Parents of Girl Left "brain-dead" after Tonsil Surgery Fight to Keep Hospital from Pulling Life Support

Aimee Herd : Dec 18, 2013
CBSlocal.com

The family is fighting to keep Jahi on life support, while they pray for a miracle.

(Oakland, CA)—When 13-year-old Jahi Mcmath underwent a tonsillectomy on Dec. 9th, it was supposed to be a routine surgery to correct her sleep apnea problem. (family photo)

However, following the surgery, Jahi began to cough up blood, and reportedly went into "cardiac arrest." Since that time, she has been kept alive by life support, as doctors at Children's Hospital in Oakland have declared her "brain dead."

Now the hospital is intending to remove the young girl's life support, without the consent of her family.

This week, Jahil's family lawyer served the hospital with a "cease and desist letter," blocking them from removing Jahi's support which would likely kill her.

Meanwhile, the teen's mother keeps vigil by her side, talking to her.

"I just kind of feel like maybe she's trapped inside her own body and she wants to scream out and tell me something," Jahi's mother told reporters through tears. "That's why every time I go in there, I let her know, ‘I will not let them take you to the coroner's office, Jahi, I won't.'"

The family is praying for a miracle.

Says Jahi's uncle, "Their medicine didn't work, so it's time to let God work."

A prayer service for Jahi has been scheduled for 6pm Wednesday night at Paradise Baptist Church in Oakland, CA.