that are not accepting of others, due to appearance. Yes. . she has some huge issues in front of her. But this little girl is amazing!

Am i? Why?!?

IM NOT RELIGOUS!
BUT I HAVE A HEART AND I AM SHOCKED BY THE COMMENTS ON THIS SITE. THIS LITTLE GIRL WAS PUT ON THIS PLANET FOR A REASON!!!! MABYE TO TEACH SMALL MINDED INBREDS SUCH AS KATE, SSS, AND JUDE,WHAT CHARECTER IS, AND THIS LITTLE CHILD HAS MORE CHARACTER IN HER THUMB THAN ALL OF YOU PUT TOGETHER!! I WAS ONLY WATCHING THE PROGRAM FOR 10 MINS AND I WAS CRYING , THIS LITTLE GIRLS SPIRIT AND STRENGTH SHONE OUT, I HOPE WHEN SHE IS OLDER AND HAS A HAPPY (AND SHE WILL) LIFE, THAT YOU SMALL MINDED, STUPID, SICK INDIVIDUALS WILL HAVE GROWN SOME INTELIGENCE AND TREAT PEOPLE BETTER!!!!!!!!!!

i have jus watched this story on tv in england, i would not wish have my love for my child tested and and proud of this family for their efforts and love of thier girl.
and to the morons who post stupid heartless comments,.. ur brains are not well enough developed so why were u not terminated?

good luck

And why do any negative comments get completely slated, people can think and say what they want on here... freedom of speech and all that?! They have little or no relevance to Hitler and the Nazis, you people who shun other peoples opinions and say that god's way is the only way are just as bad, Look in the mirror.

i watched the program about juliana and it reduced me to tears it put my own life into perpective you people who called this child a mutant are sick at least she has a brain something you people are lacking

I wasnt saying that the negative views ie pro abortion were wrong, I was just saying how silly it was that people attacked them so much. The child is a mutant in the dictionary sense of the word, and the medical sense (her condition is a genetic disorder, ie mutation from the normal). Plus people can think. If you can construct a balanced argument, rather than angry statements then you do have a brain, even if you do think this child is a mutant, which she is.

This is the worst seen I have ever seen. She reminds me a monster in the game Silent Hill. This child is just AWFUL!!! She is really a monster and aaa also stop saying if a boy has no arms or is hemohpile THIS IS NOTHING COMPARE TO THAT.. The FACE is the mirror of the human, without it its only a monster..

Anyway stop speaking about God, leave him alone :P

i watched the programme and it was so moving, that i cried! i think she has the best family in the world for being so loving towards her.
and all this god thing! of course hes real!

well i think all you people that are dissing juliana are fools! she is a lovely girl and she's just like everyone else apart from here appearence is different! i think your stupid and pathetic if you judge people by what they look like! know ones perfect and i think people should understand that everyone deserves to live and little juliana has a lovely family that love her with all there hearts and if anything, she is probably more lucky than anyone of us! she might not get the boys but at least she has people around her that will always care for her and be by her side!
p.s. juliana live life to the max sweetheart!xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

i totally agree with melly! adrian that was a real mean thing to say! i bet your not perfect! your probably far from it! and that goes to the rest of you people that dont respect juliana!

OMG! what do you think you are actually saying? if there wasnt no god then how the hell where you born? do you think that an invisible ghost came and made you down to your last cell? i think the insane one are you and please think about what you are saying! this girl diserves to live! it wasnt her fault she was born like that was it????? how could you be so cruel and cold-hearted!! i hope you read this because no matter what anyone says i will be there for that girl and i know for a fact that ME and my MATES will b supporting Julianna and others like her, with their battle. all i suggest you do now is thank god that he has given you the things you have and me and all my fellow CLASSMATES are disgusted in the way u speak about her. you shall be judged in the life after death. this also goes to every other person who thinks that the birth of Julianna was wrong. u hav been put on this earth to liv, then by depriving the life of this sweet and mostly INNOCENT girl would b the greatest crime of humanity. i suggest you KATIE should take a look at ureself and do the one and only thing but to THANK god for giving you the things that this poor unfortunately cannot have. actually i take my words back. CANNOT? she can! there are many different types of surgeries out these days and i am proud of this girl and her parents for being so strong and fighting for her. she wasnt meant to be like this, but hey thats her destiny not yours, and actually b4 i finish one more thing you said ureself ' julia is not your child, so dont let her struggle bother you' u sed dat ureself, so y r u bein so nasty abt her all of a sudden??? u need to get ure facts right!!!!! and thats all i can say, bcoz i dont know how old u r but me and all of us here are TRULY AND UTMOSTLY D-I-S-G-U-S-T-E-D AND A-P-P-A-L-L-E-D at the behaivour and attitude of someone that god, how merciful he is, granted you and ure family with the gracefulness and neccesity of life!

from sam,haf and Raz all the students of P.G.S.2.

p.s. and by the way WE R MUSLIMS! so ders no need 2 b racist!

Im very sorry to say this, all you god fans please think about what u are saying! if there wasGOD y would he do that then ........just think before u say! i watched the program last night and i was totally touched im 18 and maybe i will undersatand more when im a mother but i cant understand y! what life has juliana got, she is only 2 and alreeady had 14 operations with many more in her life to go through what normal child should have to suffer like that. i would hate it if i was born like that and my mum and dad kept me.you can tell that she is loved by all in her family and i feel they are trying to do what is best for her, but she is never gonna lead a normal life children r cruel she will be bullied so much never get a job, boyfriend all little things that we take for granted she cant even eat properly! i feel for the family! and u say there is a god think about it she is just 2 years old!

Those parents are the most selfish people on the earth.

they subject that poor creature to a living hell for their own selfish moralistic reasons and frankly thats unforgivable.

she cannot eat, she cannot even breathe without the torturous methods imposed by others equally selfish and insensitive.

if god exists, and his will is to subject this poor child to this life, then he is evil incarnate.

julianna and her family dont listen to all these HORRIBLE people! i think u 2 parents are the best thing thats EVER goin to happen to julianna! she is a lovely child and she mite not look gorgeous to everyone else but she's ur child and i bet she looks STUNNING in ur eyes! i wish you all the best for the future and i hope that in the end she ends up to av a great life! beta than these heartless people that dont believe in her! GOODLUCK JULIANNA U LITTLE STAR xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

why is everyone talking about god!? this girl is not a monster i think it is F****** nasty what people have been saying, its not the way people look that makes them a monster, its the person inside, like all you t**** calling her things... shes a lovely girl so leave her alone.

Everyone is entitled to their opinion - some believe in GOD (in what ever form takes your fancy) some don't. Personally i don't, but its my choice and lets not get wound up in the god argument any more and who may, or may not, be to blame. I watched the programme and found it to be one of the most moving and upsetting things I've seen, with nothing but total admiration for her parents.

Does Juliana have an easy life ahead ?... no I think that most people will agree that she has a lot to get through. Will she look "normal" depending on what you class as "normal" anyway - who can say, non of us can see the future so its impossible to say what advances medicine may make or how things will pan out for her in the long run.

There are many kids born today that need assistance straight after birth in order to survive - this isn't a "euthanasia" issue - simply one of "rights". Juliana has just as much "right" to live as you, me or anyone else. How long she has with us is down to nature and how much her parents and we as a society can aid her development - either through medicine or other means. But lets take this a little further - some of you are arguing / implying that because she needed (and will continue to need) medical assistance that nature is basically trying to say "sorry - times up".

OK, lets close all the hospitals then and not treat anyone for anything - if you die then obviously nature / god (what floats your boat) is saying....

On what basis are you deciding that she shouldn't be allowed to live? - the fact that visually she looks different and needs some assistance? - or is it that you simply have a hard time accepting her appearance? Perhaps its your "holy'er than thou" attitude, or your small minded self centred opinions? Perhaps it's a "church" upbringing that convinces you that you are right and everyone is wrong?

So by your own statements, people born with certain conditions should not be allowed to live?... Would you have the same opinion if a child of yours was born with HIV (passed on through some medical mishap say).. i don't think so. But lets say this did happen and you decided to say no, this is one life thats not meant to be - ask yourself how you would feel if others questioned your decision and how "dare" you make sure a "terrible" decision and terminate another life!

I suspect the problem is that you either probably don't have kids of your own or have never met any with what we shall call "difficulties". Or that you do have kids but they are by your definition "perfect". I doubt this though as your perception on life changes once you have children. I have kids - I remember someone saying to me that the love you feel for them is "unconditional". I don't agree.

Its "all consuming" and i know other parents will agree with me that there aren't enough words in any language to describe just how much you love your kids. To see this little person develop and grow right infront of your eyes is "something else", nothing can prepare you for it and it drives you to make the decisions that you do in life concerning your kids.

Perhaps everyone who takes offence at your comments has the right to have you terminated for having such extreme views that they think aren't "normal".....

Perhaps its a sad fact of the society that we live in that people like you exist. Of course you are entitled to your opinions and beliefs and i'm not trying to take them away from you. I do think though that you should all be utterly, utterly ashamed of yourselves for venting them in such a public way, with no regard for the feelings of the Wetmore family, and indeed little Juliana who must be going through an ordeal that probably can't be put into words - how do you think she will feel when she reads this? I for one will never forget that footage of her clinging harder and harder to her mother when she was trying to put her down - because it was the only way she could express her fear...

I just hope that Tom, Tammy and everyone involved will continue to receive the support that they so very deservely receive and help them ignore the sad, pathetic and frankly downright disgusting comments that some have said here.

allz im sayin iz hw culd u b so nasty? its lurve alrite. i fink dat diz shud b the lesson 4 all of us, imagine if u wer her! wuld u want 2 b terminated. lifes ful of choices and tammi dcided nt 2 hve a termination nd i thank her 4 dat coz i fink julianna is beautiful. yes i now shes suffering but inshaalaah she will get better. rememba god is merciful and even if u dnt belivge in god im entitled 2 this opinion. i think her parents r awfully strong for going threw wit dis! i mean jus do one fing after reading this imagine if dat was u! afta watchin da programme i srtred 2 cry coz dis gal has a lurvely personality and well 2 me shes beautiful. its nt wats on da inside its wats on da inside. imagine if she was ure daughter? wuld u get her killed!!!!!- c hw harsh dat iz!

hi think tht this story is sad becuase its the 1st story tht is sad and u will fel sorry for her

ummmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm it is sad but she is happy, and that is the most important thing.
xxx xxx xxx xxx xxx

She is the ugliest I have ever seen...

well she is ugly, but who cares! it aint you face so who cares! its the inside that counts, so shes ugly wow! you dont need to tell her, shes a lovely girl.

omg man i dint nw der was so many hertless ppl out der! :'( wt hve we bcum

I live in the uk and have just seen the program regarding Juliana on TV I sobbed for days after this and can only praise her parents and wish them love and light . Juliana is an angel sent from God and if people cannot see that its them i feel sorry for!!!

different people are born differently, some normall and some disabled. Wats ur problemo? just bcuz ur normall doesnt mean ur PERFECT! IF EVERY1 IN DA WORLD WAS DA SAME IT WOULD HAVE BEEN BORING. the excitment is dat every1 is different! GOD CREATED her bcuz 2 test da people of dis world! how can u say(gemma) she woulnt get a boy friend. who cares life isnt all about BOYFRIENDS! wake up! AS MUSLIMS we believe dat every1 must b treated as u would like 2 b treated meaing fairly kindly!Do u believe dis?????

once a man came 2 da prophet he said how do u no dat dere is a god?
the prophet said the footprints in da sand proves dat a person has been der, and da creation of eath is a prove dat som1 wid gr8 power did dis whic is god.
this was good enough 4 da man and it is good enough 4 me.
think every1 and gain knowledge dats da way 2 success.

we muslims r tought 2 treat every1 da same.

P.S same message as b4 WE'RE MUSLIMS SO THERES NO NEED 2 BE RACIST!
thank u!

hey as u no, islam is dat fastest growing religion, u should check dis website out, im not telling u 2 become 1, i'm just saying check it out and see how people from different religions came 21 no da truth.

http://www.jrai.com/pages/thestories/stories.php

thank u!

thanks 4 da website raz its really intresting can u plz give me more websites 2 look at?

ok tom! helllllooooo- dis ain a ch@ website. tink of da poor poor gyal :(

First of all id like to comment that the parents knew nothing of her condition before she was born. The doctors thought at the most she would have a cleft palate. Would you terminate a child with a hare lip or cleft palate? No i didn't think so. Second of all, she is still a little girl who has feelings and loves her mummy and daddy and likes to play,she just doesnt look like the rest of us,she's not a monster. Thirdly her parents saw through all of the problems to realise she would still be loved just as they would love any other child and i thank god that he gave this little girl to them instead of to someone like katie (above). You are obviously too shallow to see past people's problems. I bet ur the type of person to look down at your nose to someone in a wheelchair too. This little girl probably deserves to be on this earth even more than you!

hello u pieces of s*h*i*t how are ya'll? i think i'm gona (poke) ur (bruise) from the (piercen)

hello people i wud just like to say that i have met that family and they are the lovliest people i have EVER met! and all u people that are saying all this S*H*I*T about juliana r wrong! just get a life and stop buttin other peoples lives!
UR ALL COWARDS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

stop deleting our stuff!
Bruise poke piercen

u no wat? i think dat ever1 should not take her as a monster. bcuz she didn't chose 2 b diabled did she?

i fink dat dis gal is soo lucky bcuz she's got a caring and kind family!

by da way, hu eva came 2 dis website 2 ch@ should leave wen dey read dis.

YO, every1 im new and i want 2 get along with every1 so HI!

MOving on i dont feel sorry 4 da girl, bcuz as rAZ said her family are nice and kind and r caring.

BUT,
I DO BELIEVE IN GOD!
if u have a problem u write 2 me!

hey peeps i wud just like to say a big bye to every1 coz i'm movin abroad and i'm gona miss ya'll so take care! (to the every1) o and julianna keep ur head up high swettie dont listen to what other people r sayin! xxxxxxxxxx

U no wat i agree wid becci, but she is not a helpless child.

Just bcuz she is disapled doesnt mean she is helpless. Becci plz correct urself.
She didnt choose 2 b disapled, and being disabled isnt vry nice, if u keep talking about da person hu is disabled. And also dose mean people out der, plz look urself in da mirror and realize how lucky u r not 2 b disabled.

P.S im a muslim. And hope u do realize how lucky u r, cuz i have. :D

I just saw a documentary on tv about Juliana last night. It was one of the most moving things I've ever seen. I too have a young daughter and I love her with all my heart and soul. My little girl had a very bad case of infant eczema, a complaint which seems completely trivial in the light of Juliana's misfortunes, and the love a parent experiences for a sick child is so incredibly intense. To witness the true and unconditional love Juliana's parents have for her is truly humbling. They are very strong and wonderful people and I wish the whole family all the best for the future. It's amazing the developments that are being made in modern medecine and Juliana is in a good place where cutting edge treatments can be employed on her behalf. She is still very young and there is much they will be able to do. Once facial functionality is optimized her surgeons can then concentrate on aesthetics. I'm sure Juliana will look unrecognisably better by the time she reaches late childhood. Nevertheless she's already beautiful to her parents and to this, and I'm sure many other, onlookers. Much love to Juliana, her sister and her parents.

I have met Juliana personally. Our Karate school had a fundraiser for her. I stumbled on this discussion while doing a search to find out more about the documentary that was made about Juliana because we were there when it was filmed. :)

Juliana stole my heart, and my children's. Being with her and her family, you do not sense the suffering...but the joy this little girl brings. Her family celebrate her and her parents dote on her.

Meeting Juliana was an eye-opener for my children. They came away from that fundraiser with a lot more compassion and tolerance for those who are different from the norm. They realised that you can never judge a book by its cover. Juliana is a shining example of what really matters - not looks, but what is inside the heart. She is such a sweetie - Juliana is a gift to our world, not a curse!!!

According to the Bible our time here on Earth is just preparation for our eternal life in Heaven. Being that Juliana has to endure her life on Earth the way that she does, she will most likely be rewarded with the most wonderful life once in Heaven...and I hope that she gets to sit right next to God with a big, fat smile on her face, as he casts those of you degenerates with the hateful comments straight to HELL. She was born without a face, you horrible people were born without souls. God help YOU!

Hey Bub, or do I call you Beez?

Millions of people around the world believe in "that crap", as you say. The real weaklings are more often those who have to talk down to others to make themselves feel superior.

With that said, I once spoke as you did. (and was very weak for it..) My tune has changed significantly once I obtained knowledge to replace my bias and preconceived (and very incorrect) notions.

Seek... perhaps you will find... :-)

Joel

i'm humbled and inspired by your commitment to love and accept love from your special child. if only everyone had your courage to sustain others, this world would be a better place. i'm so grateful my family taught me to respect life... people with disabilities need our affection and help. you should be ashamed to leave such hurtful and sarcastic comments! i pray your little one speaks one day and that the world will find it in their heart give you a financial break.

love endures all things

All you people speaking about "souls" and "god" all the human's so called soul is is a complex system of electrochemicals zooming through a three-pound wad of protien known as the brain, all a human is is a brain. A brain which is surrounded by an organic machine, made of muscles and fat and all the other things that make the human body that often clunky poorly maintained and built thing that is it. And as for god? ha! there's nothing but the intruicit tapesrty known as the universe, and it didn't get to function a few thousand years ago because some giant invisible hand came and made it in a week, it took billions of years for the entire universe, and all other things behind the scenes to even be, and it's still developing. If you don't believe me, stop humping your bible and start reading some scientifically ACCURATE books.

I just saw the story on Juliana and her family and can honestly say that they are an inspiration. Could I be as loving?...I wish I could say yes, but I just don't know.

That being said, we all carry many genetic mutations in us, and Juliana's just happens to be one whose effect very much goes against our society's standard of beauty. But for god sake's people, it's just beauty, if we killed everybody who didn't look like Brad and Angelina, well I doubt there would be very active conversation on this thread.

Anybody that watches the show can see that this child is very much aware and totally in there. I trust that her parents know her better than any ignorant idiot who just found out they have an opinion.

What a touching story! I have been overcome since. My first reaction was, "why?". I ask that question because I am human. But God's ways are above ours and I am thankful for that. We have no idea what His plan is in the midst of this pain, sadness and joy that the whole family experiences. Jeremiah 29:11 (paraphrased). "For I know the plans I have for you, plans of good, not of evil..for a future and a hope". I pray for Julianna and her parents-that they hang on the the 'hope for the future'.
(I am wondering if they have been introduced to Speech output devices for her, so she can learn to communicate with 'voice'.)
Debby
Speech/language Pathologist
ps I also pray for the sad, hurt hearts expressed in letters above. God loves even the unlovely. And the unloveliness demonstrated in hearts expressed in posts on this site dwarf the 'unloveliness' of Julianna's external appearance.

I saw the program last night about your little girl and I could feel your pain and I realized how blessed I was to have 4 perfect children. I have three sisters that were born blind so I never took anything for granted. I believe that God has a purpose for everyone and he loves us no matter what we look like because he sees our heart and soul and not our face. Your little girl changed my life forever, never will I complain about life little ups and downs or aches and pains. I know the Lord has done something special for your daughter he gave her to you. We do not understand why somethings happen to some and not to others but we must continue to have faith in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I will pray for you and your daughter and God will give you the strenght to take care of your baby. May God shed His Grace and Mercy upon and grant you peace.

I wish for her to be happy!!

Julianna -
You are a beautiful little girl. I would take you for my own in a skinny minute.
Little girl, you are in my heart. I wish the very best for you and your loving parents.
I will follow your life and story to the end of my time. You are a great inspiration to many of us, let that be part of your strenght.
We love you sweetie!

I watched the documentary last night, and I just prayed for this child throughout the show, and afterwards. She's been on my mind ever since. I pray for a miracle for her to live a happy normal life. I pray that she be not in much pain throughout her years of surgery... I pray that people are not cruel to this special angel... I pray for her parents, they are doing a wonderful job. Parenting is the hardest job of all, and they have more than most of us could ever imagine.
She was born without a normal face... but she has a heart, a brain... a normal 2 year old little girl... I pray the doctors will be able to work their wonders on this child. I pray she will quickly heal from each and every surgery she is faced with, and surprise the world! I pray for Angels to surround this child today and always.... God Bless you Julianna, you have touched my heart and soul... Hugs for you sweetie....XXXOOO
Theresa
Seattle, WA

I, too, saw the program last night on Juliana and her family, and have thought of little else since. I felt a feeling of such incredible love toward this irresistible little girl--and I think that is because she projects her own love out to others so demonstrably. This little girl just glows.

I wanted to know more, and so in my search, I stumbled across this site, and what an eye-opener it was! Juliana my have many years of painful surgeries ahead of her, but I can imagine nothing more painful or with more dire consequences then having to move through a world exposed to the likes of the cruelest of you. Your thoughtless (actually, "thought" is probably the wrong word when applied to you)public comments on this site, your angry, seemingly souless remarks, remind me about what I most fear in this world: people like you.

We wouldn't even consider discussions/debates about the rightness or wrongness of her existence or continuing existence if persons such as yourselves--ignorant, mean spirited, and cruel--weren't in this world to make the lives of persons with disfigurements even more difficult. I can hope you all growup, wakeup and learn to think (and maybe get some therapy, too, while you are at it), but I have little hope for that--or for you. Maybe I can hope that you will at least learn to tame your words, or to think of the consequences of the things you say. I'll try to hope for that.

There are many lessons to take from this little girl and her family: courage, faith, love, patience, strength and hope. We could all profit from these examples. Of course Juliana and her family face some daunting times in the years to come. So, in the meantime, I lift a glass to a captivating little spirit named Juliana, and her terrific family, and wish for them the best that their journey can bring.

I am too disgusted to extend my charity at this point toward those who wrote such hideous comments. Give me fifty Juliana's and her loving folks in my neighborhood any time; please, just don't any of YOU move in.

