Parent's Testimonies
Testimony of Belinda Moran
May 24, 2000
Former Address: 135 Stephenson Ave. Middlesex, NJ 08846
For more current info see: www.sbsdefense.com
Hello, my name is Belinda Moran. I am here today on behalf of my son Kieran. He is now four years old.
Kieran was born on November 3, 1995, full term at 8lbs. 100oz. The pregnancy and delivery were unremarkable according to hospital records. He was vaccinated with the Hepatitis B Energix less 24 hours after birth. Shortly before being discharged, the nurse commented that Kieran was tremoring in the bassinette, and she was taking him back to the nursery for a test. One hour later he was brought back to my room and she said he was OK to come home. In retrospect, I believe she failed to recognize a seizure.
Kieran then received his routine vaccinations at well baby check-ups. He received the next Hepatitis B Energix at six weeks of age. That was December 15, 1995.
By the time he had his next well baby check up which was 1 month later, Jan. 12, 1996, I had expressed some concerns to his pediatrician. 1. He was arching his back and rolling onto his side bobbing his head. 2. His hands and feet were blue in color and cold to the touch. 3. His skin tone was very pale almost snow white. 4. He began to spit up or vomit late in the afternoon or early evening (which is a sign of inter-cranial pressure.) 5. He also would fist his hands and try to gnaw on them. The pediatrician failed to recognize those concerns as serious neurological signs and vaccinated him with the DPT (Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus) and Polio vaccines.
Twelve days later, he started to vomit. The pediatrician was notified. He said, "It's probably just the flu."
Kieran was then taken to Robert Wood Johnson Hospital. He was placed on life support in very grave condition. Cat scans were done which revealed a massive Intercentricular hemorrhage.
What followed next was an intense investigation of child abuse. Hospital personnel diagnosed Kieran as a Shaken Baby Syndrome victim. Our older son, Ryan, who was only four years old at the time, was removed from our home. Luckily, I had the presence of mind to call other neurosurgeons in other areas of the country. Not because of the diagnosis, but to question Robert Wood's capability in properly treating this life threatening bleed. All of them told me to call them again if I had any other questions regarding his treatment.
After nurses telling me the Doctor's there were so puzzled by my son's condition and them sending blood out for cultures to look for something very rare, I called the neurosurgeons again. One was nice enough to call the treating physician at Robert Wood Johnson. It was explained to him where Kieran's Hemorrhage started and how they were treating him. The neurosurgeon then told the MD at Robert Wood Johnson that this is not an abused child and definitely not a Shaken Baby. That expert Neurosurgeon confirmed with me that Kieran was not abused or shaken either. Cat scans were also sent to him in Dallas, Texas, where his staff also confirmed his statement.
My son's CAT scan has not one shred of evidence to support their diagnosis of child abuse.
Instead of taking the expert's opinion, Robert Wood Johnson intensified their investigation.
Was this fair that they called my husband and I and pronounced brain death? Was it fair that we had to hire a criminal defense attorney? Was it fair that we lost custody of our older son Ryan?
After one of our court appearances the Doctors in Texas advised us to transfer Kieran to UMDNJ in Newark. The neurosurgeons there also confirmed that this type of bleed was not consistent with Shaken Baby Syndrome.
The survival rate for this type of hemorrhage is 5 to 7%. It bled for 21 days. Kieran had three blood transfusions. A VP Shunt was placed. Kieran was hospitalized for 14 weeks. Eight of those were spent in the Intensive Care Units.
This link with the vaccine became apparent after reading an article in the Courier News in August 1998. I called the National Vaccine Information Center In Vienna, Virginia, and told them my nightmare of a story. Their reply : "Your mistake was going to Robert Wood Johnson Hospital. They would put you in jail before admitting this was a vaccine related event." I have done quite a bit more research and other vaccine damage experts believe that Kieran's brain hemorrhage is a direct result of the vaccine.
While we are thrilled that Kieran survived this catastrophic event, we are faced daily with the task of providing the necessary care, medical, educational, therapeutic well being of this child. His CAT Scans show extensive brain damage and many MD's who have seen it are surprised he is even alive and breathing. Quite a miracle!
He has made gains and continues to improve slowly. After being completely paralyzed he now moves both legs and arms. He can sit independently, eats and drinks by mouth. He does have global delays, visual impairment and a seizure disorder.
He has had traditional Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy and speech therapies along with chiropractic, cranial work, vision therapy and homeopathic treatment. A pediatrician, neurologist, neurosurgeon and low vision doctors also follow him. Additionally, he participated in a hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) study at New York Hospital. I did see many improvements with that therapy and would love to be able to provide more.
Financially, this has been a huge burden . We have spent what little savings we had on our defense, on insurance co-pays to therapists, doctors and transportation costs. Our bills, mortgage, taxes Etc. have been consistently late because his care comes first and foremost. Kieran does not receive SSI or any other type of help. We have no recourse against any of the agencies: DYFS, The Child Protection Center, Middlesex County Prosecutors Office or the MD's and Robert Wood Johnson Hospital because of the immunities they enjoy! The judge said it would have a chilling affect on those who make reports of child abuse whether they are right or wrong. But the judge failed to recognize the unnecessary expenses and the chilling effect it had and still has on our family and family life style .
I do hope you consider our story and how a vaccine can cause so much heartache. My son Kieran could have had a normal and healthy life if he had not received those shots.
Sincerely,
Belinda, Kevin, Ryan & Kieran Moran
December 1, 2000
I would like to add that we have relocated to Tampa, Florida. Kieran has new Doctors here and are in a state of shock that Robert Woods Johnson Hospital called this a case of Shaken Baby Syndrome. Robert Wood Johnson has embarrassed themselves all over the country and they do not even know it ! I would also like to add that Kieran has been given a medical exemption for all future vaccines after the Doctor saw these pictures and corresponding head circumferences . Another Doctor here also asked me what I thought caused this devastating hemorrhage. I replied, "The Hepatitis B Vaccine." She said," You're on the right track, investigate it fully."
Sincerely,
Belinda Moran