Update on Abraham Cherrix Alice Cooper once sang, "I'm eighteen, and I don't know what I want." That certainly doesn't apply to Abraham Cherrix, who, I'm happy to report, turned 18 earlier this month. For Abraham, this birthday brings a welcome measure of freedom because he'll no longer be required to report his condition to the Accomack County court. A little background for those of you who may have missed my earlier reports about Abraham… In the spring of 2006, Abraham and his parents set off a controversial legal showdown when the Virginia teen refused to undergo a second round of chemotherapy for Hodgkin's disease. This was after three months of chemo that left him feeling ill and lethargic. Afraid that further treatments might kill him, Abraham and his parents decided to seek an alternative therapy that included a regimen of vitamins and herbs. Abraham's oncologist reported the matter to social services, and Virginia authorities charged his parents with neglect, ordering chemo treatment to resume. Fortunately, a cool-headed Virginia judge devised a balanced solution, which allowed Abraham to consult with a doctor who treated him with a combination of radiation and vitamin C in addition to other medications and supplements. Abraham was also ordered to submit a report on his condition every three months until he turned 18. Last October, Abraham's doctor announced that his patient was "N.E.D." - no evidence of disease. And eight months later, Abraham's most recent blood tests show that he's still cancer-free. In an interview with his local newspaper, Abraham called 18 the "ultimate checkpoint." He added, "It's exciting and invigorating to know that (today) I will be able to do what I want with my health." Happy birthday, Abraham. Source:
"Cherrix Turning 18, Free of Cancer Signs and Court Oversight" Elizabeth Simpson, The Virginian-Pilot, 6/5/08, hamptonroads.com | 