I cannot imagine what it must be like for you and your daughter, Julianna. But can understand the love of a child and the tugs of love that they put on our hearts as their parents. My husband and I are parents to two beautiful boys and believe that a child, any child, is a gift from God.

Ironically, after reading your story I received an inspirational e-mail from my 84 year old father and hope in some small way, it will touch your lives and give you strength.

May God continue to bless you and Julianna.

*****

A cold March wind danced around the dead of night in Dallas as the doctor walked into the small hospital room of Diana Blessing. She was still groggy from surgery. Her husband, David, held her hand as they braced themselves for the latest news.

That afternoon of March 10, 1991, complications had forced Diana, only 24-weeks pregnant, to undergo an emergency Cesarean to deliver the couple's new daughter, Dana Lu Blessing. At 12 inches long and weighing only one pound nine ounces, they already knew she was perilously premature. Still, the doctor's soft words dropped like bombs.

"I don't think she's going to make it," he said, as kindly as he could. "There's only a 10-percent chance she will live through the night, and even then, if by some slim chance she does make it, her future could be a very cruel one."

Numb with disbelief, David and Diana listened as the doctor described the devastating problems Dana would likely face if she survived. She would never walk, she would never talk, she would probably be blind, and she would certainly be prone to other catastrophic conditions from cerebral palsy to complete mental retardation, and on and on.

"No! No!" was all Diana could say. She and David, with their 5-year-old son Dustin, had long
dreamed of the day they would have a daughter to become a family of four. Now, within a matter of hours, that dream was slipping away. But as those first days passed, a new agony set in for David and Diana.

Because Dana's underdeveloped nervous system was essentially 'raw,' the lightest kiss or caress only intensified her discomfort, so they couldn't even cradle their tiny baby girl against their chests to offer the strength of their love. All they could do, as Dana struggled
alone beneath the ultraviolet light in the tangle of tubes and wires, was to pray that God would stay close to their precious little girl.

There was never a moment when Dana suddenly grew stronger. But as the weeks went by, she did slowly gain an ounce of weight here and an
ounce of strength there. At last, when Dana turned two months old, her parents were able to hold her in their arms for the very first time. And two months later, though doctors continued to gently but grimly warn that her chances of surviving, much less living any kind of normal life, were next to zero, Dana went home from the hospital, just as her mother had predicted.

Five years later, when Dana was a petite but feisty young girl with glittering gray eyes and an unquenchable zest for life. She showed no signs whatsoever of any mental or physical impairment. Simply, she was everything a little girl can be and more. But that happy ending
is far from the end of her story.

One blistering afternoon in the summer of 1996 near her home in Irving, Texas, Dana was sitting in her mother's lap in the bleachers of a local ball park where her brother Dustin's baseball team was practicing. As always, Dana was chattering nonstop with her mother and
several other adults sitting nearby when she suddenly fell silent. Hugging her arms across her chest, little Dana asked, "Do you smell that?" Smelling the air and detecting the approach of a thunderstorm, Diana replied, "Yes, it smells like rain." Dana closed her eyes and
again asked, "Do you smell that?" Once again, her mother replied, "Yes, I think we're about to get wet. It smells like rain." Still caught in the moment, Dana shook her head, patted her thin
shoulders with her small hands and loudly announced, "No, it smalls like Him. It smells like God when you lay your head on His chest." Tears blurred Diana's eyes as Dana happily hopped down to play with the other children. Before the rains came, her daughter's words confirmed what Diana and all the members of the extended Blessing family had known, at least in their hearts, all along. During those long days and nights of her first two months of her life when her nerves were too sensitive for them to touch her, God was holding Dana on His chest and it is His loving scent that she remembers so well.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths" Provers 3:5-6.

This story is heartbreaking but one of the most incredible stories I have every seen. I saw the special on the Discovery Channel and I fell in love with her immediately. This little girl is so amazing and so full of life dispite all her diabilities. I praise the parents for loving this little girl and keeping their faith. Shame to all the people who don't believe in God and trust that these parents love their daughter enough to try and make life for her as best they can. One day the unbelievers will wish they too had known Christ when they all burn in hell. We of God can only pray for you. Maybe you will be spared a car accident or any accident that might disfigure your face or body and someone will not have to worry about what to do with you! We will continue praying for Julianna and her family and that she will continue to improve. There is POWER in PRAYER!

Um, excuse me. To those who say the child should not have been allowed to survive because her life will be a misery and she will never look normal, why not expend the miniscule effort of typing Treacher Collins into a search engine, and you will then be able to find before and after pictures of people who have this deformity, as well as other sites regarding the syndrome. Admittedly, some people who have had reconstructive surgery still do not look like your Average Joe, but the surgery has done wonders, and science - last time I checked - is all the time making progress and improvement. Techniques will only get better. Amazingly, some of these persons with the syndrome have actually been allowed out of the house and into society. Even gone to school!!! I know, it is unbelievable. I saw a website for one girl who is even in MEDICAL school, despite her facial deformity. Yes, yes, yes. Again, quite unbelievable. That the university ddn't screen her out is just mindboggling. So the next time you or a loved one go to the hospital, be sure and tell the applicable person to be sure and not give you one of those Treacher Collins doctors, no matter how expert he or she is in a particular field. EVEN if that person is the only hope you have - run, do not walk - to another hospital. Because, well, the Treacher Collins doctor is a mutant who should never have been given the chance to exist and who could never have been a contributor to society. And while you are at it, email that girl I told you about - www.treachercollins.org/ - and tell her that you believe she should have been aborted, and see if she even bothers to respond. I am guessing that she won't. She will be doing something more important, like tying her shoe.

I'd give a part of myself a fighting chance. Without question, even. Would you so readily dispose your own flesh and blood simply because of the way they looked? That's horridly shallow. Give your support, not your disgusting comments. Ever heard of keeping your mouth shut when you have nothing positive to say? You can go angst elsewhere, and post it on your 'livejournal'.

I applaud this family. I send you all of my love; this is a very touching story, and I believe their daughter is beautiful no matter how she looks. End of story.

~Beata

God brings us all in this world for a reason. I have seen SOOOO much love pourd out for this little Angel "GOD HAS BROUGHT TO US" and that is what we need in this CRUEL World with EXAMPLES seen here in these messages. The Devil is in your heart KATIE and all that agree with her. IF you or anyone of you had a child like this let me quote "the parents had no idea this was going to happen WHY abort????? you would have done the same thing by doing EVERYTHING you can for your child. All the hatefull words that are being said about Julianna and YES KATIE she has a name. The Devil learks in your heart if you even have one anymore. Learn to love with what is left of it and belive that GOD is REAL or else you wouldn't be here and NO matter how hatefull you can be GOD forgives you. Julianna has touched my heart including all that I have shown her story to. Know that there are people as myself and my children WHO CARE. And baby girl dont let anyone EVER take that away from you " the love your family and the world has for you and all that are like you......Jennifer, Mario and Family from TEXAS

Well said, Tina. I agree with most of your points and there have been many good points made from both sides of this argument. However, I am very surprised that no one has touched upon one of the more important points - the effect this has on the parents.

Consider the financial burden these parents are going through, perhaps? Millions of dollars in medical bills, simply not feasible to pay off in a lifetime of constant labor, unless you're some celebrity. And trust me, these hospitals aren't just going to "forgive" debt. That will be passed down to the next successor until it finally comes back on the state.

Yes, I know what I just said sounds horribly selfish. "Money doesn't matter." would play a good role against my statement. But, it does, it matters a whole lot. A good handful of people with a greater deal of potential than Julianna (I don't see how this is deniable, sadly) will be severely burdened by her horrible misfortune, and not to mention the tradegy of her sorrow that that poor girl *will* experience when she realizes her condition (which she will, when she gets older..).

It truly is a shame that our medical technology was inadequate to detect this kind of abnormality, or any competent medical professional would have definitely made the parents aware of it, at least I'd like to think so...doing otherwise is just unfathomable.

I think it's just incredible the amount of compassion the parents have for their daughter, that shows an astounding amount of strength and constitution on their part, which is very admirable. It's just such a shame that they did not have a chance to apply that love to a child that would have a normal level of potential in our world, that might become an incredible contributor to our society.

The story is heartwarming, but unfortunately, she won't go down in the history books...

I personally don't believe in "God". But I being a mother a three little ones, one Julianna's age, don't think I could have just let her die or terminated the pregancy. Would that be selfish?? Possibly. But it's one of those if it's not your child, it's none of your business.

One day this little girl will be grown up and even though she will have gone through so much pain, would you like to be the one to tell her she should have died??

So what if she is malformed? I know I couldn't let my little one die if there was something I could do for her.

My cousin lost her baby due to anecephaly at birth, and she would have given anything for her daughter to been born alive.

So mind your own business.

I left Newman's comments for all to see as this kind of hate and bigotry is little more than a cry for help. It's so ironic how some people can lambast people of faith and then proceed to quote Scripture as though they have any understanding at all.

Need an example? Newman says...

"To all you who spout your pro-life nonsense, judge not lest ye be judged. It will never be your place to decide for anyone but yourselves."

Then he proceeds to judge with all the wrath of God. Truly sad, if not completely illogical.

It's a shame, but ignorance like this has always existed and will always exist. Newman may pretend to know the heart of God on this issue, but we can be glad that his words won't have any real impact.

As a nurse and mother, I give Julianna's Mother a whole lot of respect and encouragement. This is a loving family who has it's ups and downs and will get through these hard times. There are many great days ahead for you! Hang in there and be strong for baby Julianna, she will apreciate all your hard work. She has the sweetest little arms! Also, I noticed that she is very good with her fingers--highly intelligent!

I'm not going to get in the middle of this whole mess by defending my own words in future posts, so please don't try to bring me into this "war".

I have several things to say:

Don't judge. Whether or not you believe these wonderful, loving parents did the right thing. What is done, is done. The past is gone forever.

Don't hate. Whatever your personal beliefs, Julianna is still a wonderful little child with her own personality, likes, dislikes and joys. Having all this argument only takes away from that if and when her parents read these posts.

Let's put away all the bashing and leave appearance out of it. Wouldn't it be something if Julianna grew up and using her talents, found a cure for an uncurable disease? Maybe cut the worlds homeless level in half (or better)? Maybe even made such an impact that ALL our lives were affected in a positive way?

This little girl is a blessing.

Our concerns are very well founded though...

Bills. Are these parents burdened with unbelievable medical bills? I may be wrong but I heard that all the medical bills are covered by insurance, 100 percent.

Physical pain. This is hard to cope with but I'm sure that Julianna copes when she has to and she enjoys much time without pain.

Society contribution. I don't see any reason that Julianna can not contribute to society. In fact, I am sure that she WILL contribute in a far bigger way than ANY OF US posting here.

In summary...
Her parents love her. She loves her parents. She has a wonderful sister who is very supportive and deserves so much more recognition for it than she's getting. She has many friends (probably many more than any of us) who love her.

So what exactly IS the problem???

One word.....us.

Let us just support this little angel. She will love you for it.

God bless to all.

Beauty doesn't rest on the outside of the person. It's on the inside. When Julianna was in the hospital and you could barely tell she was crying and scared she reached for her father and put her head on his shoulder and she squezzed him tight...how many of our kids have done that when they've been scared? and we comforted them too. Do they have a tough road raising this child, yes. But, they get something much bigger by raising her with love and compasion. They gain it all...giving it all...their hearts are full and they can put their head on their pillow at night and rest. I read some of your comments above...let's not forget that Hitler wanted a perfect world and killed millions of special-needs children. Have you ever been touched by a child with special needs? I have, because I have one. He never holds prejudice in his heart or thinks about all the things he doesn't have. He just loves you uncoditionally. If you haven't ever been loved like that your really missing out! I think Julianna family is lucky, because they have what you'll never have!

this llittle girl is a regular little girl, she just doesn't look like everyone else. Anyone who has children knows how her mom and dad feel when she squeezes their hand or hugs them. She loves and feels like all of us. Did you see her clapping, it is amazing! God bless her parents, I believe that she has been given to a special couple. anyone who thinks this little angel doesn't deserve to live, you have a dark heart. I will pray for the Wetmores.

She will grow up strong and show all of you,
the value of life!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I too have seen the documentary on Juliana and I have read other stories about her past. Recently(since the filming of the show)her family almost lost this child. Being the 2 1/2 year old child that she is she decided to explore the tubes, tapes and etc she has on her body and ended up pulling off the feeding tube which would not have been such a big deal but she also pulled out her trach. Her mother had just left her sight for a short time when this happened. Tami's older daughter Kendra allerted her mother to the situation of the feeding tube and when Tami entered the room they found Juliana blue and lifeless on the floor. They were able to revive her and a new trach was put in at the hospital.
Some of you may question God's intent in allowing this child to live but her family and others involved know that they have been blessed by having this child around and will do anything within their human power to see this child survive. Juliana has such a will to live that even pulling out her only way to breath did not stop her fight to live. Only God knows what will become of Juliana in the future, wether she becomes a great pianist, teacher or whatever else she sets her mind out to be I feel we should not stand in her way of reaching for those goals because it is obvious to me that Juliana is not going to let anything stand in her way.
I pray for this child and her family as well as her doctors and surgeon that God guild their hands in all that they do to help this child live what we would consider a more normal life. But as her mother said in the end of the show, there may come a time when Juliana says "That's it, I have had enough, I do not want any more surgeries" and I feel her parents will be open to that.

I watched the show last night on Juliana. At first I was floored. I just couldn't (and still can't) fathom what the family and Julinana must go through on a daily basis.

The girl is fully functional. Yup...she has a trach - people get those every day from the effects of smoking. Yup...she has a feeding tube - thousands of people have those too for whatever reason.

At the end of the day she's a human being that deserves the chance to live. The parents even said last night that they though it was simply a cleft pallet, which is a fairly common surgery to correct these days. They also said that when Juliana has had it, there will be no more surgeries.

I was thinking about it while watching that it's a good thing that she wasn't born in the time John Merrick was (aka The Elephant Man). Clearly though, the ignorance from back then still lingers. People are concerned for her to have a "normal" life, but what is a normal life when people mistreat others based on the color of their skin, their religion, their ethnic background, and things as superficial as their weight?

Most likely Juliana won't have any major accomplishment, say like Einstein who was thought to be retarded, or Beethoven who composed more music deaf then able to hear. At least she made us stop and think for a second, and appreciate that we're "normal".

I also watched the show last night.
When I was pregnant with my now 4 year old son, I had several tests done (as most women do). One test determined that my son would possibly be born with Down's Syndrome. My Dr. asked if I wanted to terminate my pregnancy and being a Christian I said it didn't matter what was wrong with my child...God had selected a situation for me and I was going to follow His will. After four ultrasounds and several specialists, the doctors still said my son would have Down's and a heart defect. I declined an amnio because you have a higher chance of miscarriage. Thank the Lord my son was born a perfectly healthy 9 lb 1 oz baby. If I would have followed the advice of some of the others posting messages I would have terminated a perfectly healthy child just because there was a 'possiblity' of there being something wrong with my son.

I don't understand how some can sit back and critize the Wetmore's for following what they believe was the right decision for their life and that of their daughter. They are the one's that are living with this day after day. God bless them for their decision to not take the easy way out. Stand firm in your faith Wetmore's. I am praying for you and your family.

this show is stupid
that kid is a freak
and is going to go through hell it's whole life

Uhm hello... whatever happened to "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness"?? Nobody should be denied the right to live. We were all born for a reason, and we all have a purpose in life. And for those of you who say she has no future are just ignorant. Juliana has gotten the attention of many people around the world, more than i ever will; that in itself is an obstacle she succeeded in without even trying. She is only two, and she's touching the hearts of many, including mine. THANK YOU FOR LETTING JULIANA LIVE she has made an impact on my life!!

People come in all different shapes and sizes and colors. No body is qualified to judge anybody.
Juliana is lucky to have such loving parents to support her. My heart goes out for her and her family. If I have only one wish - then I'll wish to take away the pain for her.
Tom and Tammi you are the bravest and the best loving parents for Juliana. Juliana has touched so many hearts and lives already, including mine. Keep up the good works and give Juliana a big hug for me please.

I'll continue praying for little Juliana and your family to have the strength to carry on and endure to the end.
Juliana! hang in there sweetie, I'll be praying for you everyday.

IM PRAYING FOR JULIANA EVERYDAY! SHE HAS TOUCHED MY HEART.

A few important things to say...

Those who questioned the intelligence of people who believe in God...
You are questioning the intelligence of the following people....
Albert Einstein, Galileo, Isaac Newton, Johannes Kepler, Michael Faraday, Lord Kelvin, William Herschel, Gregor Mandel, Blaise Pascal, Copernicus, Michelangelo, Beethoven, Mozart, Rembradt, 52 of the 55 founding fathers of the USA and even Charles Darwin, only to name a fraction of a percent of them.
If you don't know any of these people, look them up. Some of the greatest minds in history are believers. In fact, it seems that the smarter minds here are the strongest believers.
'Tina' said, "Did anybody ever consider that this child was born the way she was, created that way or turned out that way by God, but that without MAN's intervention she likely would have died within a few hours?"
That's right, I forgot the 11th commandment, "thou shalt not prevent death"
'Richard' said, "Religion is a form of MADNESS that is caused by STUPIDITY, INSECURITY, and FEAR OF THE UNKNOWN"
That's right also, but only for those who don't believe in God. I don't know any mad, stupid, insecure or unknown fearing christians. Not one.
The bottom line is that there are two primary reasons that people refuse to believe in God.
1. Lack of information. Some of the greatest scientist the world has ever known believe(d) in God. They weren't stupid by a long shot.
2. Fear. Fear of being ridiculed. Fear of being made fun of or losing friends. Fear of being looked at in the way they are looking at believers now.
I would go on but this really isn't the place.
I invite all e-mails so that I can tell you how it really is. E-mails that are only insults of some kind will be viewed as your acceptance of being wrong in the matter because you have nothing relevant to say.

For the actual subject here...
God bless this family every day. As Julianna grows, I know she will make a big impact on the world. Even bigger than the impact she's making on everyone posting here. She will always be focused and aware of her goals and will have a big advantage over us because of the distractions we so easily fall into, the distractions that God has taken out of her life.
She has a huge mental advantage over us. She's gonna be "dangerous" after she graduates!!!
All my love and prayers.

This story touched my heart. I'm studying to be a nurse, with a possible focus on pediatrics, and this only confirms my desire to devote my life to making the ignorant people on this board eat their words when blessed children like Juliana prevail. She WILL prevail. There will come a time...maybe not soon, but eventually...when she will be able to lead a semi-normal life. The thought that she would be better off dead is just abominable. I watched the TLC documentary on her the other night, and was amazed that although she has endured so much...she is a healthy, active, adorable little girl. She rides on her rocking horse and plays with her sister. She bangs excitedly on piano keys and mimics her father, shaking her head "no" as he nods "yes". Her parents are so incredibly loving and gracious. Things happen for a reason. I'm not a devout Christian, but I believe the Lord works in mysterious ways. Though this seems like such a tragedy, it should teach everyone something. To give up is cowardice. To keep on trucking, despite cost and time, in the effort to better the life of another is true heroism. You think it's EASY for the family to go through this? I would bet not. I've also read many testimonials of those with Treacher Collins, and one actually said that given the choice to have or not have the disease, she wouldn't change a thing. While more than Juliana's appearance is at stake right now, they are confident that she will, some day, be able to eat and breath on her own. At that time, all that will be to worry about is appearance. And we all know that appearance matters way too much to our society. I will be in a profession where the strength of heart will matter a million times more than looks and appearance. And I cannot wait for the day that a beautiful Juliana Wetmore looks out to the world, and to the bastards on this board that said she was a mutant and should be euthanized, and shows the world that she was worth saving. Because she will.

Newman, I don't read all the comments. I haven't the time. My blog gets tons of traffic and I check it once every few days and whatever comments are nearest to the top, I read them. Lucky you.

I don't take your insults personally. I believe your conclusions are wrong, but I've learned long ago not to enter into online debates on the acutal issues with people such as yourself. This is America and you have the right to be mistaken.

So where was the hatred in your post?

"This misguided blind righteous judeo-christian **** is just as misguided as Katie."

I had to edit your profanity. Your judgmentalism reeks of hatred of those who are people of faith and God Himself.

If it quacks like a duck...

I deleted Newman's post because he choose to swear even though he knew I didn't allow it on my blog. Then, when I deleted the post, he arrogantly summed it up to my inability to debate him. He suggested that if I was going to delete one post, I delete them all. I aim to please. :-)

You may find this a cruel thing to say, but I feel the baby should have been euthanized when the face was discovered. She will face nothing but a life of pain.

You make my point much better than i do.

I think that Juliana has great parents and you cant help it if you child is born with a defect a human is a human she should be treated like every one else with a few acceptions. Juliana looks like a sweet heart and anyone who doesn't have faith in her has no faith in life!!! we love you juliana and you have great parents!!!!

well, i guess i must be one of those going to hell....

to believe in a GOD, in an almighty being that watches over all- takes care of all in "his" so-called mysterious ways is so backwards, so lost in the past, so fearful of living this life to the fullest- in my opinion.
this child had to be resuscitated. she was not born breathing-the doctors forced her to breath and to live. i feel they should have let her sleep. look at the circus around this. WHAT lesson are WE ALL suppose to learn from this? love? shouldn't we already know by now how to LOVE? all of you people that have jesus or god in your life shouldn't you know by this juncture what love is? how to love one another, accept EVERYBODY for ALL of their differences? like your christ did? heh? well i'd have to say from watching your christian president the answer would be NO.
from how you believe in sin i'd have to say NO. from how you think to love another person no matter what colour, what religion, what gender is wrong unless it is how it was written (and rewritten and rewritten, etc., etc. ad infinitum) in the book of books then again i'd have to say NO.

you like to pat yourselves on the back, think that you are above others, when in reality you are all addicts- not strong enough to believe in yourself, this planet, this life- you have to cling to some belief-that none, absolutely none of you in reality live by.

