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Susan Torres [updated 8/3]

I'm sure that by now, most of you have heard about Susan M. Torres:

On May 7th, 2005, the day before Mothers' Day, Susan M. (Rollins) Torres -- a 26-year-old vaccine researcher at NIH; mother of a two-year-old son, Peter; graduate of the University of Dallas; and parishioner at St. Rita's Catholic Church in Alexandria, Virginia collapsed. She was rushed to the Virginia Hospital Center in Arlington, where she has been diagnosed with stage four melanoma and is brain dead with no hope of recovery. Susan was 17 weeks pregnant at the time and although the doctors have given her no hope of survival, they are fighting to keep her unborn child alive until at least July 11 where he or she will have a viable chance at life.

I dropped a few dollars in their Paypal account to help defray the medical costs. I hope you can do the same.

I've been meaning to post about this for a few days and was just reminded when I discovered that I "know" Susan's brother from hanging out on Fark. If you can give a bit, great. If not, please keep Susan's family in your thoughts.

Updated - August 2, 2005

Susan Torres gave birth to Susan Anne Catherine Torres at 8:18 a.m. on Tuesday, Justin Torres wrote in an e-mail to The Associated Press.

There were no complications during delivery and the baby "is doing well," Torres wrote. The baby weighs one pound 13 ounces and is 13 1/2 inches long, he said.

The infant is being monitored in the Neonatal Intensive Care at the Virginia Hospital Center in Arlington, about 100 miles north of Richmond.

Update August 3rd:

Susan Torres has passed away.

Our thoughts are with the Torres family.

Comments

Dropped some money in the box yesterday. So sad. I was reading a blog written by a guy who went to college with Susan's husband, and who found out by reading it on the front cover of USA Today.

Heartbreaking.

Saw it on fark at work. Hoping they raise more then they will ever need.

Yea, too bad about the trolls in that thread, huh?

Posted about this the other day and some troll complained that I posted it on a site that used profanity.

The Big Hair told her to F.O.

I'm a producer with National Television of Chile. One of our news programs - on the air for 20 years - is producing a documentary about the hard reality of comatose patients, their hopes and the overwhelming situation their relatives and friends are forced to face. Susan's situation is heartbreaking. We would like to have the chance to respectfuly get in touch with somebody close to Susan's husband or other relative. We understand this is a very delicate and sensible matter. We'd appreciate if anybody could help us initiating the contact. Please write me to pmt32@aol.com
Thanks very much.

Pamela:

I am Susan Torres' Father. I undersand your desire to make contact with someone in order to do a documentary about the hard reality of comatose patients, their hopes and the overwhelming situation their relatives and friends are forced to face. What do you want to do? Please understand that Susan Torres is NOT Hispanic. She does not, nor does her husband or any of the families, speak spanish. Jason Torres's grandfather is from Guam.

What can we gain by allowing one more interview, or allowing ourselves to be followed around with a film crew, to record our every emotion. I don't think we will do very many more, if at all. However, if you really want to do a documentary, I suggest you make contact with the hospital, and ask to speak to Kristen Peifer-Public Affairs Director, Phone# (703) 558-6537. We have asked her to filter all of the requests for a piece of us. She is doing a fine job. So, she is not likely to to give you very much information. If she won't give you the names of Susan's Doctors, I am sure there is a list of physicians who work at Virgina Hospital Center, in Arlington,VA. You are a journalist, you can find that out. Get busy!

Here is the best way to approach the issue. The Doctors who are taking care of Susan are charting New Medical Territory. This has never happended before. There is no precedent. So, they will certainly be writting the story in several Medical Journals. I would try to find out their names, and start watching the issues of the Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA). You can bet that when the dust clears on this case, they will all be writting about it, and some of them may want to tell their story on camera.

I hope I have helped you. Now you can help us. We have medical expenses that will exceed a $1,000,000. Susan's Insurnce is not going to cover but a small percent of that. We have set up a tax deductible fund for the purpose of helping us pay the medical bills, for Susan, and the baby after it is born. Please go to http://www.susantorresfund.org.

We can use all of the help you can provide.

I just read about it, and my prayers are with her.

Mikaela/Sweden

My husband saw the article about Susan in an issue of USAToday while getting his breakfast at work.He immediately called me to tell me about her and Jason.It struck a chord with us because we lost our baby boy on April 28, 2005 at 34 weeks gestation. My placenta unattached from the uterus wall and he died as a result.We would have done anything to save our boy just as Jason is doing for his unborn daughter. Both Jason and Susan are very brave and strong individuals, especially Susan for hanging on so her baby can be born.She is a true Angel.

