Edwarda O'Bara, a bright and well-liked high school student, slipped into a coma on January 3, 1970, after a severe reaction to medication. Her family, particularly her mother Kaye, devoted themselves to her care, holding out hope that she would one day wake up. The family's decades-long devotion sadly put them in mortal danger, with some individuals criticizing their decision to keep Edwarda on life support.
Kaye threw herself into Edwarda's care, sleeping for just 90 minutes a night to ensure she was constantly looked after. She read to Edwarda, played music for her, and turned her every couple of hours to prevent bedsores. The family's devotion touched many, and they received visits from high-profile individuals, including President Bill Clinton and singer Neil Diamond.
Despite the praise, the family faced fierce criticism from right-to-die groups, including the Hemlock Society, which regularly telephoned the house, asking Kaye to let Edwarda die. The criticism turned violent when an unknown individual shot at the family's home, firing three bullets into the house. Nobody was injured, but the family was left severely shaken.
Edwarda's illness took a significant financial toll on the family. Her father, Joe, worked three jobs to cover her medical care, but ultimately passed away in 1977 from a heart attack, believed to have been brought about by the strain of their situation. By 2007, Kaye was $200,000 in debt, and she passed away in 2008, having kept her promise to never leave Edwarda's side.
After Kaye's passing, Edwarda's sister Colleen took on the full-time care of Edwarda, giving up her career as a horse trainer. Colleen's selfless decision was a testament to the family's love and devotion. Edwarda passed away on November 21, 2012, at the age of 59, and was buried alongside her parents.
The story of Edwarda O'Bara and her family's devotion is a heart-wrenching one. It highlights the complexities of end-of-life care and the challenges faced by families in similar situations.
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