When Doctors Gave Up, LIFE Had The Last Word
Dear Friends,
At Life Legal, we are often called to intervene in the most critical moments—times when families are told there is no hope of recovery and pressured to withdraw life-sustaining care. These are moments of immense grief, fear, and isolation. Yet by God’s grace, and through your faithful prayers and support, despair is not the final word. Two recent cases show the power of standing firm for life.
Mariana’s Story
When Mariana was just eleven years old, doctors declared her “brain dead.” They conducted two “apnea tests,” removing her from oxygen for up to 10 minutes to see if she could breathe on her own. During the second test, Mariana took a breath. That single breath proved she did not meet the criteria for brain death.
Still, the hospital pushed forward, insisting on a third test to justify withdrawing her care. I will never forget the hospital’s attorney insisting, “She’s dead, she’s dead, she’s dead.”
That’s when Life Legal intervened. We sued the hospital to stop it from removing Mariana’s treatment and to protect her right to live.
Because of that lawsuit, Mariana is alive today. Now twelve, she is in a rehabilitation hospital. A recent brain scan revealed undeniable brain activity, and she is moving her body and responding to basic questions. Her parents continue to fight for her, showing daily love and unwavering hope for their daughter’s recovery.
Juan Carlos’ Story
Not even two weeks after his birth, baby Juan Carlos was written off by his doctors. They told his parents he was likely “brain dead” and pressed them to withdraw care.
That’s when his family reached out to us. For days, Life Legal’s nurse stayed in constant contact, guiding them on how to deal with the hospital and insist on a second opinion.
Finally, a neurologist performed another EEG—and discovered clear brain wave activity. The doctors had been wrong. Juan Carlos was alive.
Today, at just six weeks old, Juan Carlos breathes on his own. He kicks and waves his arms. He is still working on his swallowing reflex, so he just got a proper feeding tube to make sure he receives enough nutrients. Soon, he will be going home to his family—a miracle that would never have happened without intervention.
Friends, these are not just stories. These are human lives—children whose very survival hung in the balance. They are urgent reminders of what is at stake in every case we take on. Without Life Legal—and without you—Mariana, Juan Carlos, and many other precious people might not be alive today. Every day, families are told to give up hope. We must be ready to respond immediately—with legal action, medical advocacy, and the resources that give life a chance.
Scripture calls us: “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed”(Proverbs 31:8). That is exactly what you make possible when you give, pray, and stand with us.
Your generosity is more than support—it is an act of sacrificial love, a reflection of Christ’s own gift of Himself. By giving, you make visible the love that binds the Body of Christ together, where one member’s sacrifice becomes life for another. If you cannot make a financial gift at this time, please know that your prayers are just as vital—lifting up the vulnerable, strengthening families, and sustaining all of us who labor for life.
Together, may we give faithful witness to the Author of Life in all we do.
P.S. Mariana and Juan Carlos are living proof that hope is never lost. But there are more families waiting for someone to fight for them. Give now at LifeLegal.org and help us defend the most vulnerable before it’s too late.