Good for you, Joel! My thought when I read "tosca"s posting was "Well, it hardly takes a lot of thought or energy to 'believe in yourself' and 'the planet' does it?" Also: that Christ obviously did NOT "accept everybody for(sic)all their differences." He has some pretty harsh words for liars, murderers, adulterers, purveyers of false doctrine and even moneychangers. (Of course, I'm talking about moral--not physical--differences here, but tosca didn't make a distinction.)

As I understand Christian doctrine, suffering of all kinds--including fatal deformities--came into the world through Original Sin. Permitting a fatally-ill infant (who is prior to the age of accountability) to slip away means she slips into the arms of God.

The range of opinion about this case interests me, especially the range of Christian opinion. My own feeling is that the welfare of the individual should take precedence over others' reactions to her. What I mean is that we should be very careful not to sustain the suffering of someone only because she might serve to "inspire" others. I ask again: Would you put a deaf, half-blinded dog yhat can't eat its foods through 50 painful surgeries?

And (I don't think anyone has brought this up yet) but instead of putting yourself in the shoes of the parents--a relatively easy thing to imagine--try putting yourself in the shoes of the child. THEN which would you prefer? A short life of pain and multiple surgeries or birth and then almost instantly entering the presence of God, pure and intact? Who among you would choose to be the malformed "inspiration?"

Or, we could go back to the Christianity of greeting card poetry & angel pins, and making people suffer because we have fun thinking about and fussing over them as "special people."

Well, that's a good question. But it doesn't really apply here. It may be a fact that the "road to Hell is paved with good intentions" but so is the road to Heaven, so to speak!

For the third time, I want to point out that I'm not suggesting euthanasia, for Juliana or for anybody else, I'm just suggesting that the airway shouldn't have been corrected and the stomach tube not inserted.

In my own advanced directive, I have it very carefully spelled out: NO stomach tube, ever. The stomach tube has been one of the biggest curses of modern medicine, enabling millions of people to *exist* far longer than they *live*.

Wow Firebird... harshly spoken... but very accurate. Nice post.

Hi. I'm Stephanie.I'm thirteen years old and... quite frankly... I feel 10 times smarter than half of you adults right now. Joel, especially, makes me sick to my stomach.

I watched this documentary on DHC just a couple hours ago, and while looking for more information on her, stumbled upon this site. Sorry to be harsh, but I think you bible thumpers need it. If god loved this girl, why would he make her suffer like this? You keep saying over and over and OVER how "God makes everyone for a reason. He loves us all, even then devil spawn that don't believe in him." Okayyyyyyy... so tell me... What was his reason to make a child like this? And whoever said "Life is preparation for immortality in heaven" well... then wouldn't she want to hurry up and get out of this HELL she calls life and get to the most perfect place?

And if god really loves ME, why am I destined to go to hell? If god is real, he's worse than the devil. "I want you to think for yourself and do what you want, but if you don't do what I tell you to, you'll spend eternity in a place full of the worst pain and suffering you could ever imagine." Hmmmmmmmm... okay...

Firebird, her appearance is not the point. She isn't a sloppy burrito. She's a poisoned, unfunctional burrito. She can't eat, breathe, hear, talk or see on her own. What will she be able to accomplish when she's older? I agree, if I were the parent in this situation I would probably try to hold onto my little girl as long as possible, but if I saw her in this condition... well... I guess I wouldn't know what to do.

As you can see, I mostly posted this to share my opinion on YOU guys, but I really should be talking about what I think about Juliana's case. It's not my place to be saying what the parents should do because, obviously, I'm not a mother. Euthanasia is pretty grave, but perhaps it would have been the best for Juliana.

I wish her family the best, despite all I've said. I really hope someone responds to this, especially you Joel, I could use a good laugh.

Allen.
At first I was impressed with your trumpetting insults and Dr. Death footing. However, the cowardice you expressed blew it all away like the dainty hankies filled with ineptness that they are.
What do you mean it's TOO LATE? She still needs 30 more operations! 30!! AT what cost?! Is it too late to kill Juliana and save those little third world kids? Are you giving up on them? I know you'd love to be the first in line to smash a rock on Juliana to end the [so called] misery and start saving those big dollars. Funny, I'd rather starve and give all my money to her future, than to buy you even one taco if you were starving. What I am certain of though is that when you need the big bucks to get a liver transplant, you'd suddenly care less about those little starving kids in your featured exhibition here. Why don't you start knocking off people who are wasting the system in your community and be a shining example of Allen-ism. A hug from that little girl is of more worth than your very existence. Your argument is flawed.

I saw a short news clip of Julianna and she was absolutely adorable. She has so much love for everyone around her...she'd just reach out to strangers and give them hugs! I cannot even believe some of you say that she should not have lived...she is perfectly capable as a human being, and deserves life just like everyone else that was lucky enough to be born healthy.I think her parents are amazing people to help her and love her like they do...unlike some of you who would've rather killed her.

Okay Allen. Answer the questions I ALREADY asked about "the big bad God I hate so much". And I just want to say that I'm on the fence about Juliana. I can't say I WANT anything specific to happen to her, and I admire those who give contributions to the family. It isn't enough to say you support them, if you really cared, you'd DO something. So good job OAM. I doubt you agree with anything I say, but you're a good person.

Okay Stephanie, let me try to answer you about God.
One question is why would God create people like Juliana. All I can do is thump my bible and show you what it tells us. That's just going to have to be enough as that is the only written revelation he gave us. Did you know the right man to lead the Israelites from Egypt was Moses. He had a stuttering problem!!!! Read Exodus and see. Even Moses said to send someone else and God was angry because he wanted Moses, the man he was, imperfect to the rest of the world. God told him "Don't I make the blind, deaf, and stutterers?" This is not an admission of guilt, this is a statement of law that ALL with disablities are still in Gods Image!
Worthy of life, and in Moses case, capable of astronomical things! Have you ever read the incredible writings of John Merrick aka the elephant man? He was EXTREMELY intelligent and decided to live with his impairemtents. Or the cathedral model he built with SUCH detail! Look at Juliana, not even 5 years old and is famed around the globe... and very much loved. That little girl shames us all with the love she gives so freely, and in the face of opposition who want to kill her, she has (the nerve eh?)to just go on being a little girl in every way! Again, I draw the line at your compassion level and sense of humanity and wisdom of the human condition we are all sharing. If having the physically impaired is a problem, then it would be
quite an apocalypse to rid the world of their misery, even though they seem to want to go on, and so much can happen to us at ANY time! Now step off the mount of arrogance and look from our level. So we are satisfied that God allows some to be born with terrible defects. What about the defects HUMANS create? DON'T write us off as innocent!!!!! Those who do drugs, crack and alcohol have terrible defects of babies... did GOD
shove those chemicals in them? Or the drunk drivers that mutilate, burn horribly in crashes innocent children?!! Have you ever seen the horrible conditions they now have to live too?!
How about the crippled and those who now live like Juliana thanks to suicide bombers and wars fought by MAN against MAN. Yet, those people are still loved, damaged and all, by
their parents, children and friends. Steph, if you lost your legs and stomach to a drunk driver, you'd be by all rights a burden too. If you wanted to live, you'd be pretty much screwed if society labelled you a burden eh? So there we go for starters.... when the human race is perfect, then we can sit and try to judge God okay? From Heaven came Juliana's physical design (while you were in the womb I knew you). Don't hate Juliana, and let her opinion about Gods design be for her to judge.
I say she is the proving ground to separate those in the world who can see past the surface and those too shallow in heart that can't. Those who can see her inside, simply fall in love with this incredible child. God knew what he was doing. She is no error, or mutant. She's just what this world needed.

Helden,

You are such a disgrace to the idea of facts that your posts are nothing more than journalistic arson. Your theology is not only repulsive to the reality of Christian faith, it happily only belongs to you. As is the habit you have, you misread and misrepresent what I said. I said that God is NOT busy making defects, but that ALL people defects and all are in HIS IMAGE and we have no right to snuff out lives. Since there is NOBODY in a physically or mentally perfect state in age or life, you included, then there exists no bar of quality of life to go by as a standard. Otherwise most everyone would be snuffed out. Therefore, as a human race, we should preserve all, and treat life as sacred. If you READ my posts I am 'd@mn' right in what I say about God. The Moses comparison was ONLY to show we are ALL in God's image, defects and all and that despite the consequences that the Fall in the Garden had on mankind, he is determined to fulfill his promise to us which was never taken away... to be fruitful and multiply. READ what I said... It was not an admission of guilt by God, it was affirmation we are all in his image. And although the effects of the fall upon the human condition physically is daily presented to us, God did not give you the commission of watch the fruit and if it in anyway imperfect, cleanse the world for him and be his messenger of doom upon the imperfect. It is your vision of God on his throne with a swastika band on his arm that is truly frightening. Did you not read what Jesus said, ' Is it better to destroy life, or to save it?'
What a pathetic excuse you are of a human being to suggest that when Juliana was born, they should have just watched her wither and die of starvation or suffocation. You make me sick, even athiests I know have more fortitude for our race. Compassion and pity are 2 different things, learn the definitions and you'll be a better person. And if you would confess to your hypocrisy you will note you mention the Fall in the Garden and that the misfortunes of the race are now upon us because of it. Your hypocrisy blinds you to the fact that Juliana then
according to your own admission suffers from our mistake, so instead of caring for a sufferer of our mistake, you say let the mistake die and go away instead of salvaging what little remains in our nature that is good and do the right thing and
preserve and love that little soul in there.
If her soul is something good from a God who creates good people 100% of the time as YOU say, then what is
your MAJOR malfunction to suggest the body she inhabits, inherited by humans, was a major mismatch by a perfect God and as the spokesperson for the angel of Death, should die??!!
In your trumpet parade of blithering, you will notice you said for us to put ourselves in Julianas place. Well the idiot you are, you realize that you can't and maybe with your upbringing you'd like to be put down, but she wants to live and love and is the joy of her parents and thousands upon this planet. READ... again READ... what I posted.... ONLY SHE can be the judge of how God made her... NOT YOU... she is the ONLY one. So you can unpack the assisted suicide van as I don't think she will be your next customer. However, keep a needle handy for YOURSELF in case you realize you would like to do Juliana a favour......

Helden,

If I need to apologize for the lengthy responses, I do. After all, I have spent 23 years in cult ministry unravelling doctrinal pretzels of the message of Christ from those twisting it to their ends.

Now out of your very long post, I pulled out the centre of the discussion again.

You wrote: "This is a discussion about the ethical implications of sustaining the most damaged among us."

The ethical question is who will get to play God.
Since there are no 'perfect' bodies or brains, we have no standard which will not render this self righteous race hypocrites.
Why do you figure we must play God to the "damaged"? Why is 'servant to the damaged' so repulsive? Julina's parents consider her no burden. A challenge perhaps but love her, and you think you could ring their doorbell and suggest kill her? Yet, you haven't even met any of them. Hospitals are full of comas, amputations, quadropalegics (who are a BIGGER burden than Juliana ever will be). Is it unethical to let a paralyzed person from the neck down live? You must think that. The idea to suggest, kill Juliana before a quadropalegic is emblamed with stupidity. Make me understand how your right to judge Juliana a waste OVERULES her choice to live, or even her present 'will' to live. Helen Keller, John Merrick are 2 examples who just wanted to fit in as the human beings they were. Were they parasites feeding on the healthy lives of others like you claim Juliana is to us? I angrily disagree...

Please share....

Helden,

First with my laugh attached, I NEVER said you would kill anyone...
Here is what I said: "you think you could ring their doorbell and """" suggest """" kill her." Can you quote me properly only one post away??

You have your own created view of God and Christianity. That has been made quite clear.
So appealing to scripture and the nature of God is only an exercise in futility. I'll spare us both that here.

Now in fact YOU are wrong. You say that if someone is born and may need medical intervention at birth
they should be let to die. No, of course no God-complex here right? Medical assistance saved her and helps her today. You say that they should have let her just go at birth. So, help her survive with medical help, or let her die.... no choice of life or death?... You must really be messed up if you can't see that.

My question to those who wave the quality of life banner is who sets it, and what is it? People are born without eyeballs, arms, legs, both, albino, no sweatglands, chronic skin lesion diseases... the list is miles long. I was trying to say that the human race would be hypocrites to set a line of "this is quality of life". Compared to who? Has
anyone ever lived 1-120 in perfect health and then drop dead? (Yes besides the Moses account)We are not authoritative to rule over every baby's built in 'will to live'. We are not worthy to judge any man woman or child's life as inferior quality.And putting death as a tool for humanity as an option both at birth, or in life, is reckless and devoid of knowing the truth of human nature. I'm sorry, but death is too FINAL for us to handle.

AGAIN.... please understand.... my problem is only
who gave you the right to say that if one of these
defected children are born, they should die without help. Obviously the issue is not what we do with our bodies during our lifetime. You can CHOOSE to remove gallstones or straighten teeth. A life, no matter how mangled looking to you physically, is still a human being worthy of a chance to live.... it is THEIR life.

QUESTION #1: Why is a chance evil?

You mention: "The most I'm doing is wondering what the quality of Juliana's life will be when she fully realizes her state." I wrote previously and state again, that is for HER to judge.

Question #2: Why are YOU there judging instead of Juliana??!!

There are many handicapped who actually say they thank God for what they are... you say it would be better for her to never reach that point of deciding. Julianas' mind is alive and fully functioning. See the medical posts at First Coast News. She can see. She has some hearing(deaf is certainly not deathworthy). She needs a trach (COMMON medical device). She can think, tease her dad... you know what.....?

Fact #1: Juliana was worthy of that chance.

The love that little kid gives to all is staggering. What a great evil it would have been to 'just let her go'.

No, you wouldn't kill Juliana. Of course not. But,
to the face of Juliana's parents, and to Juliana, you can bravely say, "Juliana, they should have let you die".

Incidentally, I was born 2 months premature and needed medical intervention and an incubator. I was born unable to breathe. I have a few discomforts from the episode, the 60's weren't that advanced. I'm fine with God about it. I am glad they didn't just let me die as I turned blue. I am an authority on this subject.... you are not.

Helden,

Ah my friend, you never tire of knowing that I whisper "oh for crying out loud" each time you misquote me or not understand what I feel is a straight forward issue. I mean now you bring in capital punishment, how can I keep up with your woes of the world in these little blogs?

I also believe that my 'opinions' of you differ from 'insults'. My strong opinions are obvious reactions to what I consider illogical thinking or arrogance towards an imagined superiority that the human race possesses when wielding the sickle of death. Therefore only point #5 is an insult. Conversely, I would say that about ANYBODY who thinks Juliana is better off dead. So don't take it personally.

You do a big talk about the Fall, sin effects etc, but still do not understand the nature of mankind, and what God has to say about it. Again, I will not waste time on it here. And sorry, read the encounter with Moses and you'll see that even God said: "Okay I know Aaron can speak well, so I give you the words and you give them to Aaron to speak"
Read that in Exodus 4:10-16. It had NOTHING.... read it ... NOTHING to do with trusting God's words, but in Moses' ability to deliver it with his speech problem. You are mistaken and it is very clear context and all.

In your morbid humour (fact, not insult) you say "She certainly would have rapidly decided about that for herself!". There will never be an insult I could conjure up to match the coldness in what you just wrote and thought of as funny and oh so witty...
Helden, the impasse here is that I believe every child born should have a chance. I believe we as a race have that responsibility. And in a twist of policy, you "seem" to imply that if they do make it after all, then the 'quality of life' should be reason #2 to let a baby die, as if to make sure there is ample reasons to never let the imperfect breathe outside air.

Now enough topic tag. You are very confusing as I don't know what you consider 'viable'. Preemies deserve attempts to save? There's a double standard my friend, as they will certainly die without intervention that could last months.

I believe after rereading all your posts that Juliana's only problem for you is like I said in my first post... "if they "blurred" out the face, you will see nothing different about her and other little girls"

A couple surgeries to come for her are primarily to help her breathe without a Trach. Trachs are pretty common aren't they? And to help construct a
skull that will provide proper structure and sockets. Is that evil?

Lets' check the list:

- She needs a trach to keep her airway open
- is that bad or is it common in patients?
- She has a deformed face due to missing bones
- well you said her appearance is not at issue
- She has some hearing
- deafness is not a crime

What warranted death? A feeding tube?! A Trach?!
I believe you just can't get around that face.

By giving Juliana that "chance", these are her only major problems. In fact the face surgeries are not necessary except for the one on her throat to open more airway. The next surgeries are years away and she can decide if she wants them or not.
And if her appearance is going to be a hell-on-earth maker for her, than it is the human race at large that has the problem, not her.

"We've got to try"
"She deserves that one chance"

These statements made Juliana possible to be 'daddy's little girl'. Again, they are the ones in
this venture, not you. Her family accepts her, and
you're making her out to be more burdensome than she is. It was truly Gods providence that the moment she was born that the doctors didn't say,
"Quick, call Helden, see if this kid should die right here and now".

She breathes. Thinks. Plays. Communicates with sign language. Cries (frowning is her way). Teases
her daddy. Hugs everyone who meets her. Is in a family that loves her with countless friends around the world now.

Yes, she was more than worth the chance. She deserved it anyway, and those who think like you have no right, and are unworthy to take it away from all the little persons who are born. A chance may fail, but that little person deserves at least our best hand.

See.... a no-brainer. (whoa, heck of a pun there)

Well, 'dude' in this country we'll skate long before surfing on. My guess is that you are surrounded by people who either can't debate with you or don't waste their time. Believe me, after all these years dealing with cultic pretzels... you're not my worst nightmare. As you, I love doing this to.

Now for my final appeal to help you understand the simple problem Moses had, I quote from a paraphrased Bible to prove Moses was ONLY worried about his speech ability once the authority of Jehovah sending him was established:
Ex 4:10- Moses said to the LORD, "O Lord, I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue." You just simply refuse to see that Moses didn't want to be the speaker, and that the "message" of God was not his fear.

Okay, that's enough of that, so on to Juliana.

The 30 surgeries planned are mostly facial reconstruction, including 2 recent ones to expand her jaw. The only ones to keep her 'viable' amount to the removal of her trach by widening her air passage (2 I believe they said). Her parents have already stated on record that one day, Juliana may decide she's had enough surgery and may want to stay at whatever unfinished stage she is at. Again, only for reconstruction. However, you sidestepped my inquiry and I still wait for a reply.

What part of her birth warranted a death sentence from your view? Partial deafness is no crime. A trach is pretty common and only temporary. She was
born missing 40% of her skull bones. But that only
affects her appearance. She needed critical care, but so do the preemies you defend. She has sight, and as seen on the videos at First Coast News, boots around like anyones daughter and communicates and even teases her daddy and hugs all who enter. The MANY future surgeries are construction in nature, not life saving.

So, Which one was death-worthy: Partially deaf,
needing critical care (temorarily!), trach, face.

I hope you can enlighten us all.

Now this was not an angry post. This was a happy post. Just because someone disagrees with you on something isn't a bad thing. Hope this makes you feel warm and fuzzy. Okay? Chin up eh?

Actually, you are quite mistaken, the defense I have for little Juliana knows no bounds. In my studies with cultists, I learned to look for patterns which characterize their theology. Underlying themes, denials of facts, and symantics of all variations give a big picture and their character feeds off of them. Well, you certainly have made your point clear, and as you said, these posts are here for all to see. The wind in your sails is NOT the moral implications or ethical question... it's how good and witty will people see your answers are. I deny and resent the notion "what we've been attempting here is somewhat like what the Dalai Lama was raised doing" Where on this planet do you get that from my posts??!! You are only here so
the world will "applaud the ones who can make their point with cleverness and elegance". I picked that up with your cold sick joke that Juliana would decide quick enough to live or die. And the blatant refusal post after post to answer what aspect of Juliana warranted death at birth without intervention; pointedly the 2 posts ahead of us now.

You at least have good wits to feel I was 'running out of steam'. It's that same running out of steam that slowly builds when you realize the colour you're painting the room is not what the can says.
You gave the impression you seriously considered this moral question and wanted to kick ideas around. Instead, that was just a cover. I was right in my early assumption that you either had nobody around to debate with you or that nobody in your surroundings would waste their time letting you entertain yourself about how witty you are. So
yes, I read not only what your posts said, I read what it said "about" you. So, for the world to see, your posts now show that truth and how one 'Bible Thumper' caught on.

There is a difference between conceit and confidence. Learn them.

I will no longer reply to you as Juliana is worth more than your self-glory wit. Of course, you do get the last word.

No friend, sorry. You're wrong. I found this topic interesting and thought-provoking enough to write about for a while. There are lots of angles to ethical decisions, and so many in this particular one that we haven't even touched on yet. You've attributed some sort of ego-motive to me. I've no control over what's now in your head. That's your business.

I DO think Internet forums have something in common with rousing dharma debates, but I see forum writing more as a series of "open letters" where others might read, find something interesting, and throw their own opinions into the mix. I'm not sure why you chose to suddenly become my literary critic...but you've insulted me in just about every other way, and basically called me an idiot so hey, why not this too, right? It's like, no matter what I write, according to you, it's always gotta be in there for some low, crappy motive. The gentle teasing I finally started was a reaction to your attacks.

Incidentally, I'm pretty much commitment-phobic so cults are not and have never been even a remote temptation. You keep bringing them up. I'm similar to a cult member because I disagree with you & can produce reasons for the position I hold? Is that it?

The way I write is natural to me; it's part of me, and recognizable by everyone who reads anything I write. Some like the style; some skip over the postings as "too long." Some claim not to like disputes. I've gotten into the habit of carrying on the conversation; posting to anyone who posts to me, even if they're angry and insulting. I have two goals in contributing to a forum: To communicate ideas clearly in an entertaining manner, and to be thought-provoking. Who knows? Maybe there's some book or article I cited that someone will look up? Maybe they'll get into that chapter of Exodus?

