PHILADELPHIA, February 7, 2013, (National Right to Life News) – The Terri Schiavo Life & Hope Network is delighted to announce that Moe & Sana Maraachli will receive the 2013 Terri Schiavo Life & Hope Award at the first Terri Schiavo Life & Hope Network Award Gala on Friday, April 5, in Philadelphia.
In 2011, an international controversy erupted over Joseph Maraachli (Baby Joseph) after Canadian physicians refused to perform a tracheotomy, calling the procedure invasive and futile. This would have ultimately led to Joseph’s imposed death.
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The Maraachlis courageously fought to have Joseph, who was diagnosed with a neurologic disorder called Leigh’s disease, transferred to the United States, contending that a tracheotomy would extend his life and allow him to die at home. After several months and efforts by hundreds of thousands of supporters, Joseph was transferred to a Catholic hospital in St. Louis, Missouri, where his parents secured the procedure to extend his life for several months, until he died on Tuesday, September 27, 2011, at home.
“We honor and celebrate the Maraachlis, a very humble and private family who bravely defended the life of their son at his weakest hour. Instead of allowing physicians to impose what they insisted was best for Joseph—death—his parents passionately fought for their child’s precious gift of life,” said Bobby Schindler, Executive Director of the Terri Schiavo Life & Hope Network. “May God bless them for their courage.”
The honor will be awarded during the organization’s 2013 Terri Schiavo Life & Hope Network Gala held at the Philadelphia Marriott Downtown on Friday, April 5. We are honored that Governor Sarah Palin will deliver the keynote address. The gala follows a public mass, celebrated by His Excellency Archbishop Charles Chaput at 5pm at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul in Philadelphia.
Please visit www.lifeandhope.com to learn more about the award and gala, and how you can be part of this special night.
Reprinted with permission from National Right to Life News.