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Hindustan Times
25-06-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Woman dies of cancer at 23 despite 80% survival chance; her brothers are now blaming mom's anti-medicine theories for it
Kate Shemirani's daughter, Paloma, was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma, a type of cancer. Despite doctors informing her that she had an 80 percent chance of survival with chemotherapy, Paloma refused treatment and instead opted for alternative therapies, reportedly under her mother's influence. She died in July 2024 at the age of 23. Also read | World Cancer Day 2025: Cancer spreads from person to person? Here are 4 most common myths and facts about the disease Kate Shemirani's daughter Paloma was diagnosed with cancer. Paloma's brothers blame their mother's anti-medicine conspiracy theories for her death. (Pic courtesy: In a June 23 interview with BBC Panorama, Paloma's brothers, Gabriel and Sebastian Shemirani, blamed their mother Kate's anti-medicine conspiracy theories for her death. They said that Kate's influence led Paloma to reject chemotherapy and medical treatment. Kate Shemirani is a former nurse whose registration was cancelled reportedly due to promoting misinformation about Covid-19. Kate styles herself as 'the Natural Nurse' on social media and has 'been known to spread conspiracy theories and once-fringe anti-medicine views to millions' – which her sons believe contributed to Paloma's decision to refuse cancer treatment. Paloma's elder brother Sebastian said: 'My sister has passed away as a direct consequence of my mum's actions and beliefs and I don't want anyone else to go through the same pain or loss that I have.' 'I wasn't able to stop my sister from dying' The brothers alleged that their mother texted Paloma's boyfriend, Ander, saying, "TELL PALOMA NOT TO SIGN [OR] VERBALLY CONSENT TO CHEMO OR ANY TREATMENT". The brothers further said they hope they can help prevent other deaths like Paloma's, and they believe social media companies should take stronger action against medical misinformation. 'I wasn't able to stop my sister from dying. But it would mean the world to me if I could make it that she wasn't just another in a long line of people that die in this way,' Gabriel said. According to her sons, Kate's anti-medicine views were accelerated in 2012, when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. Even though she had the tumour removed through surgery, she credited alternative therapies for her recovery and reportedly shared online how she used a programme including juices and coffee enemas to become 'cancer-free'. Kate Shemirani's response to son's claims Kate has not directly responded to the allegations made against her by her sons in connection with Paloma's death, but has publicly blamed the NHS (National Health Service) for her daughter's death. She and her ex-husband, Faramarz Shemirani, reportedly said they have evidence that Paloma died due to medical interventions without a confirmed diagnosis or lawful consent. However, the BBC reported it had seen no evidence to support these claims. Paloma's death highlights that it's essential to rely on credible sources and consult with healthcare professionals for accurate information about cancer. To combat cancer, it is crucial to stop believing common myths. Click here to learn about the nine most prevalent misconceptions about the disease. Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
Business News Wales
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Business News Wales
Luxury Hotel Owners Take on Cycle Challenge to Support Local School
The owners of one of Wales' leading country house hotels and estates have taken on a cycling marathon challenge to raise money to pay for dancers from a small primary school children to visit Patagonia. Tony and Donna Cooper-Barney, owners of five star Palé Hall at Llandderfel, near Bala, set off on a 423-kilometre ride from Cannes in France to Pisa in Italy. Their mission is to raise £10,000 for Ysgol Betws Gwerful Goch, near Corwen in memory of their late son, James. Seven talented dancers, aged from nine to 11, from the school, together with 30 from Conwy, have been invited to travel to Patagonia in October for a two-week visit. The pupils will represent Wales and showcase the country's rich folk dancing and singing traditions, performing and teaching their skills to schools in Trelew, Patagonia, where there is a Welsh speaking community. 'This is cause very close to our hearts,' said Tony. 'It's a cultural exchange, a chance for these young people to share their Welsh heritage, learn from others and build lifelong friendships rooted in mutual respect and tradition. 'For many of them, it's a once-in-a-lifetime experience they cannot afford without fundraising support.' Tony and Donna are doing the cycle marathon for the James Barney Foundation, a charity they created in loving memory of James, who lost his life in a car accident at the age of 16. The foundation is dedicated to helping children and young people pursue life-changing opportunities, something James believed in deeply. 'Every donation, no matter the size, brings us closer to giving the children of Ysgol Betws Gwerful Goch the opportunity to carry their culture proudly across the world and to do so in James' name, continuing the legacy of his joy, generosity and promise that he left behind,' added Donna. 'Every kilometre pedalled is filled with purpose, love and remembrance. Together we can make a difference.' Anyone wishing to support the fundraising effort can donate online at: The Patagonia trip is being organised by Hannah Blackford, a teacher at Ysgol Betws Gwerful Goch who also teaches traditional Welsh folk dance at the school and in Conwy. She explained that a headteacher from Trelew had visited the school and invited the dancers to visit Patagonia. Because the school has only 20 pupils and the cost of flights is so expensive, she thought it highly unlikely that the money could be raised. 'I honestly couldn't believe it when I received a call on Monday to say that Tony and Donna were cycling to raise the £10,000,' said Hannah. 'I wish I had recorded the children's reaction when they saw the page – they were flabbergasted! 'They keep asking every five minutes to check how much has been raised. It's all very exciting and there's a real buzz around the school because this is an incredible opportunity for the children. 'We will be hosted by the Trelew community and the children will go whale watching. It wouldn't be happening without the Palé Hall connection with the James Barney Foundation.' It's not the first time Tony and Donna have taken on fundraising challenges for the foundation, having previously climbed Kilimanjaro, walked the Great Wall of China and cycled through France, to name but a few examples. The couple purchased Palé Hall last year and have pledged to support the surrounding local communities wherever they can.
Yahoo
11-04-2025
- Yahoo
Residential fire kills 5 near Edwards
Five people, all but one of them minors, died in a residential fire Thursday in Aerial Acres near Edwards, the Kern County Fire Department reported. A KCFD news release said calls started coming in shortly after midnight, prompting a response by close to two dozen firefighters from Kern County, Edwards Air Force Base and California City. Firefighters arrived to find a structure in the 18200 block of Claymine Road fully involved with fire and the building behind it about 50% involved. Homes on both sides were threatened by the flames, the release said. The scene was described as chaotic with neighbors gathered around outside offering conflicting information. KCFD said three minors and one adult were able to escape uninjured but it was not immediately clear whether people were still inside the residence. Complicating the response was the fact that live electric lines had fallen, posing hazards to firefighters and concerned citizens who were trying to aid in the response. First responders, including the California Highway Patrol, summoned additional firefighting resources and ambulances. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. None of the victims have been officially identified. But a woman living in Bellflower posted on the fundraising website that her sister, three nieces and one nephew died in the fire. "I lost 5 people I loved that night," wrote the person who posted the note, Chloe Howard, "and with such a tragic unexpected accident, my family and I are suffering in the end." Howard is asking for financial help so she can pay to cremate the remains of all five. The request can be viewed online at