Now, on-topic:

I'm not going to deal with the "why Juliana warrented death" question again. (The phrasing of that challange makes it impossible to answer anyway. It's like that old lawyer joke: "Sir!!When did you stop beating your wife??") I'm more interested in why, if she had been discovered to be microcephalic as well as deformed, not saving THAT life would have been considered "okay!" There sure was a scale of human valuation being used in THAT O.R!

It's one of the paradoxes of our age that no one seems to want to objectively discover what "warrents" either life or death, especially for newborns & fetuses. Even after years of genetic and embryological study, the best the world can come up with is that the definition of "life-worth-saving" is arbitrary and culturally-determined. Otherwise the Supreme Court wouldn't be talking about legislation to permit pulling the legs of unwanted late-term infants out of the womb and suctioning their brains lest they get all the way out alive and suddenly--*POOF!*--magically become transformed into Americans with a full set of civil rights!

So: Since people who actually *know this scientific stuff* can't make up their minds, I personally am NOT going to blame the average thinkers for lining up on opposite sides in this matter and responding emotionally: Half of them saying "She's a mutant! Put her down!" and the other half saying "She's a perfect little angel! How could you be so cruel?"

What I wrote about "Juliana's choice" wasn't a "cold sick joke." It was a fact. In a situation where life is naturally slipping away, there are only 3 possible courses of action: save the life, end the life, or do nothing, and the latter is the course least likely to be confused with doctors "playing God." When faced with the dilemma of drastic deformity inside and out plus the normal brain, the doctors chose the conservative course. And: You didn't even notice that in my last posting I *actually conceded you a point* by writing that "erring in the direction of life" was something that doctors "should generally do!" Since you seemed to see this as some sort of competition rather than a conversation, give yourself a pat on the back!

I can't pretend that a normal solution to Juliana would have been to kill her in abortion because of what others will think or say. Like I said earlier, why should the only shot at life she gets be snuffed out when it is the ignorant and shallow of the world who have the problem, not HER. If people can't see the little person behind that face, then they are the emotionally damaged ones that are dangerous to society, not a little girl who hugs everyone who she meets. See at First Coast News website videos. If you were in a fire, and only your face was destroyed by the flames, everything else is as usual, should we snuff you out too for 'not fitting in'? Of course, as an Atheist, we're at different poles. I would say that Juliana is a living soul in there, a person, and self aware. I disagree that life should be treated as trash when it arrives not like a billboard image of the perfect baby.

? How can it be rationalized that the spending all this money and care on one infant while these resources could be used to benefit many others in need. How can it be fair, ethical or even moral to keep one girl alive, who, born with such severe defects while the same money could be used to keep hundreds of families fed and children educated.

Shouldn’t scarce resources be distributed for the greatest good, distributed in way as to benefit greater numbers rather than the entire amount being spent experimental treatments on one infant.

Every child deserves all the care a society such as ours can provide, but why should the treatment of one come at the non-treatment of so many

I wept through the program tonight. I'm a born again Christian, and I know that when we stand before God there will be no accusing Him of anything because we'll understand all things then. But for now, I kept asking Why, God?! And, Please never let that happen again! I pray for children in this world and that there would be less suffering in this group especially, and I do believe this prayer will be answered, and that is one positive outcome of this and of Juliana's life. She is a precious little girl, and we have to learn to see beyond the outward in people and see their soul and meet their needs deep inside because every person has such deep emotional needs and cries inside to be loved and cherished. I'm so grateful Juliana has such wonderful parents. I think God Himself is crying too. This sin sick world is not His original design. I'll leave it at that, because that would be a long theological discussion. Anyway, there are no answers sometimes, and we just have to keep going and love and support each other, and do our honest best in what has true meaning in this life.

I agree, this pregnancy should have been terminated. This poor little girl has gone through more hell then any should ever have to go through.

If I remember correctly these parents said they probably would have terminated the pregnancy if they had known the severity. The facts are that during pregnancy they were under the impression from ultra sounds and what the doctors had told them, the baby would have a cleft pallet.

Given this information would you still termintate this pregnancy over a cleft pallet?

I personally would not have. But just like everyone else's perfect hindsight here, I would have terminated the pregnancy given what we know now.

To the person that thinks this medical care is a waste of resources, here's a little nugget to chew on. Cancer is not cureable....so we waste billions already.

You know, if this child were born into a tribe of people, if would be left for dead, that's the way nature works. Sorry if that sounds too harsh, but that's a law of nature. If a baby is sick, the mother leaves it behind. If they put her into surgery to reconstruct her face, then they don't believe in God or nature. If God made her for a reason, they're going against him by changing her in any way, even to save her life. If she dies, that's nature and God's will. I respect that they want to make her comfortable and love her until the end, but I don't respect any medical intervention. That's intervening with the higher power, whomever that may be.

Discrimination is necessary in humans, it exists for a reason, it's natural. If there was no discrimination, humans would procreate with those with deformities and as a result produce more humans with deformities. Discrimination serves a purpose in nature.

Though i appreciate everything that her parents do for her and julianna is a happy child, i myself couldnt handle her. I would smother my child and call it SIDS

I see that the program about Juliana was aired again last night (picked up a fragment of it on TLC.) Trish...I'm hoping I understand your posting. I'm responding to you:
"The goal would be to promote bone growth in her lower jaw.(...) How can he love her unconditionally and alter her being? The higher power didn't create us along with surgery. The higher power created her as is, and if they had respect for God they would have respect for what he made."

Unless you're into Christian Science, we generally don't let nature take its course with our kids, right? We sometimes "alter our children's being" (as you say) in physical ways, getting their teeth fixed, keeping their hair & nails cut, correcting scoliosis, etc. That seems to me like loving the child(?) Caring for the child God gave you? The parents here are going to try to give their child some kind of life, and getting some facial structure in there may help her.

You also write: "When did human life become so valuable? Christians once believed that humans were insignificant and that only the afterlife mattered. Now humans believe that life is valuable no matter what state it's in."

Let's not confuse "human life" here with "human beings" or with "the World." Christians see human beings as created "in the image & likeness of God." (NOT in any physical sense...in the sense that we share some characteristics with God, such as rationality, compassion and self-awareness.)In the time of the Romans, humans--and human life--were considered insignificant. Christianity imparted meaning and value to the individual human being, and to human life as well. I, too, have some problem with the "life of any kind is better than death" attitude. Since Christians believe in an afterlife better than this one, then clinging to life after hope is gone seems somewhat inconsistant.

I was astounded by the hurtful, dark nature of some of the comments above. I stopped reading them because I choose not to have those disturbing thoughts echoing in my head. It is difficult to imagine in the year 2005 that there are still so many unkind, unaccepting people in the world.

I want to say that I am deeply saddened by this story. Not for the way that little Julianna looks, but for the horrible uncertainty under which her parents live their daily lives. I can't begin to comprehend how they feel each time they take Julianna into another surgery...never really knowing if their beautiful child is going to survive.

When I saw the special on television, I cried. As I watched Julianna's arms hold tight to her mother and father and saw her unease while undergoing testing, I could not help but see a little girl frightened...like any other child would be in the same circumstances.

I hope that the person who owns this site will make a humane decision and decide to delete the comment section for this article. All of these poisonous comments are not constructive, but vendictive and damaging.

To the friends of the Wetmore Family, please give them my heart felt thoughts and prayers.

Gwen, I feel your pain.

(No, this isn't a facitious comment. Unlike my erstwhile sparring partner--who is chronically angry & full of piss--your heart is evident in your note.)

When discussing controversial things, there are always some people who want to discontinue the discussion, block or delete unpopular views, or simply block or ban the "politically incorrect" posters. It's always possible for a forum mod to take one or more of these actions. Posession is 9/10ths of the law, and the guy who opened the discussion has a perfect right to close it off if he wants. Or to exclude anyone he wants.

But I suspect that, this being the good 'ol USA, this particular discussion will just be left up here. It's not like the forum's invading anyone's space or being streamed in lights in Times Square. You have to look for it, and be interested enough to find it.

The Wetmores seemed pretty sharp to me. I think they have enough sense not to go "looking for trouble" and if they find some, to take negative comments with a grain of salt. They've chosen their path...They'll be walking it...No one who sees a picture or reads an article about their daughter is involved at all with them or with her.

Firebird & I are--of course!--once again, at mental right-angles to one another, talking about different things in different languages. He oddly had been insisting that that people in this board are saying that Juliana "isn't human"--Nope. I haven't been reading that in the posts! No one has denied Juliana humanity--and insisting that the fact that she "hugs" makes her human (Nope. Wrong again: Chimps, lemurs, opossoms, even on occasion, kitties "hug." It's not exclusive or identifiably human behavior.) She has a brain. She can respond to her parents & therapists. What's the big deal?

I've received the brunt of his accusations of cruelty and stupidity. I've received news of my own worthlessness. But since he can't write & apparently can barely read, I'm taking his comments with a grain of salt.

Now, if the pattern holds, Firebird, with fat reddened face & steam pouring out of his ears, is going to pretend to be amused by what I just wrote. *Yawn*

Gwen,
You're right on with your description about what you
observed in the TV special about Julianna. I see a little girl there too. Her dad, when she was born, said he went to see her to let her know she wasn't alone, and that he loved her. He said she squeezed his finger and he broke down. Sadly, some here could have cared less if she were left to die in a bucket because of the way she looks. What little gods they all are to be able to see 75+ years of her life, judge it a waste, and be able to say, snuff her out. I find it a futile exercise to try to reason with some here that we all share in humanity which unfortunately is not perfect in reproduction sometimes, but that is a 'person' that is born. Her dad says she has hands of a pianist, and feet of a ballerina, judging by the picture her mother took, she is quite a climber too!! I find it repulsive myself that if any of these judgers walked into Julianna's presence, she'd want to hug them, while they would look at her and tell her 'you should have been left to die when you were born.' Yet, the problems she has are no consequence to them, but the shallow cannot see the girl behind the face. Yes, 2005, and we still need to tolerate the ignorant.

The strength the overcome a situation like this is unbelievable to me. I believe that whatever life this girl haves, she has a special mission in it. That is why I believe God does these things, to test perserverence and to give the world something. Nothing is without purpose. No human being should go in absense of love. I GREATLY commend this girl's parents for having such pure love in their hearts.

Does anyone know the status of this girl? Whether the device put into her chin is pulling out her lower jaw? I guess until her bones stop growing they can't do any major surgery. Hopefully they can add some eye sockets and complete her checkbones, jaw, etc. when she reaches 18 or so. Is there any site that posts progress reports of her? Thanks.

I think julinna is beautiful, she is a happy and content little girl that has much to offer this world. maybe she can teach those who hate only cause they dont understand realize that there is always more to a person than what you see. her brain is normal and so is her heart. the face will come in time but if not then imagen how fortunate her
parents must feel just being able to have the chance to know her.you people that are so senical think that you are immune to pain and that nothing bad can happen to you, think again, you could be mr or mrs wetmore or even julianna, or worse. with all the hate in the world like parents throwing babies in dumpsters , and child milsters i think its wonderful that this family has been able to find all the love they have for this little girl , just as any mother and fater should for their child. i say good luck and god bless to this family.

HELLO EVERYONE, I AM DOING A REPORT ON TREACHER COLLINS FOR MY ANATOMY CLASS. IF ANYONE HAS MORE INFORMATION ON TREACHER COLLINS WILL YOU PLEASE IT TO PBCK007@HOTMAIL.COM OR GIVE ME THE ADDRESS TO THE SITE. THANK YOU ALL!! BLESS JULIANNA!

Jennifer,

The amazing point that some attempt to make in many of these posts has nothing to do with Julianna as you see her play, love, and be loved today in video or pictures. The arrogance they vomit for our consideration is 'quality of life' or the ludicrous 'viability'. They say she should have been left gasping at birth to die with everyone standing around saying 'too bad' (or maybe 'better you than me'). I in futility try to explain that it is for JULIANNA to decide... how do they know that at 18 she may just sit back and say, "Yes, I can live with this". No, THEY say they know somehow, THEY KNOW the outcome, THEY judge her insufficient at her level of human tissue disorganization. Yet, post after post I ask which condition at birth warrants them to stand and watch Julianna perish unnaccepted in a dumpster. A Trach is no big deal, and she can still hear, her face needs only constructive surgery, and she needs a feeding tube to nourish herself, and judging by how healthy her body looks, there is no problem there too. I submit if her face was perfect, the 'THEY' magistrates would not be as harsh. Again, if she will be teased, or shunned by her looks, why should JULIANNA die, if the FEW shallow idiots
are the ones with a problem? It is JULIANNAs life, it is HER body. There is a person behind the face. Although I am a Christian, I can't say 'God's testing us'. No, but because of our human condition those who are not born perfect are still human beings and DESERVE a chance at life. That is why the 'image of God' is so important. It puts the value of EACH person, on par as a gift from God. Even if one does not believe in a Higher Being, there can be no condemnation if we feel everyone should be treated like an intentional plan to be here and be given the CHANCE to live. If money dared to be brought up, then consistency goes twirling into confusion because Julianna needs "LITTLE" assistance compared to those crippled from the neck down who require 24 hour attention, or the medications paid in staggering amounts for AIDS which has no cure anyway. In Julianna, her story, and the interactions we see with those she encounters, I certainly concur she is just what this planet needs. Not as an object of pity, but just another little girl born into this planet with special needs like how many other thousands of children, let alone adults? She needed help to get started and has no problem hugging everyone back. Therefore, in response to Poppycock, the only gods involved here are the pompous who hail death not only as Juliannas answer to her problems, but also a missed opportunity when born.

Arguments are useless in a case like Julianna's. Only the facts matter. So rather than offer another argumentative opinion, I will provide no answers, only facts.

Fact: Julianna is an extremely deformed little girl.

Fact: Julianna is receiving excellent medical care.

Fact: Julianna will no doubt be dealing with her deformity for the rest of her life.

Fact: Julianna comes from a happy, supportive and loving family.

Fact: People with diseases, deformities and other abnormalities are not treated the same as those who are considered healthy.

Fact: We live in a country and society that is not only open, but supportive to people with disadvantages.

Fact: Most people would not consider Julianna beautiful.

Fact: People make mistakes.

Okay, because of the weight of this story, I cannot go without giving an opinion. It's incredibly easy to judge others, but those who do so and make suggestions that the parents should have "terminated their pregnancy" are only revealing what they themselves would have done in a similar situation. So long as Julianna can live comfortable (by that I mean without physical pain) it's not only right, but brave. If Julianna spent days in agony, trying to breathe, there would be reason to suggest cruelty. After I saw her program on TV, I couldn't help but be grateful for the circumstances surrounding her life. Loving parents, attention, medical care and most important: a chance.

Sharon,
Those who take pride in prescribing death either for the unborn, or handicapped use a word switch that is so transparent it is sickening to think they believe intelligent people buy it. They use "quality" over "convenience". Remember the old slogan "every child a WANTED child". Is it convenient? Disabled, an "inconvenience". If unwanted, it will grow up hated and other fantasies. If you look at these posts, again and again, I demand an answer to the "Juliana Problem"... what part of her birth would have warranted a death sentence? When you see her videos today, there is NO justification to have terminated her life at any point. If she needed a trach, so what? She needs a feeding tube.. again, she's pretty healthy looking and climbs like any other little girl. Well, now comes the face and the life long insults they say she'll endure, therefore, kill her. Well, get a load shall we. A
few shallow idiots in the world will tease her. So, kill the teasers or the teased... which one? They choose the teased so their perfect little Nazi heaven will not be contaminated with a little girl who loves to hug. Juliana is not a human waste, and certainly beyond any need for pity. Compassion in the 'real' sense with a good dose of
respect and sense of EVERYONE'S humanity and mortality allows a person to see the Juliana behind the face. Look at her from the back, and you see NO difference in movement (or attitude!) of other kids. The death squads are missing one or more of these simple qualities and are therefore only pathetic bothers to those of us who have them. And God certainly is not a blame here either. In fact, if I had to say anything, he knew what he was doing. Sharon, NO! These people don't think and are caught in their own stupidity.

Funny.... there is that breeze again... you know, like somebody running around in circles avoiding the issue....

FINALLY he comes clean!!!!!!!!!!!

"WHO WANTS TO ROMANTICIZE UGLINESS"

Now that you feel better not hiding the truth of
what you think about this child.... you may
rightly take your position among the other
emotionally and logically bankrupts.

Just march with your banner now and demand that
you have the right to pull the plug on ALL money
draining patients, and the crippled from the neck
down too! The national treasury will thank you.

You have lived up to everything I said you were.
There were no excited shepherds the night you
were born, and there will be no "Heil Helden"s
either.

Life is a gift. Life is everyones right. Julianna will always trump people like you.

I just want to say that I hope the child isn't suffering. If it was my child I would have had to abort, because I wouldn't have been able to afford the medical. But thats also why I am waiting to have a child.

I hope she has a wonderful life experincing all she can and I do hope that she can live a normal life as much as possible. It is a mircale that she is alive and great that her family loves her.

Good luck with each surgary that you pass and each experince you face.

Just saw the show "Born without a face" on Discovery Health Channel. Very powerful.

Over 80% of marriages of children with special needs end in divorce. Julianna appears very special needs.
My prayers are with the family, both financially and emotionally.

In order for Julianna to thrive, she will need an accepting and open minded community. If someone hangs their head or shys away from the family beacuse of their daughter's disability this is a chance for the family to educate others. Appearances aren't everything.

There will be rude comments, and stares. That is human nature. We can gain insulation from human nature from God. No one has the right to decide who lives and who dies, who is perfect and who is not perfect.

I don't really know what else to say. You either live the life you were dealt or you don't. What is the alternative for a child like Julianna? Why is she so different than someone with a speech disorder or Down's syndrome, because she is hard to look at?

Julianna was fortunate to be blessed with parents who love her and will advocate for her. God chose her parents and said "Yes, they will accept her and see her as I do". No one is guaranteed a perfect child, and we do what we can with what we have.

I watched the movie born without a face. So that means that I know all the troubles that you went through. God bless you!

Poor little julianna what if her parents caught sight of such a web site with people saying all kinds of horrible things. I watched the show about her last night and was moved to tears. I found this blog easily by trying to do some more research and share her sad story with others, as we are in the military ourselves and know that military people are not made of money to help try and raise some money for this family at least make a donation. God Bless her family for being so strong and Julianna as well. Just like any other little 2 yr old child she is innocent and curious. My preyers are with the entire family.

KATIE,

From what I have read in your posts I can only say that you are extremely ignorant of this whole situation. You should actually try wacthing the video clip or just read the article thourghly before you open your stupid mouth. First of all the parents only believe that the baby had a minor problem, a cleft lip. They had no idea that their child was missing 30-40 percent of the bones in her face. So, when their litte baby was born they had to deal with their baby's situation like any normal parents would. They saw past her abnormalities and loved her because she was theirs. How insensitive and unfeeling of you Katie to state that the parents should euthanize their little baby like an animal, like a dog. And how stupid of you to call this a mutant baby, the only mutant here is YOU. I don't believe that anybody wants this child to live in pain, it breaks my heart that such an innocent child should suffer. However, this child is fighting to live and has the right to live and thrive like anyone of us. I see this child and I see the most beautiful and bravest little girl of all. I see the love that her parents give her and the love she gives them. Kate, you are really stupid thinking you know what you are talking about, because you really don't know. It's easy to judge and assume you would know what you would do, and that goes to anyone else here who THINKS they know what their talking about. You only truly know what your talking about is if you were ever in this situation, than maybe you wouldn't say the stupid and ignorant things that you do. This little girls only deserves support, and not stupid comments from really, really, stupid people like you Kate. I hope this little girl thrives and gets all the support she can get so that she can make it through all that she has already been through, and whatever comes. I hope people find it in their heart and think of this child first before they speak, and do something that can be helpful or supportive instead of just judging. Christmas is coming and I hope we can use this post to help her by giving her our support instead of just talking about her. Let's help her anyway we can individually, or as a group. I guess that is the only way I can think of giving my support, if anyone has any better suggestions please feel free to state them.

MY FAMILY AND I SEND YOU OUR LOVE SWEET JULIANA!!! Diana

Oh Diana. My, you're a charming sort! And, obviously you HAVEN'T read my postings. This conflict is between Firebird & me. You walked into it & started slugging. HE decided to use this board to personally insult me since I disagreed with him and--to his frustration--could not only express myself BETTER than he could, but also supported my contentions with FACTS. His favorite insult is to call me a Nazi. I guess you two would get along just fine. (Maybe THAT's a match made in Heaven!lol)

We must be careful not to slip down the slope that Helden has wanted and which I had caught onto in an earlier post. This post space is about JULIANA, not Mr. Lookatme. The immaturity is so obvious I'd insult peoples' intelligence if I had to point it out. It is clear he must be using Microsoft Words' Thesaurus to come up with 'biggie' words. He admitted in previous posts he is here for the attention and debate (but only for the sake of debate!!) - see his post on Oct. 18, where he states:

I did want to mention, in conclusion, that what we've been attempting here is somewhat like what the Dalai Lama was raised doing, and what Tibetan monks do for fun and edification to this day: recreationally debating fine points of the Dharma in a public place before an audience. Village spectators gather round and applaud the ones who can make their point with cleverness and elegance. I most enjoy the kind of dispute that doesn't devolve into a flame war or whine fest.

There is no need to talk to him. I did attempt conversing at a level he could understand, but the contradictions, his endless rambling at people are useless, and outbursts have no place here. He once stated HE has cool collected answers, but his immaturity in a collective, intelligent discussion on Juliana's situation is clear, and a subject FAR beyond his current development. Either he is a blithering idiot like he portrays, or attempted to talk with the experienced people. Anyway, if Helden is reading this, I hope you take it as the shove off intended. By the way all, I emailed their nurse and she sent me a site where Juliana's mother keeps a journal, and updated pics, it's
http://www.JulianaWetmoreWeekly.com
Finally, maybe Santa will send Helden a 64 box of crayons with a built in sharpener so he can develop at his own speed.

