A mother opposed to vaccination who has been held responsible for her daughter's death due tocancerAfter encouraging her to reject traditional cancer treatments, she appeared at her inquest today - and quickly reaffirmed her contentious views.
CambridgeA graduate and model named Paloma Shemirani passed away in July following her decision to forgo medical treatment for her manageable non-Hodgkin lymphoma, which is a type of blood cancer.
Paloma, 23, is the daughter of Kate Shemirani, a well-known anti-vaccine advocate who lost her nursing license in the UK in 2021 due to her strong anti-medical beliefs, such as advising against wearing masks and getting vaccinated during the pandemic.
As an investigation into Paloma's death commenced this morning, Mrs. Shemirani participated in the Coroner's court via online connection — and quickly showed she remains unapologetic about her strong views.
Mrs. Shemirani described her daughter's cancer as a "claimed diagnosis" while debating with Coroner Catherine Wood regarding the evidence to be considered at the Kent inquest.
Mrs. Shemirani, dressed in a lavender dress adorned with white flowers and her blonde hair neatly tied back in a bun, frequently interjected to express her views.
Although she was initially told she had a good chance of surviving her illness, Paloma, a former Miss Brighton contestant, passed away seven months after being diagnosed, after declining assistance.
Her two brothers and ex-boyfriend have both publicly stated that Paloma was pressured by her mother to decline medical treatment — a statement the mother has refuted.
Paloma's twin brother Gabriel and ex-boyfriend Ander were present at Oakwood House in Maidstone.
Today, the inquest into Paloma's case included testimony from haematology specialist Dr Mohan, who explained how the young woman was diagnosed and how a treatment strategy was developed.
The coroner's court was informed that Paloma was initially taken to the emergency department on October 4, 2023, due to chest pain, a fever, and a swelling in her neck.
She was admitted on December 3 and scheduled for an urgent CT scan the following day.
A biopsy was also performed, and Paloma was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, with a significant mass discovered near her sternum.
As the consultant was questioned regarding radiology scans, Mrs. Shemirani exclaimed, "I would like to object," but the coroner informed her that she could not object to a witness statement.
Dr. Arunodaya Mohen stated that as part of a typical treatment regimen, Paloma was recommended to begin six rounds of chemotherapy, with each session lasting 14 days.
Steroids would also be administered, with radiation therapy and stents being evaluated at a later stage.
The physician mentioned that the treatment's potential side effects, which could have been managed either in a hospital or on an outpatient basis, involve nausea, vomiting, hair loss, alterations in nails, and the creation of 'tumour lives' that may release toxins and impact the body's chemical balance.
Dr. Mohen stated, "Chemotherapy may impact fertility, so we provided Paloma with options for preserving her fertility prior to starting chemotherapy."
We had a conversation about fertility and talked about referring to a specialized center. She was willing to proceed with fertility preservation, and we also discussed the PET scan.
At that moment, I don't believe I had any worries [regarding her ability]. We reviewed the management plan at that time, and it was during that discussion that we provided her with an 80 per cent chance of recovery.
Currently, Paloma's cancer was classified as a stage one tumor, and because of her age and the spread of the illness, she had a favorable likelihood of recovery.
Her physician stated: "She was considered very low risk and had an 80 percent chance of recovery, which is a remarkable success rate."
Following their initial meeting on December 22nd, Dr. Mohan reviewed possible treatment plans and the possibility of a PET scan with Paloma, who reportedly nodded in agreement.
However, the following day, Paloma seemed to have reconsidered and was looking into 'unconventional' approaches to treatment.
The advisor mentioned she was taken aback when Paloma stated she would not be proceeding with the therapy.
Dr. Mohan stated, "We hadn't anticipated that she would not proceed with the treatment."
She mentioned she hadn't decided yet and could be discontinuing her treatment. I can't recall what alternative treatment she was considering, but it wasn't a standard one.
She refused to explain why she was concerned about the treatment, but I did inquire, and my team was worried she might not proceed with it.
Dr. Mohan mentioned that she had only spoken to Paloma's mother once by phone and had not talked about Mrs. Shemirani serving as Paloma's legal representative.
She mentioned that Mrs. Shemirani had echoed Paloma's worries regarding the adverse effects of steroids and stated, "she was not satisfied with the PET scan."
Dr. Mohan stated: "I mentioned that we would consult Paloma about her preferences and if she chose this treatment, I would proceed accordingly."
We believed she was fully aware of what was happening at that moment. I didn't even want to speak to my mother because I didn't think it would be beneficial.
It is known that Paloma's father, Faramarz, also holds conspiracy theories, but he is divorced and resides apart from her mother. He was not present at today's hearing, either virtually or in person.
Gabriel and his brother Sebastian came forward last month, stating that their sister passed away after declining traditional chemotherapy.
The siblings mentioned that medical professionals estimated Paloma had an 80% likelihood of surviving, yet they declined the treatment due to influence from her mother, someone she was seeking to strengthen her bond with.
They stated that Kate, known as Kay, attempted to separate her only daughter from her family, boyfriend, and friends, with Paloma even sending messages claiming she was being "abused" by her mother. Her mother rejects these claims.
Kate, who refers to herself as a "natural nurse" to her 80,000 followers on Elon Musk's X, supports "Gerson therapy" – the idea that a plant-based diet, natural juices, coffee enemas, and supplements can treat cancer.
Paloma was adhering to the Gerson therapy protocol when she experienced a cardiac arrest at her mother's residence.
She passed away a few days later after her life support was turned off at the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton.
Before the start of the inquest today, Gabriel and his older brother Sebastian, 26, are urging for legal reforms to recognize conspiracy theories as a form of coercive control.
They are advocating for change, believing that although Paloma is an adult, she was unable to refuse treatment because of pressure from her parents, who both promote conspiracy theories.
Before the inquest, Sebastian, who divides his time between Hong Kong and Georgia, said to The Sunday Times: 'If an individual declines cancer treatment for non-terminal cancer, it suggests they are not making appropriate choices.'
The siblings are also advocating for it to be prohibited for individuals who are not qualified or registered to refer to themselves as 'doctors or nurses'.
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