Patient Stories
Raiden’s parents find acceptance and peace in their difficult decision to remove life support
Raiden was a 9 month old infant with a traumatic brain injury due to a motor vehicle accident. His parents had a difficult time accepting brain death, and did not want to remove life support.
After Dr. Steinhorn and Jana's healing support, Raiden’s mother “could accept and deal with this loss because she had no 'what-if's' in [her] heart about trying everything to save him.”
Creating a Healing Environment in a Distressing Situation:
Guiding Lauren on a Shamanic Journey to a Meadow Filled with Beautiful Flowers
Lauren: “I see an orange butterfly.”
Drumming for Heart-Centered Answers and Peace at the End of Xavier’s Life
Xavier was diagnosed at 6 months with Gaucher Disease Type II.
Analisa, Xavier's mom: “I am frightened to end his life.”
Parents bring their child’s life into this world and do not want to feel they are ending their child’s life by their decisions.
Analisa: “Xavier’s dad and I had struggled quite a bit with when to 'remove the ventilator.' We consulted with a Catholic diocese, the Catholic committee on bioethics, several Buddhist thought leaders, and read many papers about bioethics. [Jana and Dr. Steinhorn's] work supported us in going deeper into ourselves, our hearts and our connecting with Xavier.”
"[Jana and Dr. Steinhorn's] work was so important and what you offered was a very different and very welcome perspective in making a decision which, while in the medical context, was not purely medical. It empowered us to make the best decision for our family in a context that transformed us and our hearts to move forward. When I felt this in my heart I was able to really truly know what was the right thing to do and to have the courage in my heart to let Xavier go."
Shakti: The Soul Knows
Shakti was diagnosed at 2 days old with an adrenal tumor, and at 6 months with choroid plexus, carcinoma, and Li-Fraumeni Syndrome.
Lindsey, Shakti's mom: "I feel the drumming truly rounded out my daughter’s medical care and treatment, healing not only the body and mind, but also her spirit has allowed her to make more progress and be stronger than anyone expected. Her doctor said she is truly a miracle baby. We also discovered through Jana’s healing sessions, how much Shakti loves to drum herself."