Thanks for the clarification Helden. I hope I didn't jump to too many conclusions. Lets all just pray, if we are of faith, or wish, if not, this child has a great future. Yes, you are right, it will be difficult at best. Let's hope she is blessed abundantly. She seems to have the right parents.

Thanks for the words,
Todd

Thanks for the reply, Todd...I realize it's pretty hard to figure out the flow of conversation or someone's line of reasoning going on in a couple of months of postings, unless you've been reading along from day to day.

And I think you can see, from the post immediately above this one, what I've had to put up with during the past couple of months.

I've been online since 1999 and have, when I've had the time, dipped into a few boards of various sorts, and I've noticed that a lot of people come onto boards to drop what I describe as "hate-bombs" in one or two sentences. You can see a number of them here: Statements like "I would smother her" or "The mother should have aborted" or "What a freak" or "What an alien" or "The ugliest I've seen." There are usually misspellings and sometimes obscenities or curses.

Other people respond to these in a general way, such as "How could you be so cruel?" etc. What I find interesting is that very, very few of the people who leave those messages are attacked _personally_ for their views. The personal attacks and insults are saved for people who seem somewhat more articulate than the norm and will defend themselves if challanged. (If you doubt this, just get into a board & watch it happen.)

More than once, I myself have taken twenty or thirty slugs to the head out of the blue from people who didn't know what they were talking about, and then was told that I was the "mean" one. Or: the "stupid" one.

I think we need to make a distinction between expressing an unpopular opinion and "being mean." In this board I'm "mean" or a "nazi" or...whatever...because I said that Juliana was born doomed" (she was) and that the doctors "played god" by traching her (they did.) Then they played god again by determining that she was worthy to stay trached by finding a that she was--notice the irony in this direct quote of a nurse observing the brainscan--"A normal child." (I was sitting there watching this process on TV saying to myself "Uh-oh. The machine starts!") Of course if Juliana had been _microcephalic_ she wouldn't have been considered "worthy" of life by the medical community! Or if her condition had been diagnosed before birth! (Hairsplitting?)

This is off-topic, but I want to add here: OF COURSE we here in America live in a post-Christian world! Turn on the TV any time of day...Listen to what people actually say--watch what they actually do...count the number of people in church...count the number of abortions & illegitimate children & broken marriages...listen--even!--to how people who describe themselves as Christian perceive their own faith in relation to other beliefs in the world. Do any of those things and THEN tell me that we're not living in a post-Christian world.

The name simply isn't the game.

At this point in time we all like to think of ourselves as placing an unlimited value on human life. We DON'T. Otherwise the miserable Pakistani family put out of their home by the earthquake (remember that blip on the news?) would be getting more charitable contributions than the latest distressed animal shelter or zoo! And Christians would be _promoting_ condoms to stop AIDS rather than saying "there's no such thing as safe s*x." (They aren't.)And pro-choicers would be advocating abstinance for highschoolers. (They aren't.) And, with good contraceptives on sale in every corner drugstore in the country, we wouldn't STILL be aborting 1,500,000 unwanted babys in this country PER YEAR.

What we DO like to do is to focus on one little grain of sand on a beachful of problems.

Off-topic again: I'm female and...not a teenager. (Last time I looked anyhow!) This is just the way I write. I don't THINK I could write quite like this at the age of 18 or 19, though I did get pretty good grades...

I can't believe these people! The only reason Julianna will find life difficult is because of the narrow minded simpletons in this world that judge people on their looks not whats inside.
Hopefully their children will be born healthy, I would hate to see what would happen if they gave birth to a less then perfect child! I will support this child as long as I am humanly able to.

If your sibling or child was in a fire and burned most of their body, would you euthenize them? A car accident, leaving them unable to walk, looses their sight, a limb or worse? Are you prepared to put them out of their misery (as you say) and not give them the chance that modern medicine has enabled them to take advantage of. It's the curelty of people just like you that make life unbearable for those with disfigurements/handicaps. Ease up. Julianna is here lets make the best of it and open our hearts to this little miracle. You don't have to believe in God to know she is an angel.

Very well said Firebird!!

I'd just like to go on record saying that of course I do approve of giving all kinds of help to drowning vicims, preemies, and other folks. (But, anyone who has read my previous posts knows that.) *sigh*
Joel, if you're still here, I'd like you to go up & read my Oct 19th posting and give me your take on it. Am I the monster Firebird is trying to make me? I need someone who will go up & read my October postings--before Firebird's flaming started--and give me an honest opinion.

My youngest sister was born with a genetic disorder called Jacobsen Syndrome. She has physical deformaties and at 10 years old, has the mental abilities of a two year old. However, she is the most amazing individual I have ever met. She has absolutely no biases and will never know the meaning of guile or discrimination. She knows nothing but acceptance and unconditional love for everyone she meets.

Because of children like Juliana, the "normal" people have a reason to live. Love is personified in children and adults like Juliana.

FB, this isn't a debate. You're promoting the fallacy that the handicapped are somehow--by virtue of their handicaps--wiser, nobler & more sensitive than the average person. This is something that's widely believed, but is not necessarily true. The handicapped can be just as irritating and obnoxious as the rest of us. Parental nurturing and loving support bring out affectionate responses in children, whether handicapped or not. (Many here have complimented the Wetmore parents on this.)

Universal affection--and why do I need to point this out?--is, in fact, not *necessarily* a good thing in a child. Elizabeth's younger sister obviously brings joy to her family, but (with a two-year-old mental age) will need lifetime supervision in order to keep her from running into the street after strange dogs, or approaching disintrested--or possibly even dangerous--strangers.

Diana, thanks for not just calling me "full if s--t" again.

The reason I wrote that my daughter is happy & successful and that we have a good relationship is that I suddenly realized that a number of people had somehow jumped to the conclusion that I was young & male, and there was plenty more "jumping room" for other errors. In other words, if I had just written that I "had a daughter," you & FB would assume she was some sort of miserable, abused, confused specimen since she had grown up in a house with me! And she isn't.

Back on topic: In the course of my thorough look at this string, I came across one message that some might have missed that concerns Juiana's physical fragility. Do you realize that if she is left unattended for 10 minutes and pulls out her trach, she will be gone? (A very close call happened after the documentary.) And no, of course I don't "hope" this will happen. I bring this up because many people here obviously have hopes and dreams and expectations invested in this girl, but that she may not be around much longer. Two-year-olds (even physically normal two-year-olds) need 100% physical supervision. This child must be kept _in view_ of someone at all times merely to keep her alive.

It's me again. I have to take back some of the things i said earlier. I thought everyone here is giving their opinion of the definition of "love", but Some of you are just pure evil for poking fun of this little girl by calling her a monster. THAT"S WRONG!! Is is not a matter of poking fun of her. For those of you who gave their opinion out of their purest and kindest heart, I applaud you. No opinion here is wrong. Whether it is for her to die or not to die, I can understand on both side.

My two cents in this whole matter is this: "If i was in this child's situation, I would choose death ", but this is my choice.

You are all faceless to me and faceless to each other.

Looks like it might need an "s" too. (Oops!) lol

mutation: (Oxford Dictionary) 2. a genetic change which, when transmitted to offspring, gives rise to heritable variations.
mutant: (noun) a mutant form
---------------------------
mutant: (Webster's New 20th Century Unabridged) (noun) an animal or plant with inheritable characteristics that differ from those of the parents; a sport.

(I think we need to be careful to distinguish between these words as they're used in 1950's B movies and their actual definitions. Treacher-Collins is a syndrome resulting from a mutation.

I realize that *some* people here are using the term "mutant" as an insult, but that should reflect on those people, not on the term, which is an accurate descriptor.)

FB:

Nope. "In a few years she'll be a deaf girl with--hopefully--one working eye sticking out of the side of her head, a protruding tongue, and a stomach tube." is neither cold nor an insult, just what will probably occur. When there's no esophagus and a lot of bone missing, that's the sorry prognosis.

Making more forced generalities about me just makes YOU look progressively worse. Didn't your folks teach you that?
I've never used Microsoft Word's Thesaurus, and am just now finding out--from you!--that it exists at all. And, the first time I've used a dictionary here is the Dec 4 posting. My vocabulary is adequate. I neither find the need to express myself in a series of euphemisms, nor to use ordinary designative words as insults, as everyone who comes here can see. You are the one who delights in death-imagery, references to nazis and personal insults. You have suggested that I "hate" juliana or her parents, that I have contempt for the love of parents for children, that I fantasize about killing people, that I have no value as a person and that I should commit suicide.

Shame on you.

You come in here styling yourself as a "cult buster" and some sort of super-Christian. I come in here as an honest doubter with a better basic knowledge of Christian doctrine than you have, correct your mistakes & disagree with you and you immediately pick me out as a target. (My, that really bugged you, didn't it?) Now the simplest of postings (a dictionary definition) from me makes you foam at the mouth. And me? I'm the hateful & angry one?

Like I've said earlier, I have no animosity toward anyone. Not toward you, or the innocent little kid or her parents, or the people who seem to be trying to stir things up, or the people who have come on here just to express their honest emotions. As far as I'm concerned, let everyone speak. The more the merrier. (I guess the flaming is your job.)

Firebird:
Well, at least we're talking again. About a sentence you wrote:

"...the only thing that 'frustrates' me is the same thing that cultists can do as consistently as you, and that's give me a straight answer!"

I'm wondering, did you mean to write "can't" here? (You're saying that neither the cultists nor I can give you a "straight answer?")
--------------------------------------------
Actually, even though you keep dwelling on that "dharma debate" mention of mine--which was, if truth be told, simply something that popped into my head at the time...maybe even wishful thinking!--when I thought further about the comparison and when I looked at the structure & content of threads, I now don't really think there's much similarity, for a number of reasons. These forums aren't centered and in most cases aren't led, and so don't even have the structure of Hyde Park rants. Also, A great many more people are going to be reading the messages at the very top and the very bottom of the thread, which can break continuity, since sometimes there's a space of months between the first & last postings. In addition, very few people tend to stay at a forum. Most drop a comment & go.

The "eye sticking out of the side of her head" is-- as far as I can see from the photos & films--the actual location, just as you & I have eyes in the front of our heads. As I understand Juliana's type of TCS, and from various photos, the embryonic forms of the head increased in size instead of developing into a normal face, leaving the deep double cleft & the eyes in their embryonic position at the sides of the head. (I'm sure the surgeons will be concentrating on how to bring the surviving right eye around to a more frontal position in relation to the orbit. That alone would be a big help to her!)

One more thing, my *very specific, clear* answer:

I've never written anywhere here that Juliana is a "problem" or a "waste." In fact, I don't even like that kind of language, especially when applied to a child. What I have said is that not every deformed child should be saved, because 1) the low likelyhood of survival, 2) the great expenditure of skill & money and 3) the low quality of future life are factors that must be taken into account. (There is a "law of diminishing returns" in medicine, as there is in everything else.) I've also speculated that doctors do a lot to avoid lawsuits. That's about as clear as I can get it! I'm not *avoiding* answering your questions: You're asking me to justify stuff I never wrote!

And of course--it goes without saying!--I would, if in the situation you talk about, replace a popped-out trach!

(Oh, again: let me remind you that I am a woman.)

From what I've been reading so far, Julianna's brain is normal, and photos of her as she gets older shows that her body is normal and healthy.

If I understand correctly, corrective surgery at her young age is limited because she's still growing. Sooner or later, when growth slows enough, surgeons can finish the job. Julianna still has all the potential to become a healthy, active,and even a very pretty human being. What surgeons learn while reconstructing her face will benefit others born with TCS. I can easily see Julianna eventually becoming an author and a spokesperson for TCS-related medicine.

Julianna, you GO, gal !!

Hey all!
I just wanted to say that i think Juliana is a wonderful girl and will have a great personality when she grows up, and that will help her make friends. Im sure she will have friends because i can see just from some of the comments that some of you would like to be her friend, as well as me. The tecnology in the future will be better and will hopefully give her a NOT PERFECT, but NORMAL appearance. like how that one lady had a face transplant a few weeks ago on the news, maybe in the future, juliana can get that done or something. I think that things will be ok for her. I say to the parents, i somewhat understand because i have a deformity too. its not nearly as bad, its just that my body isnt symmetrical. one side of my body is slightly different in some areas. you cant even tell in most of the areas and probably wouldnt be able to tell anything was wrong until you saw my lip. I have had 4 surgeries on my lip so far, and will probably have more. it used to be that my lip was so bad that drool would come out and i would drool on my paper in preeschool. Luckily, i have a wonderful plastic surgeon and now, my lips look almost normal exept there is scar tissue on one side that u can feel or see when i smile because one side of my lip will go up, and i have a scar that looks like my tooth went through my lip slightly above the lipline. my lower lip is almost completely normal too. im not even done healing from my surgery yet! and i will probably need more. so one day, my lips will be normal!
anyways,
i have lots of friends, guys have asked me out before, i have never actually had a boyfriend because all the guys who asked me out, i have no intrest for. i have lots of other friends and i am not a dork or not accepted either. i fit in pretty well, and for the people who cant accept me, eventually do because of my personality. i have had so many people say, eww that girl with the messed up lip and stuff and it would hurt, but there are so many people who dont even care. some of the people who said i had a messed up lip, ended up really wanting to be my friend because they didnt realize what a cool person i am. I have also been told i look stunning, beautiful, attractive, should be a model, and watch out for the guys. basically, what im trying to say, is that Julian WILL be accepted by alot of people and will look normal.
BTW, I believe in god because he has made my lip so much better sometimes in just one night. i know as long as i keep praying, one day i will be happy with myself, normal looking, and have a husband and children.

Jillian, there are so many people who love you out there.

much love, Nikki

To those of you who said that God isn't real. SHAME ON YOU. If it wasn't for God you would not be here. This child has a future. Mutant. Not even relating to her. She is human. With or without a face. She is HUMAN. You all should be ashamed of yourselfs for even saying anything like that. May God help your bitter souls.

All the comments made show exactly how passionate we all are about life. If anything, it is a healthy practice to use our words to express our feelings other than violence. It is a true tragedy to be a human and not be passionate about something.

I understand the moral and emotional aspect to everyone's points of view. Some commented on how each human fetus has a pre-determined path in life. I am NOT a part of any religion because I feel no human has the correct vision of what creates life, or is capable of understanding something so awesome. Though I feel I am spiritual just the same.

This child will always know suffering. Far more than many of us will know in our lifetimes, even now at her age of 2. You may create an idea that her suffering and likely survival will inspire others. This is probably true. But tell me, what purpose did my Nephew serve to be born with half a heart, endure dozens of treatments and two surgeries in twelve days, costing over a million dollars, then die anyway in anquish due to respiratory failure? He suffered. That's all he knew, and nobody knew he had the defect, even the doctors who did all prenatal care. He couldn't be fixed. He was born and suffered for twelve days. His parents suffered more than I feel he did. They burried their baby before the baby shower decorations were taken off the walls. The parents were broken, totally. They were divorced a year later.

I'm ready for many of you to come after me for this comment, but I know in my heart that this poor child should not have been born. What life he was given was horrid. Through no fault of his own, his life gave heartache and total financial ruin to my family. He was loved, but that love wells up in our throats and chests in heaves and sobs quite often. If this was a devine plan of some great creator, then my family isn't intelligent enough to grasp it. Because we feel allowing him to be born only to suffer in misery was a waste.

How I admire the family of Juliana. I have seen the phisical pain this little angel has had to endure to get this far! I hope with all my heart that the loving parents and Julianas sister can hold on to the belief that someday this little piece of their blood can come to a time when she can start to enjoy her life without the pain of constant opperations she has had to go through.

Some of the people who have had distastfull comments should look to their hearts! to see if they had had similar circumstances would they not give all their love to the little miracle that they have.

I only hope Juliana can someday forgive the doubters of this world that she will get the best love and attention from her loving family and enjoy her life as she should. Good luck little lady for the future.

Merry Christmas

Tony

Rachel,

Who could come after you when you have an experience
that is truly heartbreaking?! The similarity that I find with your nephew and Juliana is one thing... both Juliana AND your nephew deserved a CHANCE with all medical intervention possible. I'm sure his parents wanted that otherwise they would not have subjected him to it now would they? Even if they would say he had only a 10% chance to live, EVERY parent, would do the same. Now since you say you don't subscribe to any specific faith, but call yourself spiritual at least, there are no answers I can give beyond any humanistic or Atheistic view. However, I had a nephew who was born dead after tangling the cord aroud his neck. Only 2 weeks before being due. Needles to say the grief in the family was great. But it can be offensive and perhaps ignorant to say "there was a reason for" him strangling himself in the womb by the very cord sustaining
him. Things go wrong. Accidents happen. As a Christian, I can't remember once asking God why He allowed the transport truck to lose its brakes and crash into the back of my car causing years of injurous pain to me and my family. I don't always look for the "why" but I do sometimes demand it of God. What I do have over those who don't know God, is I have comfort in Him. Is there a why for Juliana? I think so! She is nothing less than a powerful reminder that many in our race are still shallow - and a help to some who never saw beyond appearances before, to finally see there is a person behind a body not as perfect as they would want.

I think that everybody should have a heart and not think about killing their baby just because they don't have a face. If I had a baby who didin't have a face then I would love her no matter what she still is a humane being and should be treated with respect. If somebody would kill thier baby just because they didn't have a face then they should be killed thereselves. That is just wrong

People on here who make horrible comments, please do not. I watched the tv program last night and I admire these people and their strength, the little girl is a beautiful individual who needs care, she will never be acepted into @normal@ society by those idiots on here who post thoughtless harmful comments. I wish I could help these people and their lovely daughter. I thought the girl was wonderful and i wish them all the luck and love in the world.

God can give a child to anyone but it takes alot of love to recieve a Special child and Julianna is truly that child.

THE ONES THAT DONT BELIEVE IN GOD ARE NOT GONNA BE SO LUCKY WHEN HE COMES BACK.I CANNOT BELIEVE SOME OF YOU PEOPLE THINK ITS THE MOTHER AND FATHERS FAULT OF HER DISABILITY AND IN REALITY THEY HAD NO IDEA OF THIS KIND OF FORMATION.
I PRAY TO THE PARENTS OF THIS DEAREST LITTLE GIRL

I think you guys are all mean. (Espesialy Katie) I think she is adorable! (Jullieana) She may not be the pretiest girl when shes older, but she'll be the nicest! If you dont like her for who she is, go crap your self!

As I read the views from both sides of the argument, I was taken aback. The views that Julianna should be euthanized are reminiscent of "The Giver" by Lois Lowry. The intent of that story was to show the severity of inhumanity that could arise among human beings if left unchecked. Currently, there is an organization that promotes the scary qualities reviled in The Giver call the Hemlock Society. The Hemlock Society supports euthanasia, infanticide, and any other form of control that would only allow for "perfect" human-beings to exist. What is perfect anyway? An even better question to ask is what makes anyone the expert to decide what is perfect? Are they in fact perfect? What criteria have they established to prove they are perfect? Through-out our history, individuals with severe disabilities have not only proven the strength and value of the human spirit, but have also taught us compassion and to quit wallowing in our perpetual "pity pots". Many of the messages written represented the negative view of life desiring for little Julianna to be "put out of her misery". What if Julianna was asked if she wanted to be "put out of her misery"? What response would she provide? I would be willing to guess that she would want to live, in spite of her "misery". Life is so much more than the shallow acceptance based on our appearances. Consider the blind. They cannot see, and yet they see so much more of who we are based on our souls. It is all relative. In an environment in which Julianna is surrounded by blind people, she could be viewed as the most beautiful person. Who knows what the future holds for Julianna? Instead of arguing and/or wishing that she would die to be relieved from hell on earth, as suggested by one writer, wouldn’t it be more productive to pray for her? For those not believing in God, wouldn’t it be more productive and positive, in the long run, if positive thoughts and well wishes were provided this child? It does not do anybody any good to say what should have been done. The fact is the child is alive, loved, wanted, surviving, fighting, playing, loving, breathing, and every other act that represents life. To end her life now voluntarily would be murder by law and a true act of cruelty. I hope all individuals reading these messages are law abiding citizens.

As for those individuals fighting with unbelievers, it is futile. The best thing any believer can do is pray for them. Jesus himself said not “to cast pearls before swine”. The pearls of truth are not to be trampled on and treated with the utmost of disrespect. Consider this; if they are right and we are wrong, we have nothing to lose. If, however, we are right and they are wrong, they have everything to lose! I do not wish the true hell (and I say this because of the reference to hell on this earth previously written) on my worst enemy. Also, you are allowing yourself to get angry and to be set up to fail by arguing with unbelievers. Jesus spoke with logic and love. He was killed for it. When “tried” before the Pharisees, they were so angry they were “gnashing their teeth". The real truth is not well received and incites anger. Jesus only became angry in the temple when they turned the Lord’s Day into an opportunity to make money. That was the ultimate slap in the face for the Lord walking into his temple to find that taking place. That, however, was righteous anger and not driven by personal offense. Respond with love and logic also. Remember, “Blessed are the peace makers.”

I cannot beleive there is such hate and ugliness in people. I worked in a funeral home and saw babies that died on their would be birth dates, (and too many miscarriage to count). The parents were devistated, and could hardly keep themselves together afer the loss of their babies. Those who feel that this family should have given up her life need to find GOD. God new what he was doing when those children passed away. This child has a purpose, and God knows what it is. We all serve a purpose, even if some people can't see it. Thank God that he loved us enough to give us all life.

"That just tells you that people are cruel and horrible creatures..."

Welcome to earth. Everyone is horrible deep down inside, even you!
Man, if I met Juleanna, my heart wouldn't melt, my brain would. I'd probably throw up on her. I gag just seeing her photos!

someone shove juleanna back up her mother's vag so that she can be aborted, as she should have been. oi

I just saw the show about her on TLC last night and was extremely shocked. It's very sad, but it is no way to live. People can go on saying how "lovely" she is or how it's a miracle, but the truth of the matter is, when she is old enough to realize how the REAL world is, she'll want to die. The poor little thing should have been put out of her misery when she was born. I also have a HUGE problem with the fact that her parents contribute NOTHING to her medical care - over $3 million has already been spent and who paid for it? The taxpayers in this country, because her father is in the navy. That is what INFURIATES me. They want her to be alive, they want her to be taken care of, she's THEIR burden, not everyone else's - they should at least contribute something.

