womenTALK: Blog

like us!

recent blog posts

Thursday, Jun 23rd 2011

Midlife Minute: A Happy Ending (for now)

authored by Sheryl Kraft

Remember the story about Alaina Giordano, the mother with metastatic breast cancer who lost custody of her two children? Like me, many of you – were outraged at the judge's ruling.

Steph A. commented: "Is it ridiculous to wish that the public outcry might change things?" and Ruth P. so aptly summed it up: "Boneheaded, cruel, incomprehensible."

Some justice has emerged. The Facebook page set up by Giordano was "liked" by more than 21,000 people. And one online petition gathered over 100,000 names. If that doesn't qualify for solid—and effective—public outcry, I don't know what does.

And it also looks like Judge Nancy Gordon might have some compassion, after all. Last week, she awarded Giordano a temporary reprieve, and her two young children will be able to remain in her custody.

It's a good first step, don't you agree? Hopefully, the children will be granted a permanent stay (that process could take months). But for now, at least, all is well. The children will be with their mother, and their mother, already suffering enough, won't have to also suffer the loss of her children.

I'm sure they are all over the moon with this decision.

Subscribe to Midlife Matters by Email

Comments

Jun 29, 2011 01:Jun 1 | Vera Marie Badertscher said

Thanks for the good news.

Thanks for the good news. Surely the sanity will prevail and she will get permanent custody.

Jun 26, 2011 13:Jun 1 | Jane Boursaw said

Oh what great news. Thinking

Oh what great news. Thinking good thoughts for this family...

Jun 26, 2011 12:Jun 12 | Jennifer Margulis said

Yes, I agree. It's a good

Yes, I agree. It's a good first step. My heart goes out to this woman. I can't imagine what she is going through.

Jun 25, 2011 09:Jun 9 | Kristen said

Thanks for the update--I've

Thanks for the update--I've been wondering about this story.

Jun 24, 2011 10:Jun 10 | sarah henry said

Wow, keep us posted on the

Wow, keep us posted on the developments here. Would be great if the judge could rule on giving that woman the support she needs in raising her kids while battling cancer. That would be truly compassionate.

Jun 24, 2011 09:Jun 9 | Roxanne said

Great news. Thanks so much

Great news. Thanks so much for the update. I must have missed the Facebook stuff and petition, but I support the cause.

Jun 24, 2011 08:Jun 8 | Living Large said

That's wonderful news, now to

That's wonderful news, now to make it permanent. It's so outrageous, because part of being able to get well, people with serious illness must keep anxiety and stress from their lives! This judge not only made an awful decision, I feel she compromised the health and healing of this mother. I have to laugh when people compare the U.S. to many of these "backward" countries that force women to wear burkas and have them stoned if they're raped. The U.S., in many of its policies, isn't too far removed from these "backwards" countries and I feel like we're digressing everyday on women's rights.

Jun 24, 2011 08:Jun 8 | Susan Johnston said

So glad to hear this!! It's

So glad to hear this!! It's interesting all the ways that people can use social media to make their voices heard.

Jun 24, 2011 07:Jun 7 | rosalba said

A happy ending

Justice Prevail! At least she'll have her children close and that will make a big difference for her to face the illness.

Jun 24, 2011 07:Jun 7 | nora Baskin said

thank you

..there are so many awful stories like this. thank you for bringing this one to our attention...and thank you for the update. I think people can make a difference..if we care enough. And sometimes the new technologies can help..