The Court Fight Goes On for Mother Accused of Abusing Her Babies
New Evidence Reveals Rare Disease and Injuries Started Before Birth
Tasha Patterson, a nurse practitioner, is fighting to regain custody of her twins, who have been taken away from her after being accused of child abuse. She claims that new evidence reveals that her twins have a rare disease, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), which can cause easy bruising and fragile bones. The disorder is likely responsible for the injuries that led to the twins being taken away from her.
A Rare Disease and Unexplained Injuries
Tasha’s twins have been in her care from birth, but she has been struggling to understand their unusual behavior and unexplained injuries. She made several trips to doctors and emergency rooms, but no one could determine the cause of their persistent fussiness and injuries. It wasn’t until a recent visit to the emergency room that a doctor discovered one of the babies had rib fractures.
A Second Twin with Fractures Everywhere
The discovery of the second twin’s fractures led to a report to the Department of Children and Families, and the babies were taken away from Tasha. However, Tasha claims that she was never informed of the diagnosis of EDS and its potential link to the injuries.
A Second Appeal and New Evidence
Tasha has since launched a second appeal, and new evidence has emerged that supports her claims. Doctors have reviewed her case and concluded that the injuries were not caused by abuse but rather by the rare disease. One doctor, Dr. Irman Forghani from Mount Sinai Medical Genetics, found that one of the twins continued to show new fractures while not in Tasha’s custody.
Exonerating Evidence
Another doctor’s report revealed that some of the fractures occurred before the babies were even born. This new evidence has exonerated Tasha, and her case has been reviewed by several EDS experts. Her attorney, Valentina Villalobos, emphasized that the new evidence makes it impossible to conclude that the injuries were caused by child abuse.
A Desperate Plea for Reunification
Tasha is desperate to be reunited with her twins and has been fighting for their return. She has been allowed supervised visits while the twins live with her brother. In an emotional plea, she said, "When I’m walking out the door, I hear them crying, ‘Mommy,’ through the door. If I’m this horrible person, why would my kids be crying for me? They want their mom, and I can’t be there the way I want to be there because these people are blocking me."
Conclusion
Tasha’s case is a tragic example of the consequences of misdiagnosis and a lack of understanding about rare diseases. Her fight for her children’s return is ongoing, and her second appeal is making its way through the courts. If Tasha loses, the twins will be put up for adoption, leaving her without her children.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS)?
A: EDS is a rare genetic disorder that affects the body’s connective tissue, leading to fragile skin, joints, and bones.
Q: What are the symptoms of EDS?
A: EDS can cause easy bruising, joint hypermobility, and fragile bones.
Q: Can EDS be passed from parents to children?
A: Yes, EDS is an inherited disorder, and parents who have the condition can pass it on to their children.
Q: How common is EDS?
A: EDS is a rare disorder, with an estimated prevalence of 1 in 2,500 to 1 in 5,000 people worldwide.