I do believe in God. I also believe in abortion. The suffering the parents and medical "professionals" have inflicted on this child is wrong and a sin. She should have been allowed to die at birth. Go ahead and think me a hateful jerk. I'm not the one who's being tortured because people think being alive, no matter what crappy quality of life, is better than being dead.

God is God, in all His sovereignty and never makes a mistake. This happened for a reason and, in the end, all will see what a blessing and the purpose behind this. Could be to make all of us realize how blessed we are and to not take things for granted.

I am sorry that the parents of this child believe in such a God as they do.

Bottom line is that we as people come in all different forms. Some of us are born "normal", some are born with disabilities. The world needs less ignorant people who judge others based on looks. I am glad that Julianna was born to such a loving family. The only reason I feel for her is because of the ignorance of others who will judge her throughout her life. Other than dealing with the stupid people of the world, I see no reason why this girl can't have a happy and fulfilling life.

juliet,whoever you are,this page is for whoever loves baby julianna,so take your selfish comments to the religious page.

It disgusts me to read the hate that I read on this site after watching "born without a face". This child is human. This child has a brain that functions. She signs and functions otherwise normally. I am an atheist and believe in the "miracles" of science. How many of us would say "if that were me, I would terminate because I wouldn't want my child to suffer?" Easier said then done. So what? This family is living with this child's disfigurement, this is their choice and THEIR child. I am sure that the basis of their choices was based on Julianna's brain. I speak as a mother who had 2 face 3 horrible choices with my children. My first daughter was born with a hypoplastic heart and lungs due to polycystic kidney disease. She suffered a pulmonary arrest an hour and half after her birth. My second daughter had the disease and I terminated that pregnancy at 22 weeks, because I KNEW she couldn't survive. My 3rd daughter was born healthy and at 11 months was a victim of child abuse at the hands of her child care provider. She was on life support for 3 weeks and her brain was in too much trauma to even do an eeg to see if there was any activity. I told myself if she was brain damaged I would pull her off of life support. Lucky for us, she never received an EEG and she came out of her coma and now 2 years later, she is a semi normally functioning child. she just can't walk and she is delayed. It is amazing what a parent will do for love and how much you are truly capable of. It's true Julianna's life will be full of torment and pain but if you go www.treachercollins.com and read the story of Amy. A Treacher Collins survivor and guess what??? She is a doctor. Hmmm, what are they capable of? Anything they want. All you people who speak hatefully, how does Julianna and her family affect you directly??? NOT AT ALL.

I watched the story of this girl on Discovery Health last night. I was touched and moved to tears on several occasions. Her fun spirit and sweetness remind me of my own 2-year-old daughter. For anyone who has posted on here saying the pregnancy should've been terminated, I'm glad you aren't the mother or father of Juliana. Anyone who has watched the show about her or read the articles about her would know that she is a beautiful little girl in every sense of the word!!! She has a vibrant spirit and a will to live. We should all hope to be as courageous and great as Juliana and her family. I think this girl was brought into the world to teach us all something and to bring happiness into the lives of many. Shame on anyone who says otherwise!!!!!

As I sit here and read some of these posts, I have to agree and disagree with the like. I don't think people are being nasty and hateful or spiteful, I think they are voicing their opinions the best way they know how to, and it is not anyone else's place to judge them.

I also highly disagree that Julianna's mother did not know about what was going on to the fetus as it developed because ultrasounds should have shown that the head was not developing as it should, and I mean come on, with the technology we have out today, including the 3D scans of what babies look like, it is hard for me to believe that she did not know.

I also agree that Julianna's mother should have terminiated the pregnancy when she knew the baby was not forming correctly..arms, legs, hearing, seeing, is not the same as no face on a child.

Truly, look at the big picture here, they are having this poor baby put under surgery after surgery to make her "look normal by the time she's 8". That child is suffering because of these relentless surgeries as well as how she will be viewed by society.

I am not bringing God into this, because God is not the issue, the issue is about this child and her quality of life.

And honestly? I don't think this child will recieve all the great things life has to offer her. No, I don't say put her out of her misery, because now she is a living person now. I think she will suffer throughout her life when she should not have to begin with.

Good for you, Joel! My thought when I read "tosca"s posting was "Well, it hardly takes a lot of thought or energy to 'believe in yourself' and 'the planet' does it?" Also: that Christ obviously did NOT "accept everybody for(sic)all their differences." He has some pretty harsh words for liars, murderers, adulterers, purveyers of false doctrine and even moneychangers. (Of course, I'm talking about moral--not physical--differences here, but tosca didn't make a distinction.)
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you both entirely missed my point.
I DO NOT believe in a "GOD" or that jesus was a savior or THE savior (for that matter). some people in this post need to refer to the two as if this girl's life has/had everything to do with them, etc., etc.
i just plain and simply- do not.

i also DO NOT believe in anything written in 'the book of books' as it was written by men, and revised how many times..by men? uh oh- am i a 'man-hater' now? or perhaps a lesbian?
on another topic i do believe most of the christian doctrine was/is propaganda perhaps originally put forth by ....a roman? to gain control of the masses. oh, now i must be a conspiracy theorist...
helden or whatever you're called- it does seem difficult for people to believe in themselves or in the 'planet' why then is a GOD necessary? if you can believe in yourself- then great you must be a very confidant, and successfull, without depressions, without judgements-human.
i'm guessing here.
and concerning the planet? why not believe in this instead of a god or his son? and isn't everyone addicted to something whether it be drugs, food, sex or religion? hey heldon why not be addicted to the planet? you too joel.

initially it looked like this post was a debate concerning the child born without a face and needing to be resuscitated. it quickly turned into a religious debacle. unfortunately i read it and became upset- for the child, her parents. life is simply difficult enough.
that is all i am saying. enough already.

I saw the hour long special on TLC about this little girl. I was first attracted to it out of a combination of horror and curiosity. But by the end of the show, i was so deeply inspired by the INCREDIBLE love of the family and Juliana's strength and character that i was moved to tears. If only we could ALL love and support our family like this. If we could all fearlessly charge foward despite all our disabilities and challenges.
And for those who think she should be euthanized... her face is the only thing that formed abnormally, her brain and body are completely in tact. Why the #*&@ wouldn't she be allowed to exist and to experience the kind of love most people don't?!!

Juliana should have been allowed to die at birth. The Navy pays for all of her medical bills and her parents have the nerve to ask for all these donations. Please! I feel so sorry for this child, they exploit her. I think the doctors were wrong to keep this child alive. Treacher Collins is not that bad of a thing, they can do cosmetic surgery for most of this kids, but Juliana is a monster. Sorry, this is how I feel.

Alright, listen up.
For all of you (supposed)bleeding-heart Born Again Christians in here arguing that those of us who advocate euthanasia are cruel and even(dare I say it?) nazi-ish, just think for a moment who's really being cruel here. I've read in many of these comments how great these parents are for going through this struggle, and allowing a child who wants to live the right to attempt to fulfil that desire, but honestly, who's REALLY struggling here? The parents have all the operations taken care of out of the Navy's pocketbook, YOUR TAX MONEY. And if anyone is struggling, it's that poor child!! I mean for God's sake Christians, where is your mercy?

Mercy is not always about forcing everything that has the POTENTIAL to live to do so! In severe cases such as this, Euthanasia is infinitely more compassionate of an act that selfishly keeping the poor girl alive in unimaginable amounts of physical and emotional pain for her life. And if you've read anything about her case, she is of normal intelligence. A brian of normal intelligence forced to live in a body that completely disqualifies it for making any significant accomplishments in life, is going to feel trapped, depressed, and REGRETFUL THAT IT WAS ALLOWED TO LIVE. Yes, all children deserve the chance to live to their full potential, however, this girl will never be able to live out her potential under her circumstances.

So congrats Bible-Thumpers. You've sentenced this child to a fate worse than death: a life of misery, spent in countless hospital rooms, becoming the subject of indifferent documentaries, a gawking, cruel public, and pain worse than you could probably ever imagine.

P.S. I'm a 16 year old, agnostic, liberal guy with plenty of compassion for others. Feel free to look down on my Jesus-less life.

Adieu.

KILL IT KILL IT

where is your god now ?

I'd tap that ass.

Are you kidding me? This girl can't be compared to Hellen Keller, Stevie Wonder, Beethoven, or even Tommy ffrom the rock opera. She HAS NO FACE. Regardless of my personal sentiment and the deep malaise I undergo merely thinking about the hopelessness that is her life, I can barely even stomach the sight of her. And we think this girl has a lot to show the world? This is like torturing a human being publicly to display that human beings have the courage and strength to survive anything. Perpetuating this girl's life adds maybe 10 years to it. She won't make it past High School, and if she does...she'll start to truly realize that her life is already over, that she's a scientific marvel, that she'll never be accepted in regular society either because she's repulsive or because she's marked with pity and tragedy that knows no bounds. EUTHANIZE FOR THE LOVE OF GOD.

don't you realise unless he was some crazed sadistic lunatic no merciful god would allow this sort of freak to be created?this is exact proof of evolution and how it can f**k up at every possible chance it has.

P.S. THESE ARE NOT HAPPY TREES!

lol christians.

Hey guys, God here.

I lol'ed

HEY DAD WUTS GOIN ON ITT?

THANKS MOM AND DAD FOR NOT ABORTING ME!

whether or not modern technology "allows" her to live, i find it disturbing how someone could twist this story into a testimony of God's grace. And yes, i have read Job. People who exploit anything that provokes a visceral reaction, and makes one look for answers are the ones who should be ashamed. The unreamrkable fact that her parents still love her, and that this family can still find joy in life may be a testiment to their faith, but God's grace it is not.
p.s. if it wasn't for the same science that brings us stem cell research and genetic engineering, she would have been DOA; so what makes you think this is God's will?

i think that julianas parents are very brave for bringing julianna into this world and actually accepting her for she is...
i know that juliana migt not be like other kids but she sure is gifted with a great gift of being different and she is a test from god to all those people in this world who think they are perfect god just want to see their reaction if they have a negative reaction the're going straight into fire the day of their death. what people dont understand is that juliana has feelings just like us. To those who helped juliana with her donations god bless you and for those who critizise juliana may god give god give you the worst punishment that you deserve with lots of pain

i send lots of blessing to julianas family including juliana

love always, joanna

I think juliana is very lucky to have such wonderful parents.Everybody came in this world for a reason.Anyway everybody is special in their own way.People come in all shapes and sizes,some even have defects.everybody is beautiful in their own way.if you NASTY FREAKS dont think so :GO TO HELL!!!!!!

Why bring a little life into this world that will inevitably be made up of torture and pain? Why not adopt? Why procure offspring, KNOWING you are afflicted with TCS and have a good possibility of passing it on to your child? Why be such a selfish and cruel individual as to rely on an invisible deity to make your choices and aid your problems? Is this truly an inspirational story, or has it been proven yet that this little girl is going to be subjected to degredation for the entirity of her life? Who would dare put a burden of this severity on a small kid's shoulders? The parents are sadistic, deprived, and delusional. They do not deserve to raise children. This is truly disgusting.

Holy Crap! After reading some of the comments posted here, on one hand I am so very saddended by humanity and on the other so very inspired by it. The issue here isn't religion, it isn't whether the parents should have terminated the pregnancy, or whether J should have been left to die when she was born... I mean that is really gross to think that there are people out there who think that... but the fact is that J is here. What now? Do you just let her die and not do what is available to help her reach her full potential? As parents, we are to love unconditionaling without a reason. The Wetmores do not have to justify the road they have taken. Walk on... Rock on and good luck and many blessings to you and yours!

J was perfectly normal in all respects from the neck down. She has huge medical issues yes, but is no doubt a person and deserves the best that can be offered to her just as anyone else.

I am a realist.. I know the words I post here will not change minds or shake the world... it just provides me a place to voice my views... just like JCinthe House did. Boy all I have to say to you is you are one sick puppy - stop slobbering your vile sticky, slobbery, shitty crap here. A requirement of posting to this sight should first be an IQ test. You certainly would not have made the grade. Boy what the world could be if there were also selective RULES like you have posted for those without compassion, honesty and sincerity and genuine love for people from the get go. I would need only need one shovel for the lot of you - as transparent as your souls are.

I try daily to improve myself in thought, word and act. No I am not a christian who walks around blessing people and saying Jesus loves you. But I am a person who knows right from wrong.

Juliana... you go girl and to your sister and parents you go too! :o) Much love and best wishes for you all. I will be keeping you in my thoughts and I wish you all the best of luck!

JCraig,

next time you try to make a point about someone else missing a point, make sure you know what you're talking about. make sure you aren't being a complete hypocrite. if i were lia, i wouldn't waste my time with a response to you. thanks.

Susan. That's not the point most people were trying to make. PAY ATTENTION before you start rambling about God, please.

I have the perfect solution.

- Let's kill the blind.
- Let's kill the deaf.
- Let's kill the crippled.
- Let's kill the insane.
- Let's kill the hungry.
- Let's kill the poor.
- Let's kill the stupid.
- Let's kill the ignorant.
- Let's kill the ultra-religious.
- Let's kill the ultra-radicals.
- Let's kill the paganistic.
- Let's kill the drunks.
- Let's kill the depressed.
- Let's kill the pompus.
- Let's kill the brunettes.
- Let's kill the mud-eyed.
- Let's kill the colored.
- Let's kill the non-conformists.
- Let's kill the diabetics.

I think I made my point. If you have nothing but hate, maybe you should be killed also. Let the child try to live. God and Hell have nothing to do with this. This is a test of will power. The will of the child to be happy, the will of the parents to give their daughter a happy life and the power to try and see this through. It's important to remember that everyone genetically has a flaw that is unseen and undetectable and may not affect you in your everyday life that you are aware of, but it does exist.

It's important to not encourage hate but strive to help learn more about this and other medical problems so that we can advance forward as people, as a species and "supposedly" intelligent beings.

Yes the pregnancy could have been terminated but did they know the full extent of this disability? Doubtful not only is something like this in it's severity forseeable but if it were, terminating the pregnancy is at the parent's discretion.

Since the child was born, by law a termination post-birth is considered MURDER so you have to think carefully, if you decide to not to "kill" the post-born child, you may condemn the child to a possibly difficult life. On the other hand if you do in fact "murder" the child, you condemn yourself to prison because of your beliefs.

Hard call to make. Be thankful it's not yours.

I don't agree with the people who call her a monster, say she should be terminated, and so on. I see that she is a sprightly girl right now, but I worry for her social future. Obviously, she will be ostracized like an extra-terrestrial. When I was watching the documentary, I kept covering her face, which, obviously, is not something that I can easily adjust to completely, and I saw that in every other way, she is a completely normal, beautiful little girl. Watching the documentary made me reconsider many of the things that I take for granted, and many of the petty matters that I complain about.
I wish that there were a way to keep Julianna only in the presence of people who would not hurt her, in a sheltered, untainted world, not conceptually far from the world of her home, where everybody cares for her and loves her and doesn't judge her by her facial deformities. You guys really are mean. She's full of life.

Wow. Why so much judgment (on all sides of this)? Why so much "the parents should do this" or "should have done that"? The parents were dealt the hand they were dealt (whether by God or Bog or by random chance). The parents have made the choices they made. They have a daughter who, yes, is disfigured, terribly so. But they love their daughter, and vice versa. And they are trying to do the best they can. As the parent of a special needs child, I have some small inkling of what they are all going through -- but only a small inkling. And even with this small inkling, I don't preseume to know what they are really growing through -- nor do I presume to offer advice from my perch here on the internet distant (geographically and emotiaonally) from a real family with a real life to life. Everyone's situation is unique and you can't really know or judge unless you are actually in that situation. So please everybody -- cut them a break -- they are in a desperately hard situation -- this girl is in a desperately hard situation. Empathize, sympathize -- but don't judge with such hard (and unknowing) hearts. And if you want to help -- then help! The last thing a family wants in a situation like this is no-nothings telling them what they "should" do. The second to the last thing is people feeling sad about them, offering blessings, but not doing anything.

She'll be perfect for ringing the church bells.

I dont believe MOST of these people trying to make their point here actually hate Julianna. I believe they are more concerned about what her future will be like. Most of you people are just stupid, faced with your own personal problems. When I first watched this documentary on Julianna my thought at first was that these parents, especially Thom must be a special someone. Most fathers would have ran on seeing this, leaving the mother to deal with this child on her own. Right then and there I could see there was lots of love between them so it was obvious this child would be loved. The point is that no amount of love is going to make Julianna's life "normal enough". If she lives to become a teenager she is going to wish she was dead. Thats the reality of the matter. When a teenager has something as simple as a pimple they do everything to try to hide it. Julianna is going to wonder why this had to happen to her, she might hate her parents for saving her life, hate her sister for being more beautiful and having a normal life, but I hope I live long enough and follow Julianna's progress to be proven differently. I have five normal children, as much as I love them I dont believe they get the love that Julianna gets from her parents and sister from what I see. I believe there is a God but I dont know about what His will is and isnt. With God there is alot of unanswered questions. I believe tomorrow she will be on DHC again, I will be watching.

After watching the programme lastnight all I can say is that, that family sure has alot of love to give and it shows even through the five year old sister. Julianna is lucky to be born into that family, but she is sure gonna need alot more luck to continue existing into a world like this. She definately is a healthy looking child though.

I've read some of these comments on this board and it doesn't surprise me that there is still hatred in this world. Kill her, because she won't have a normal life?? First of all, how do we know what or how her life will turn out in the long run. She has 30 more surgeries to go, I believe. For all we know, she could look normal by the time she's 16. She's still very young. And then I hear people saying that she will never get married or never have a boy look at her so we should just kill her because she won't find her soulmate?? Ohh please. How do you guys know whats ahead for that little girl. She could grow up, get married and have kids of her own. I believe that there is someone for all of us. Maybe there will be a nice guy for Juliana who can see pass her disfigurement. And even if she doesn't find "true love" from some guy, she will always have incredible true love from her family and friends thats what is important. There is much more to life than getting married and having kids. I believe that Juliana was put on here for a reason and I think neither of you guys should judge that innocent child or her parents. And to laugh at her disfigurement and call her a "mutant" is uncalled for. Its not her fault that she was born that way. She's just a child. Leave her alone. I wish that she lives a long happy life.

Everything seems fine and dandy and happy now, but wait till she gets older! All of that is going to change.

Its seems like you guys are being delusional and yes I understand that no one really has a perfect life, but Juliana won't even have an average life. Her life is going to be hell. I feel so sorry for that poor little girl. :( I really do! Of course she is happy. She's only, but 3 years old, a child! Most little kids are happy and content and play with their toys without really knowing what is going on. Now let the years go by, Juliana won't be soooo happy. She will never look normal or average and then plus her medical problems that she carries. Her life will not be glamorous. People are forever going to judge her on her outward appearance and then lets not forget when she gets to that age when she starts liking boys and flipping through pages of Teen people and then start looking at how her peer's look compared to her. She will feel intimidated and cursed. What if she writes a boy a love letter and he rejects her hurting her poor little feelings. She's gonna get tired of looking the way she does. And then there will be times when she will want to be just like her sister. She will want her life instead of her own. I could go on and on about this, but you guys keep on sugarcoating everything and can't see the real picture. Juliana is going to wish she was dead!

Kayla,
You are delusional just like all the other ones. She will never look normal. She doesn't just have some small cleft palate that can be fixed without anyone noticing. She is severely disfigured!!! Will probably end up looking like Penelope Cruz?? WTF, can you say delusional!! And yes she has improved physically since then, but too say she will end up looking absolutely normal is upright ridiculous. Her deformity is bad and sadly not everyone can stomach certain deformities like others can. To some people, she will be disgusting, yes disgusting. Its the sad world we live in. Not everyone can stomach the sight of her.Some people will feel quizy at the sight of her.Some people may not want to be around her because she freaks them out. People will laugh and ridicule that girl. She was brought into a world where everything is based on looks. She will never be accepted in society as an equal. Then once she notices shes not like everyone else, she will start to feel torn. Imagine being a teenaged Juliana and just one day looking in the mirror and staring at yourself and ask yourself, "Why did I have to be born this way?" Then you start hating the world and yourself then you and your parents have a talk and of course its the same routine that they always tell you, "You're special and unique. Its the inside that counts." Juliana is just going to think its just plain bull crap. "Words of encouragement" are just going to turn into words of nothing and pretty soon she will feel like a worthless nothing. Her sister will have many boyfriends, get married and have kids, while Juliana will never experience it. She will never get asked out and if she was to get asked out, its only because of a truth or dare game. One boy says, "I dare you to go ask juliana wetmore to the prom." The other boy says, "Ewww, get out of here. Thats gross.Man she's ugly as beep. She looks like throwup." And then the other boy says, "I'll pay you" Oh and then there is always that time when a girl wants to pretty or liked by a boy. Juliana is going to like a boy and get her little heart crushed. Oh then there are going to be countless stares that she will have to endure. The only true friend she will have is her older sister. The so called friends that she will make aren't her true friends. They're just her friend because they feel obligated too. Some will not want to be her friend at all. Then she's going to start to feel jealous of the "pretty girls" in school and magazines because she knows she will never look like them or even average. Juliana is going to wish for that face just for one day. She's going to have dreams of her being something she's not and then she's gonna wake up back to her hell of a life.

Well said Kayla!

I believe that little girl is going to make it in this life. I just do!! She wasn't put on Earth just to feel sorry for herself, she was put here for a purpose. Yes, she will deal with demons and angels in her life. Life is an obstacle for everyone in this world. There is no one in this world that has had the perfect life and no one in this world is perfect, none of us. Though some of us may feel we are superior to others, but we're not. Yes, it is sad that we do live in a society where your looks come first in everything and thats the challenge that Juliana is going to have to face, but I have a feeling she will be strong and won't let anyone put her down. Why, because she comes from a strong family with love. She has the most remarkable family and she's very lucky that she was born into the family she is in now.

You guys keep on bringing the fact, that she's a "happy litte girl", well wait till she gets older!! Lets see if Juliana will be sooooo happy then?? A 16 year old Juliana is going to be different from the Juliana now.

M,

You're another delusional person. Face it: Her life will be hell!!

her parents are sick people, they obviously think they are doing the "right" , but they're not.

Nicola,

The pregnancy should've been terminated for the sake of her.

Oh my, she's scary looking. She looks like an alien. Poor little little girl. I feel so sorry for her. Her life will be nothing but pain.

I agree Lorraine. I don't know who would want their child to live a life full of pain and suffering. Its going to affect her for the rest of her life.

Liz,

You're another delusional person.

That website scared the hell out of me. I didn't know who she was until my friend told me about her and sent me the link. She did it to be funny, and it wasn't funny at all. I was pertrifried. That kid is a monster!! She's scary looking. And then I saw the picture where it was titled "Sitting Pretty" WTF, more like "Sitting Hell" She looks like an alien or something. Why didn't her parents just abort her for the sake of her???? Her parents are sick people.

Lorraine,

You couldn't have said it better! I totally agree with you. I just can't understand why her parents just didn't let her die peacefully. It would have been so much better. Why would they want their child to live a life through pain. I feel so sorry for her. And I'm tired of people keep on saying that Juliana is going to get used to the way she is and bla blah. You guys are forgetting about when she gets older. That little girl is going to wish she was dead. Think about those teen years; the time when most teens want to feel good about themselves and want to be accepted. Every girl wants to feel pretty or look pretty once in their lifetime. How do you think Juliana will feel? What about when she starts liking boys and looking at how her sister's life is compared to her's. I wouldn't be surprised if she killed herself. Why are you guys soo naive???

BreakingTheRules,

It is LOVE to this
It is LOVE to that
What the hell do you know about love anyway?
You need to go try working on your own problem, because OBVIOUSLY you have at least one big one that you are not sure how to fix. Good luck trying. Maybe you should pray about it.

i dont care wat anyone says about the family on here. ye4s maybe they were gonna get an abortion but the point is straight they didnt. yall talk bout her just becas she kne the baby was not normal. wat about the babies killed everyday that are normal. nothing wrong with em. uh ya my point. it doesnt matter wat she thought bout doing,it doesnt matter wat anyone says, it matters wat she did. and chose not to have an abortion! she chose to take on the challenges and raise a child that deserves life. right now if u all of sudden got in a wreck and your face didnt look good would u want to be killed. uh no think bout it. i saw julianna at the air show with her family. the baby was acting like a child. i saw her mother and kne wat she is battaling. yall stop bickering bout the parents. it doesnt matter wat yall think it matters to the parents their thoughts count and the only thing u can do about this is help them. show them your support i have. im 15 and i keep up with this child. my point of view they should have a holiday the day she was born for her. this child is going to go tru so many obsticles. and if im ever needed trust me i will be there

I watched her special again today and it was even more sickening watching it. Her parents don't realize that they are putting that poor child in pain. Again, they should have let her go off to the heavens!

Lorraine,your thoughts are exactly as mind in this case.I appreciate what Julianna,s parents are trying to do for her but forceing her to live a life of misiery,pain,humiliation and God knows what else certainly isn't an act of love.I know they loved Julianna when she was born and they love her now and they will love her forever but I think it would have been a greater act of love to realize what her life is going to be like and loveing her enough to not want her to suffer theway she centainly will if she lives long enough.I don't care if they do 40 surgeries or 400 Julianna will never have a mormal looking face.Technology can only do so much.Julianna's face is so disfugured that there isn't much that can be done.What can be done with her ears ?? Can they transplant her eyes ?? Her nasal passages are just now starting to grow correctly,what are they going to do build her a new nose and sew it on to her face in the correct poistion and then drill new nasal passages in her skull?? I think not.Its going to get to the point were Julianna's face is going to be one big mass of scar tissue.It is already starting to look like a road map.I really do hope the best for the poor kid but I don't think life or anything close to a mormal life is in store for her.I really think Julianna will never make it thru high school,she will end up taking her own life

I agree Lorraine, Shara, and Gary. Most of the people on here seem too delusional to see the real picture. This little girl is going to go through hell. I watched their documentary and couldn't help but have tears in my eyes. It was so sad! I don't think her parents are really thinking about the future of this child. I can't even imagine when she gets to an older age and starts understanding the things around her. She's going to get teased and ridiculed and treated like a social outcast. Imagine how those teenaged years are going to be. The teenage years are usually the most emotional period in your life. Thats the time when we all want to feel accepted and also thats when the interest in how we look really takes place and especially for a girl. Teenagers flip over a pimple, imagine how it will be for Juliana once she gets to that age. After awhile, she's going to begin to wish she was pretty and compare herself to the girls in the teen magazines,etc. Every girl wants to feel pretty. Imagine how its going to be when Juliana starts liking boys? You think that will be easy??? I don't think so. She may be happy and content right now, but isn't every child happy and content. The only thing they care about is playing with their toys watching cartoons. They don't know whats really going on. Juliana is in that time in her life where she's in her own world. She doesn't know whats going on. Its going to be a long lumpy road for her.

Gary, I think you said it so much better than me. The closest thing to any kind of hope for Julianna right now is one of those face mask I saw them making on television some time ago. It lookd so natural. I agree with you that Technology can only do so much and no more. Poor, poor Julianna.

Yes, a mask may be a viable option, but if you cut the rattle off a rattle snake, what to you still have? A rattle snake. What I'm saying is her facial features are absolutly in the wrong position on her face. It seams to me that with out trying to aline her features to where they are at least close to normal by puting a mask (by making a mask) they would probably incase her face in the mask to the point that her mouth, ears, and nose will not be able to function properly. If you have an auto accident and the insurance says that your automobile is 100% totaled there is no way to make it look the way it did using the origional parts. Like I said tecnology can go so far, maybe in the next century people like Juliana can go into day surgury at 7am in the morning and come out at 4pm looking like miss america, but unfortunatly that is not going to happen now or as far as I am concerned in the near furture. Juliana was delt a bad hand and her lot in life is what it is. Unfortunately it can not be changed. I feel the only happiness Juliana will ever feel is when she is sent to the arms of God.

These parents choose to have a child--to create life. But they have forgotten that just as we are born into our life, we are also born into our death. Death is not evil. Death is an important, valuable and ultimately unavoidable experience for all of us. If you are present and mature enough to help a loved one through their death you may understand what is meant by 'birthing their death'. This process is as important for the one dying as for those helping them die.

These parents have been fighting death since the moment she was born. They have denied one half of a full life by running away from death with such fear.

All the debates are only a distration from the real feelings about death and loss.

This child requires around-the-clock medical care and will most likely require such care for the term of her life. I don't think anyone will deny that operations are torturously painful for anyone to endure, especially for such a small child. The question is, how much torture will she be forced to endure until she can say 'enough'.

Life is Love is Death is Love. One does not exist without the other.

Hold her. Love her. Let her go.

Yes, letting her go would have been the right thing to do. They should have let her died naturally and go to the hands of God. :)

How will her teenaged life be? what do you guys think?

I believe in God. I believe that Juliana is a special girl with a special girl. She will help other people learn to accept people like her, who are deformed. Help us to get over our fears and uncomfortable feelings about deformities. Help us realize no matter what a person looks like on the outside, it's what is on the inside that counts. Her parents love her unconditionally, probably more than parents with children with perfect faces. She has surrounding her, she can play, she can eat and breathe (not the way most of us do) most importantly she has love and alot of it. May God forgive those of you who think she is a monster. You should be ashamed of yourselves.May God forgive you.
Laurie

People never cease to amaze me - some with their capacity to love and others with their capacity to hate. This little girl has more strength and will to live than all of you put together. Have you seen the documentary? Have you seen her in school playing with other children, interacting, learning, living? She does not suffer chronic, debilitating pain like some of you suggest. She enjoys her life and every day is a small step toward normalcy for her. That little girl should serve as an inspiration to us all! Before you pass judgement on Juliana why don't you stop and take measure of your own life and accomplishments? I think if you do you'll find one very big difference between you and Juliana - she's happy with her life!

all u wjp r saying this child has no right to live should go to hell. i work with children with disabilities every day julianna is beautifull what ever happened to whats on the inside matters more she has more love than all u put together. i hope one day all of u are in a situation where u have to deal with a loved one with a disability then u will truley understand its impact. its makes me sick to read some of comments the prengenecy should of been terminated please get a life better yet a heart. jullina is beutiful on the inside and out and the only reason her parents are putting her through all this is becase of jerks like u who will make comments about her if u see her out in public or laugh at her or state. she is a beautiful child and u all should be ashamed of urselves

If everyone in the world thought it was enough to be beautiful just on the inside, then all would be just fine for Julianna. Sorry to say that's just not the case, and she is going to feel it hard.

I just hate people who try to deny the facts. Julianna will never live a normal life. Just give her a few more years or even less. My daughter is a few months younger than Julianna and right now she is smart enough to understand the different attitudes of people. How long do they think they are going to be able to protect Julianna from the world. They are just liars, lying to themselves and to us.

Some of the comments in this thread have honestly taken my breath away. This beautiful little girl is living a happy life with her brave and dedicated parents; and I'm ashamed that there is even a possibility that those wonderful people might ever read this page. As a father of two little ones I find this absolutely horrendous. If it were up to me I'd suggest that those of you who advocated killing this beautiful little girl -- a 'mutant,' you called her -- be separated from all children forever. You are a disgrace.

This might be the worst example of "humanity" I've ever seen. Thanks heavens that Juliana's supporters are legion and the pondscum who've posted here are but a few.

I had never heard of Juliana until tonight, on the TLC. Yes, it was a shock seeing Juliana, but I felt such compassion for her and also much admiration for her parents.
After googling her name, I found this site. Reading some of the posts here, I am completely disgusted with how many inhumane people there are in this world. Juliana is a human being and so many seem to react as if she's a monster. I'm wondering what those people would do if someone they loved were in a tragic accident or fire and left horribly scarred. Would they then want to euthanize their loved one? The monster isn't Juliana. The monster is in the people who don't think she should live.
I applaud her parents and family. They are what is good in this world.

humanity must always be respected, in all its forms. this child is a beautiful human being. there is nothing wrong with her mind, she is simply disabled in some ways.

her family loves her and she loves them as well. her parents are so brave and good hearted to care for their child through such hardships. that little girl is so brave and strong to tolerate the pain she goes through, all the while with a spirit that 99% of us will never know.

how dare you call her a mutant? you are a mutant soul.

its not unethical to try and make this child's life better. her parents and the doctors just have her welfare in mind when they subject her to the pain of surgery. is it unethical to help someone who has been badly burned through surgery? should we just kill them because it would be painful to try and give them a better quality of life?

the truth is that we do not know that little girl's quality of life. who are we to decide? when she is old enough to communicate her wishes, i doubt they will be to die because she feels sorry for herself. she has worked much harder to live than most of us.

Wow....it's pretty much all I can say right now. I watched the documentary last night, and after the initial fascination I couldn't help but feel humiliated and humbled. Here I was sitting there crying over not getting the perfect life I wanted, and this little girl and her parents were struggling to just have any life. And to see the human spirit in her play happily with her toys after her operations struck me deep in my heart.
God says he never gives us more then we can bear, and yet she showed me that I was crying over what essentially is spilled milk! Obviously God finds these people strong enough inside that he choose them to show others the ugliness, ungratefullness and greediness for self that lies within them. Juliana's fate and that of her parents is not being used to condemn us for our shortcomings, but to help us to recognize and overcome them. Her extraordinary life will impact the hearts and souls of perhaps thousands who will know of her....I know it has certainly affected mine.
I was blessed with physical beauty and a good family, and yet I whine continually and cry for myself because I can't have in life what I believe I want. But Juliana has shown me that life is not about ourselves, but about others and how we treat them.
No life can come into existance without it having been given a purpose, though it is sad that many, including myself, cannot see this purpose without a ton of help......Julianna, I believe, will be one such help to countless souls lost in this world and looking to find meaning.
To God Be The Glory.

2 all u ppl who said God is not real or she shld of had an obortion or the baby shld have been killed sum way, u r sick and wrong. i'm only 12 and i kno that krap (obortion) is only another word for MURDER! If u dnt believe in god, then i hope u enjoy the thought of burning enternally in Hell.
I have a 1 yr old nephew and if sumthin like this had happened 2 him i wld stand rite by my sister and fight 4 him all the way. a baby like that will go threw pain, but she's still a merical. THE merical of life, and no 1 should not get a chance just bc they're diffrent

SHE WOULD MAKE A GOOD DALEK

Here's a thought. The child continues to live. She can't hear. She can't see very well. She'll never taste food. Is this a life worth living?

Now, think what she can do. She can still find pleasure in life, perhaps even more than the rest of us because it will be foiled against the discrimination she will face. She can dance. She can love. She can feel sunlight on her face, feel the soft fur of a cat or the silkskin of a rose, feel music in her bones.
Would we deprive her of these experiences? Even Beethoven was deaf. Intelligence has nothing to do with the argument of quality of life, because even the simplest of creatures can demonstrate an appreciation for their world.

How can you people be so close-minded? The world will not instantly open its doors to this freak because of "God" treating everyone the same. Sure, you can say grand things about equality, but if this happened to your child, most of you religious freaks would be too ashamed to show her to the outside world.

Shazam,
Satan

The poor baby was bor n with a defect, why should you all be so mean? I was born with one too, and my mom had to have a C Section when I was born, and i get sick 50 times more than the average child.

LEAVE HER ALONE. She may teach a lesson to aLL of us. Until then, learn to get a life. Look around you, look in the mirror. Things like this happen, but, it shouldn't destroy our lives.

Juliana is obviously living a difficult, but happy, life. How could you look at a child, ANY child, and say they should no longer live? Do you see all the people that care about her? Do you see how happy she is playing with her piano, and on the playground with her sister? Sure, she may have a hard life, but that just proves that she is a strong person to be able to be happy despite all of her difficulties.

The people who call her a monster are shallow and ridiculous, and even those of you who try to justify your opinions by saying things like: "she'll never live a normal life," "she'll always look odd," or "she'll never have companionship and will suffer forever" - does she LOOK like she's suffering, at least emotionally? Does she cry all the time? Does she show depression in any way? NO. She has a family who loves her, and friends who feel the same way...not to mention a mind that is fully functional, unlike some of you evil morons out there.

Don't you dare call us "closed-minded" - you're the ones who are closed-minded monsters. Do you hear yourself? "She looks different and has some disabilities when it comes to eating/speaking/breathing, so she must be unhappy and will be forever...you should kill her." That's essentially what you are saying. You want to KILL her because you pity her. Pity is the last thing she needs - she needs people who care.

Read your own responses some time - I hope you shock yourself as much as you've shocked me. It's people like you who will make life hard for Juliana.

Did her mom do a ton of drugs when she was pregnant? Daaamnn!!

What a coincidence that I happened to see her story on a documentary about a month ago. God bless this child, and her parents. They have a difficult path in life. I saw a happy little girl and parents who were blessed with this child. God knew who to give her to. Her life will be made easier, thanks to a lot of surgery, and a lot of specialists, but mostly thanks to her parents.

No one is being mean in their comments. It is a fact and you all know that unfortunately we live in a world that is based on our looks. You all know that is true and don't tell me it is not. This child will end up unhappy with a terrible self image problem. We all know when we reach our teens that all that is important at the time is looking good, being popular, waiting for the opposite sex to start paying attention to us. YOU ALL KNOW THAT THIS IS A FACT!!!! This child is in for nothing but misery in her life. Sad, but true.

Oops, one more thing I wanted to comment on. Their other daughter. You have got to admit that she must feel left out alot because of all the attention her sister gets. Their other daughter needs just as much attention so her self image is intact. She will constantly be having to stick up for her sister, and that can make her angry and guilty all at the same time.

I recently saw this documentary about 2 weeks ago now. I haven't been able to get Juliana out of my head. I believe that those who say she will be miserable her whole life don't see or are unable to comprehend the rest of us out here completely in love with her. If no one wanted her - I would take her in a heartbeat and give her as much love as I would my own children. She will never be without friendship or companionship because she could reach out the hundreds of thousands of people that feel the same way I do. Yes people will stop and stare and say dumb things - or post things on the internet where she can find and read them someday. Those comments will be the cause of any misery. It's pretty sad that adults in this country would sit around and post some of the comments that I've seen not only here, but elsewhere. My family all watched the documentary and my kids are educated even as small children on how not to act like asses when they see someone with a deformity or physical challenge. My oldest daughter even wanted to write her a letter - so we did. If I ever see Juliana on the street, I will stop and stare in disbelief that I'm meeting her in person and go up to her and give her a hug. To all the people out there who say the mean things they do about this little girl or any other defenseless creature, I hope you all live perfect lives, without any severe misfortune brought onto your loved ones....karma is a powerful thing.

I don't care what anybody says or thinks.I think what Juliannas' parents have forced her to go thru and if she lives long enough what she will have to live thru is wrong.Absolutely wrong.It is cruelty to the highest degree.When she was born they had some idea of what her life would be like.If they didn't then they are stuiped people and somehow I don't see them as being stuiped.They knew she would suffer pain and misery from all of the surgeries she would have and they knew she would be tormented and be made fun of and be the bundt of all sorts of cruel and hateful jokes.Can you imagine what its going to be like when Julianna is in middle school or high school and she goes into the girls restroom by herself and there are a bunch of girls in there touching up their makeup and primping themselfs as all girls do ?? Don't her parents realize what kind of cruel hurtful things are going to be said about Julianna right to her face?? Not everybody is going to throw there arms open and treat Julianna as a long lost relative.When some people look at Julianna they get so ill that they have to upckuck.There will come a day when Julianna realizes this and how do you think this will make her feel?? Childern will see Julianna and scream and turn and run in shear fear.That reminds me,when a child see's julianna for the first time thats most generaly what they do and then her parents and others call that a cruel act.I just imagine if Julianna had a mornal face and she saw someone who looked like she does she would proabley turn and run in fear.As far as childern are concered people aren't supposed to look hideous and deformed like Julianna.What Juliannas' parents did is a sin and I don't think it is a sin God will forgive.What is more human,letting a child die right after birth before it is even conscience of the world around it, before it knows the difference between day and night,before it knows it has to suck a nipple in order for it to live ?? I am sure letting your baby die is a horribe thing to do,but death is not something to be afraid of.I faced death eyeball to eyeball due to cancer a few years back and it didn,t scare me a bit because if it didn't get me then it would get me later.Sometimes death is a good thing.The day Julianna dies will be the best day in her live.She will never be in pain and misery again,her little face will never be swelled so bad that her eyelids are turned inside out.She will never feel the pain of her jaw being forced out.She will nevermore endure the torment ,the crude jokes,the staires,the whispers and laughs and the humiliation that she is going to go thru.

Juliannas' condition was caused by cells that were mutant,therefore according to the dictionary she is very much a mutant.Also she is a freak,just like a rabbitt with five legs or a calf with two heads.They are freaks of nature and we humans are in my opinon just a highly developed form of animal that are capable of produceing freaks of nature just like animals out in the wild do.I certainly wouldn't go around calling people these names like some of the folks on this thread do.It is hurtful and only done for shock value

Well I am not sure why I would even respond to some of the posts I have seen here. The people that think Julianna would be better off dead aren't really worth my time. However I will throw this out there to hopefully help some of you who feel that way to change your minds and be able to look at yourselfs in the mirror. Will Julianna in life suffer? No doubt (we all will) Should she have been killed because of this fact? Definately not. What about children born in poverty in say Africa, should they be killed because more likely than not they will suffer in life? Or how about now a child born into slavery in India? These types of children and millions upon millions of children in this world will suffer much greater than Julianna ever will. Should we kill all those children? No. We should find ways to help them. Exactly what her parents and her doctors are doing, and have done since the day she was born.

Give the girl a chance she may be able to live a good quality of life.

well we cant hide the fact that society is all about looks and not about personality. sad but true! God has a reason behind his plan when he created this young girl. I believe that she was born for a purpose and I pray that one day all those negative people will be able to see just how awesome she turned out to be. I see it more of a blessing than a burden! bless this family...and God bless the soul that doesent believe~

Ok, first off.

God is not to be blamed for crap like this. The mere fact that we are human, incurs the wrath of mother nature. Anytime you wish to blame God for anything, remember... you smoke and eat fast food. Hypocacks.

Now.

I think people need to understand a few key words" Child. No. Face. This baby girl literally has no face. It is not an act of mercy to force a life of cruely, banishment and horror at the hands of her peers. If someone doesn't murder her out of sheer lunacy, she will kill herself because she will never have sex, she will never find true love, she will never do anything. Send the poor girl to heaven where she belongs.

I very much believe she will one day get married and have kid's. She has progressed so much since she was born, it is amazing! God doesn't give you more then you can handle, this family is obviously very strong and moving people around the nation/world. I can only say I will do as much as I can do to help. God has blessed me so much in my life I sometimes forget, and when I see people like Juliana I am completly stopped in my tracks and get a reality slap across the face. This family I will be praying for daily.

Im only 13 but this is realy sad.I never would have known this story if this rumor wan't going around on weeworld.com!it's goes like this:

"im a little girl with no face.i am dead.if you dont send this to 12 people by mid night i will come 2 ur house and kill you.
Case 1:Tammy O
tammy never believed in chain mail.silly Tammy.first,her tv flickered in her apartment.Then,I killed her.she sent this message 2 no ppl AND NOW SHE'S DEAD
case 2:Nick l
Nick L. is a smart guy.He sent it 2 12 ppl.later that day he found 100$ bill on the ground and got promoted at his job.His girlfriend said yes to purposal.Now he is at home living a happy life with his wife and 2 children" so i wanted 2 know if there is a girl with no face.i guess there is but this one is not evil.she must be a tough cookie.

Last time I checked, this is still Joels web site... I suppose that means he can say whatever he likes. If you don't like it, go elsewhere (preferably click an ad on your way out the door!)

Oh well, you can't beat them all.

I run a blog on animation providing quite a substantial bit of information for the community, but I do get an occasional comment which is rude beyond belief. The upside is - I get many other nice emails :)

Anyway, Joel, good job on the blog!

Hi Glenm

I can't agree more with you.
Anyway, I wish the girl all the best and I am sure she will find her peace and love in life.

Sometimes denying someone the "right to live" is the more compassionate option.

Hi Catherine,

Your response is rather vague. Would you care to elaborate on what set of circumstances qualify death as the more compassionate option?

Regards,

Glenn

Most people defending religion and the parents decisions, and calling the people that don't agree monsters because of their opinions haven't even given thought to how hard it is for a normal looking person to feel accepted by their peers, to be loved by the opposite sex and to live a productive and fulfilling life career wise.

Put yourself in the child's shoes. Would you enjoy having 30 surgeries that have painful recovery periods? Would you enjoy the opposite sex not being attracted to you? Would you enjoy not being a lawyer, or the CEO for a big company because people are actually afraid of you?

If I was born with this condition I sure as hell don't want to have multiple surgeries that wont change the fact that I'll look completely different. I sure as hell don't want to rely on cheap prostitutes to fulfill my need for sex. And I sure as hell don't want to waste my time working in jobs where I have to hide and get paid a misery... that I'll probably use on hookers and alcohol anyways. You are doing everyone including the child and society a disfavor. And you are certainly fooling yourselves thinking this is a challenge sent to you by god. I find life challenging enough already.

Unfortunately if you go to YOUTUBE and type in her name you will see many many other people around the world with similar deformaties. IT shocked me, but on TV today many programs are now aired about people who have been born with very bad deformities or had tragic accidents and it is heartbreaking as many countries cannot help thousands of children or adults with these heartbreaking injuries of no faces, tumors the size of 16lbs grwoing on hteir faces. Skin disorders that grow like tree branches on their faces and hands (these poor pople are in shows in some countries I believe) where the public get to go look at them. Beleive me there is so so much suffering in the world you just would not beleive it. I had to stop wtchign these programs for a while and looking at some of the things I would read or find on Youtube. Why so much suffering in the world..I do not know. Many of these people and children are so so strong and suffer through many operations or NO operations and grow up outcast from society adn it is indeed just sad b/c you cannot imagine if it were yourself or y0our own child or family member, but the only thing that makes me cry so so hard is seeing them older as they grow up adn how sad many of them are with these struggles and how inside they are fighting or just do not want to fight. This is the hardest part for me to watch. When they are very young they have the shelter of thier parents hopefully and once they start to mingle and get independant this cruel world is cruel or they realise they are very very different in how they look and for that child or adult it is an internalized suffering for their entire life. I could not imagine that suffering at all. but I do want to say that these children and adults that face these difficult challenges of outcast or painful surgeries or no surgeries at all and stay outcast in their towns or homes I pray for all of them that this is thier trial in life and cross to bear because we all know this would be difficult indeed--we all know that. We should all realise how very very lucky we are indeed to not have to bear such suffering. I just hope that she can handle this world and I pray she can just as the millions around the world with deformaties are doing right now as I type this. I hope the many surgeries ahead of her help her feel more accepted in her life..............for her own sake and happiness.

Julianna was not meant to live.If she was she would not have to have all the life saving mesures that she has had.It's all part of God's plan,remenber,only the strongest shall live.It may be cruel but it is Gods way.It is his way of insureing that all living things continue to exsit.Its his way of keeping all living things strong and their gene pools clean and free of mutations.If it weren't Gods way there wouldn't be many living things around today and what did manage to live would be sick and weak and deformed just like Julianna.I am sorry the truth hurts and nature is cruel but that is Gods way.

Most hilarious comment ever.

"2 all u ppl who said God is not real or she shld of had an obortion or the baby shld have been killed sum way, u r sick and wrong. i'm only 12 and i kno that krap (obortion) is only another word for MURDER! If u dnt believe in god, then i hope u enjoy the thought of burning enternally in Hell.
I have a 1 yr old nephew and if sumthin like this had happened 2 him i wld stand rite by my sister and fight 4 him all the way. a baby like that will go threw pain, but she's still a merical. THE merical of life, and no 1 should not get a chance just bc they're diffrent"

Juliana's thoughts:

.... "Mom, Dad, I'm glad I'm alive, but you guy's didn't have to put me all over the internet :("

This is too Tina waaaaay up there and Gary also... You said in your statement that maybe it was god's will to let her die and without man's intervention, technology and medicine she would have died hours later... Soo umm I guess you should let the people around you know that if u are ever shot, stabbed, get in a car accident, or whatever, they shouldn't rush you to the hospital to use "man's intervention" to save your life and that it is God's will to let you die right there on the pavement. Please add DNR to your medical papers to let them no not to resuscitate you if you ever flat line. Give me a break if you really truly believed what you are saying then you WOULD NEVER EVER go to the doctor or hospital and I would put money on the table that says you've been there quite a few times

And to the idiot who brought up Helen Keller, it is called modern technology. They didn't have the medical capacity to find out that Helen had such problems...not to mention, at least she could breathe and eat without the help of machines.

Again, Christians are just complete retards that need to get psychiatric help for all of the delusional concepts they think of, abortion is one of them. Abortion is to stop suffering, not create monsters as in the case of this child.

One thing we do know a lot of us have experienced The healing power of the miracle worker Jesus Christ at one time or another.I personaly have witnessed a cancer and other healings. I believe that religion must grow to a state of everyone becoming a bishop in equal reverence for the bread of life.We should reverance the bread the ghost of jerusalem and not the people.Also puting people in monasteries when they should be running the churches side by side male female and town and state communities is a waste.Encourage the positive powers in this tough journey.Many of us have traveled the incredible bitter journey and miraculously hold the love of God and neighbor above the damage done against the human family.Its all edjucation and we should eventualy have a loving world. truthfully yours Tom D. DeVisscher Good people travel the road to hhelp the neighbors when we can. May you all be good neighbors in my healing church.Beware of bad confessional practices. Dirty boxes dirty systems made people who are priest and priesteses unclean.

Its really sad how people can be so mean and unforgiven and use nasty words to hurt someone they do not even know even if its a a little girl. Her parents might happen to come acrossed Joel's blog. Personally if I were Joel I would have deleted the above hate filled post. They do no good accept start yelling matches over the internet. How very pathetic of you people who deny the existence of a religious figure then to top it off make fun of a little girl who don't even care shes missing half a face. Her parents do not look to me like the parents who are unfit. Then as I am typing this message it occurs to me that how very similar the above comments were leave it to spammers to ruin some ones blog.

Well,I didn't sit here and read 300+ comments but some people only want to believe what our tiny little brains can conceive...we can't see the big picture as God does we only see the tiny piece that exists in our own little minds in our own little worlds.Something cannot come from nothing..God made us all, even the those without faces....someday when we leave our imperfect bodies and inept little minds, we will know all the answers.

I BELIEVE IN GOD. IF JULIANA WAS MEANT TO DIE, SHE WOULD HAVE DIED NO MATTER WHAT MEDICAL/SCIENTIFIC OR TECHNOLOGICAL EFFORTS WERE PROVIDED. IF JULIANA WILLED TO DIE, SHE WOULD HAVE DIED. IT APPEARS TO ME THAT ON ALL SIDES OF THE SITUATION THE "LIFE PRINCIPLE" OUTWEIGHS THE "DEATH PRINCIPLE".

I DESIRE EVERY BLESSING AND FAVOR FOR JULIANA AND HER FAMILY AND BLESSINGS FOR THOSE WHO BLESS THEM THROUGH THEIR SUPPORTIVE WORDS AND ACTIONS. TO EVERYBODY WHO READS THESE COMMENTS, PEACE TO ALL OF YOU IN 2009!

Okay so your saying that i should have died during pregnancy? I have tcs and im quite fine, i attend univeristy i have a bioy friend and friends that love me. All you should go to hell !

Well if you do look up information on her surgey will be able to fix her facial deformities over time, other then her facial deformity she is completey normal. Also if you compare pictures from when she was first born to pictures of her now her face is looking MUCH better. Also the parents didn't know she was going to turn out like this, they thought the worse was going to be she was going to have a cleft lip. So all in all this little will be ok in the end and when she is graduating high school, and if she sees all the horrible things you people have written about her, she will probaley laugh. Because her strength and her parents strength and love proved you wrong.

Great Day,

I pray that God will bless this family, more than he alreay has.

and what I say does not matter, and what you believe does not matter, only His true word shall prevail...

Isaiah 45:22 Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else.

Isaiah 45:23 I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, That unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear.

Romans 14:11 For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God

Romans 14:12 So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.

Matthew 12:36 But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.

Revelation 20:11 And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.

Revelation 20:12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.

Revelation 20:13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.

Revelation 20:14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.

Revelation 20:15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

and for those that say "There is no God"...

Revelation 21:8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.

Psalms 14:1 The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good.

Psalms 53:1 The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. Corrupt are they, and have done abominable iniquity: there is none that doeth good.

Proverbs 17:21 He that begetteth a fool doeth it to his sorrow: and the father of a fool hath no joy.

Proverbs 18:2 A fool hath no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself.

Romans 4:16 Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all,

Romans 5:15 But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many.

Romans 11:6 And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.

1 Corinthians 10:30 For if I by grace be a partaker, why am I evil spoken of for that for which I give thanks?

Ephesians 2:5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)

Ephesians 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

And if you wish to put the "Holier than thou" label on me... don't bother.

I am nothing but a sinner, saved by His grace! We had twins 2 years ago now, beautiful, and healthy. The tests they took for a "regular or routine pregnancy", then "They" gave us "advice" would have killed them both, because the test results were "abnormal" for a "routine or regular pregnacy"... here is some advice to you who either don't know God, or His Son, get a real bible, KJV,(Sharper than a two edged sword, not your tampered with, waterd down, missing passages, dull butter knives), and learn, ask Him for wisdom and guidance... He will give it to you. and also, the bible is not a front to back read, it is 66 books, 39 old test. and 27 new test. I suggest John, and Romans to start with. Oh, and last thing, I used to be a believer in the universalistic view, it all used to look pretty much the same to me, even after 15 years in the US Navy, and travling over 3/4 of this world. I only started learning the real Truth only about 5 years ago... and I am still learning it. Prasie God!

Some of you people are disgusting. Some of the things being said sort of reminds me of the holocaust and the Final Solution. Let me ask you this - if you are in some sort of tragic accident and sustain a major disfiguring injury, can we just kill you, too? I mean, I would like to save you from people saying mean things about you and having a rough life. Get over yourselves, you Nazis. You're the same people who cry and whine about discrimination towards blacks and gays and feel sorry for criminals and their 'rights', yet you allow discrimination towards the mentally handicapped, physically disabled, the religious, the fat, the ugly and whatever else you can come up with.

Funny how some people here have been trumpeting the greatness of their God -- I've seen entirely different "Gods" represented by different people claiming to believe in Him.

One version of God, apparently, would rather have you live in hellish pain and misery for your entire life, just because "life is better than no life". This means that prematurely ending your life is a sin, whether you do it or get someone else to do it. And it's a sin no matter how much pain you're in. This seems to contradict all those cases where Grandma or Grandpa dies and everyone agrees that "it was God's will". What about children with terminal diseases, reaching the end of their lifespans? What about people who beg to be taken off life support because the pains of living outweigh the benefits? When is it a "sin" and when is it "God's will"?

Another version of God would rather that you went to Heaven earlier, since that's a better place to be than here on Earth with daily agony ravaging your mortal body. Being alive is good, but a painless afterlife is where we should hope for a suffering person to go to. But that would imply that you shouldn't bother trying to stay alive -- that you should just let yourself die, whenever it happens. However, this is also problematic because it can encourage a lack of ambition during our time on Earth, or worse, an indifference to human suffering; after all, the mortal life seems like just a tedious chore to get through before we reach the "better" afterlife.

In both cases, the people who promote these different versions of God all seem to think they know what's best for the child. And clearly, neither one is absolutely right.

But it doesn't really matter what the Bible-thumpers think. What really matters is what the girl Juliana herself thinks. She's still too young to deal with the issue, but in a decade or so she will have had enough time to reflect on it.

Who creates joy or suffering? Does a God create them for us, or do we personally, individually choose to feel those things? Who else but us would be the ones to go around labelling things as blessings or curses? (Haven't we seen enough Biblical examples where some silly human cursed his lot in life, only to have his eyes opened to how much help God had actually given him? We can't help but be limited in how we see our circumstances. But none of us here are God; it's ridiculous to think that any one of us could be in a position to discipline another person on what the "Truth" is.)

Why should it matter what you people think Juliana should be experiencing (a life of pain, a life of strength and bravery, a premature death, a merciful death -- whatever you want to frame "life" and "death" as)? That is her choice. Remember, she has a fully functioning brain like other children do. She is an intelligent human being. It's just unfortunate that she is physically impaired from fully demonstrating that fact to the world. I am sure she will be able to intellectually grasp her situation -- if not now, then many years down the line.

She can at any time say, "God has blessed me by giving me life," or, "God has doomed me to live in misery." She can even outright reject the notion of a God. That is her right as a human being: freedom of thought and belief. What's truly disgusting is when people come along and try to force their ideologies on others, as if they were specially privileged to know the "One Truth" that makes them superior to everyone else.

Whether or not Juliana's story is miraculous, whether or not that miracle was brought about by God's love or by human love, and whether we can call it "love" or "cruelty", it doesn't really matter; the fact is that she was born, she is a living, intelligent human, and the decision was already made by her parents for her. For better or worse, that is the path she is on now, and all she can do is go from there. Does she deserve to live? Do _any_ of us deserve to live? We'll never know the definitive answer (though we may try to justify our own existence via God), but the fact is that we happened to be born and we happen to have survived until now. Why can't we move on from there?

this story is very sad..yet so inspiring. however i do not blame god for this, or say it is him that is giving these people miracles. it is in themselves, they have found faith in life itself, in precious time, and in love and with that unbreakable bond between family. if only all humanity had their strength, naturally, without any having to pray to a false god and be blinded, hoping but never acting, instead answering to themselves and making the true decisions based on the heart and soul, based on how we truely feel and the happiness and content with what we have, and the short amount of time we have to appreciate it why...i must say life would be so grand...i am happy to know though there are people out there that are capable of natural human emotion. that is what gives me hope.

I've read her progress via the link given above. It is amazing that despite her birth defect, she is able to lead her life like a normal kid. =]She will live well, and stronger than the other whining kids out there.

Stay strong, Juliana!

I am a 27-year old woman. I am not a religious person by any means. I am surprised by how many people think that compassion and acceptance are exclusive to religious belief. It's a characteristic of (some) human beings that has nothing to do with religion or age.

However, I do believe that the disgusting and inappropriate comments made on here about Juliana are exclusive to ignorant people. Ignorance and lack of understanding (about compassion, about disabilities, about anything) are the same thing. Clearly you don't understand compassion or love, therefore you are ignorant.

When you make misguided and inappropriate comments you are adding more pain to Juliana's life. By making such awful comments you are contradicting your original point that she should have been saved from the life-long misery of her condition. If you were so truly concerned about her suffering and her quality of life, you would never have made comments which can only cause more suffering to her now. Please take a look at yourself and realize that you are hypocrites.

Look beyond your point-of-view to see another's and realize that happiness is relative and defined differently by everyone. Just because Juliana will not get satisfaction and power-trip from saying awful things about other people on the internet like you do does not mean she won't find satisfaction and meaning in other areas of her life.

I hope that Juliana never finds this post, but it is highly likely that she will at some point in her life. I hope she will able to look past the awful things that were said about her and instead focus on the people who are touched and inspired by her story. And for those of you who are writing such despicable things, please take in to consideration that she might see your comments one day when she is older and does an internet search for herself.

To Juliana: you are inspiring and an amazing person. The challenges in your life are unimaginable to me. I wish you the best in your life and can only dream of having the strength and courage that you have. Please don't be afraid to live your life to the fullest and enjoy every minute of it. Both the good and the bad define who we are, and more often that not it is our struggles which define our character. From the little that I have seen about your life, I can tell that you have a beautiful character.

I dont think this message bored in a place to fight over God. I have watched a show on Juliana the other night & it has touched me. The parents love their child, & everyone should love their child, regardless of how they look. Everyone needs a chance at live, shes a smart and loving little girl, who has parents that love her. Thats a lot more than some children have. God Bless the family!

Were one of my sons to grow up and in fifteen or twenty years come home and announce they wanted to marry a girl like Juliana, I would weep -- I would sob tears of joy that I'd raised a child who could be so compassionate and wise, who could look beyond the shallow surface of a person's body, and was so willing to go through what would surely be hardship for a woman he loved. If any of you who have children can say differently, that you would rebuke your children for such a decision, that your emotional reaction would be revulsion, you are horrific monsters.

A couple of weeks ago, I saw a show on Juliana on the Discovery channel, along with my wife and two sons, 8 and 6 years old. It gave us a wonderful opportunity to stress to them how they should not judge others on appearance, and the hour-long show gave them a chance to be both interested in her plight and get used to the idea of seeing her as a person. My older son wants to be a doctor, and so is interested in all medical shows. It's not the first time we've seen a severe facial deformity on tv, and won't be the last.

The parents face some incredibly difficult decisions. I don't think it's fair to criticize their choice of whether to go through with the surgeries or not. The program did mention how the parents were struggling with whether they should continue with further surgeries that might not be possible for her later in life, or just let her be a kid now. They want what all parents want for their children -- for her to have a fulfilled life, where she can contribute to society and feel love, if not sex (and frankly, who knows -- there are likely some who can look past her facial issues).

I've worked with the mentally handicapped for several years, including many with Down's syndrome and far more profound difficulties. Rarely did I find their happiness in life to be in any way related to their mental problems. The one I felt the most pity for was not the most disabled -- he was the one who had started life normally, and was hit by a car at age 12 and suffered permanent brain damage. He was excrutiatingly aware of what he had lost.

One of the striking things I find about this thread is that it's one of the few places on the internet I've seen where Christians are saying the things that they should be saying. Normally, I see them saying things that seem like complete and utter rejections of the philosophy they purport to believe, and I feel like I'm the most "Christian" of them.

Which is a bit disconcerting, since I'm an atheist. I don't believe any god exists, nor that there is some divine purpose to Juliana's existence. I write here using the pseudonym I usually use on "militant" atheist boards such as PZ Myer's Pharyngula. I'd encourage other atheists to think about purpose for a moment. If you follow the new atheist rationale, you will assert that there is no divine purpose -- there is only the purpose that we create for ourselves. Are you seriously willing to assert that it is impossible for Juliana to create a purpose for herself? Are you really just the dull materialists, so tied to outward appearance, as the theists would claim you are? Or do you really believe that people can make their own purpose, that people can overcome their own situations, and that people can learn tolerance -- as I suspect the triad of Dennett, Dawkins, and (yes, even) Hitchens believe?

"Just how crippled is this child?"

You didn't watch it, eh? She can't eat, and has difficulty talking and probably some vision problems (but not blind). Her gross and fine motor skills seem within the normal range, and apparently her intellect is also normal. She probably can't whistle.

"Is it even romotely possible for her to live happily?"

That's quite a metaphysical question. Is it possible for any of us to live happily? If you were disfigured badly enough, would you choose death? Somehow, I doubt you would, but perhaps you are that weak.

"How is it a good thing if a child is kept alive if it is only to suffer? "

This, on the other hand, is a silly question. No one "only suffers", just like no one "never suffers".

"Are the parents only prolonging there child's existance in world where it will only be tortured?"

Excuse me, "it"????? The proper pronoun would be "she". Wow. You really don't think of her as human at all, do you? And see point above -- she is not "only tortured". She will experience pain, and probably more than average. How much depends not just on how the world treats her, though, but also upon how she reacts to the world. Like all of us.

"How is that love?"
You've decided that another human must not have the capacity to be happy, based on your own value system? Does it occur to you how stupid that is? Simply, you cannot judge how happy another person has the capability to be.

"Surely letting the child die would be the compassionate and merciful thing to do."

Okay, the girl's six years old. Letting her die would involve either starving her or treating her as a death row inmate and giving her a lethal injection. There aren't too many states that allow murdering six-year olds, or people who would consider it a compassionate and merciful act.

Perhaps you should be asking yourself how many people with Treacher Collins Syndrome commit suicide, no? If it's not significantly higher than normal, that kind of blows your whole stinking hypthesis away. Of course, it shows something that you didn't even consider asking yourself the question.

This sounds just awful.

What a life you will have to live.

This child was put on this planet for a reason, she has every right to enjoy life as we all do. My nephew has Downs Syndrome and our family is truly blessed to have him. And let me tell you, I know for a fact that he will always have more compassion and love for people than some of the people that have placed crude comments!!! SSS, Katie, I think that you have a disability that unfortunately does not have a cure!

why does everybdy think that people are out on earth for a reason- heck this child has just some bad formation(or lack of formaion) in her face which were probably due to some broken chromosome or faulty parts f dna.

God bless this courageous, loving family.. and most of all, God bless Julianna! What a brave, brave little girl!!! My thoughts and prayers are with her... (her story melted my heart..truly)
Her life is obviously not the easiest but it's clear to see that this little girl makes the most of it!!!

Mike: Will you PLEASE remember that it's not Juliana's fault she was born with this? How dare you denigrate her as if she chose this disability. At least veterans currently have the CHOICE to sign up for service. They know they may get their limbs blown off. So how is it their right more than Juliana's to get the medical care needed? What if she was your daughter? You would fight tooth and nail to do anything for her, if you are a good parent.

I had to eat through my stomach, I would not want to continue living.

That pregnancy should have been terminated. That poor child will probably die early in life, god willing.