How many stories like this must we see before people start to appreciate and celebrate every day, every breathe - life / health are our most precious gifts.
My prayers are with Susan and her family, and with all the other souls on the planet - that we may not squander another minute!

I'm a parishioner at St Augustines Catholic Church in Phoenix,AZ all of our prayers are with susan,Jason and all of their family.I thank the lord for given you the strength to embrace this situation in your life; with courage and faith waiting on the lord to provide for you and he will!!. I know many times we dont'n understand why we have to go through so much suffering, but the lord knows, and he is never wrong. May god bless you always for choosing the right thing to do. God thank you for showing us "the world" the real meaning of love " until dead apart us" through the Torres family.

My heart goes out to Jason and Peter,and the Torres Family. I hope and pray that you have
a happy and healthy little girl that will be
lucky to know what an amazing Mother she had.

Gods Speed, and ANYONE who can give as little
as $10,00, please go to www.susantorresfund.org and go to the ICON for PAYPAL account
and help this family during their time of need.

I am so so sorry..

Susan Komar
Oxnard, California

I had a stage three malignant melanoma in 2000 and I'm still alive! I would have loved to die instead of Susan. She is a fighter!

I pray the Lord will reward this families faithfulness for his glory. I do pray God's comfort and angels to protect the family with God's love. Lord, if there is any thing you can do for this family I trust you will do it. I ask for your healing mercies and continued love in this. Lord may you show your miracle working power in Susan and little girl Torres life. Thank you, Abba Father.

The Torres family is strongly in my prayers. May the Lord bless each of you and keep you strong through these difficult days. I can only pray for a bitter sweet ending to this nightmare. God bless the unborn baby girl. And please know that the world is praying for your family. I have sent a donation and hope it will help out. May God bless you.

O merciful Father, who hast taught us in thy holy word that thou dost not willingly afflict or grieve the children of men. Look with pity upon the sorrows of thy servant for whom our prayers are offered. Remember the Torres family, O Lord, in mercy, nourish their souls with patience, comfort them with a sence of goodness, lift up thy countenance upon them, and give them peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

While channel hopping I saw the Larry King interview the other night. I will pray for Jason, Susan and your children and know that God will hold youor family in His hands.

You have admirable strength and love that many of us understand. May you all be blessed.

Lori

So where are you now CNN? How about spurring on this story the way you did the hopeless plight of Terry Schaivo? You're actually in a position to do some good this time. The Christian Reich and Bleeding-Heart Liberals alike are ready to write checks for this one. WAKE UP! Get the word out!

Go, Susan! You're my Super Hero. And grow fast, Baby! Grow! My heart is with you!

Kenny Snowball
Cincinnati, Ohio
(I'm copying this post to any editorial column that'll listen)

i saw your story on larry king. i am so sorry for what has happened to your family. susan sounds like a great mom and wife and what a fighter she is. we are praying for the little girl inside her to continue to get strong. she will keep susan alive in your lives forever. always remember when one door shuts another opens. God needs susan upstairs for some reason so he gave you a little susan. god bless you and stay strong for jason and that beautiful little girl.

A message to the Torres family,
I am praying for you Michael, Susan and baby girl Torres!! God will be glorified in the decision you have made........for LIFE!
I am so sorry that the circumstances are so very tragic and at the same time miraculous...Michael, your beautiful wife is not "a husk" nor is she a "carrying case". She is a MOMMY!! I am in awe of her strength and am so proud of her. I am 15 weeks pregnant now......so you are all on my mind quite a bit!!
Keep fighting, baby girl......the world awaits your triumphal entrance!!
With love and prayers,
Carla Stream

I work for a pro-life organization and we are preparing tomorrow to send out a blast to our email list of 80,000 to ask for money for the fund.

Also, we are working with Catholic Outreach of the RNC to send out a blast email to their thousands of contacts.

I am also contacting the head of the Knights of Columbus who is a friend of my dad's to see how he can help organize fundraising drives by the Knights on the national level.

Just wanted to let you all know that progress is being made and this is truly a historical part of the pro-life movement.

Above all, keep praying.

Susan's dad, I have been received Jason's brother's contact information and will be working very closely with him to make sure this all gets done. We will raise the $1,000,000.

Keep up the good work everyone.

This is to the Torres family,with all my love.You all have been a big part of my life.I remember when Jason was born, along with all his other brothers and sisters.I've been a part of great happiness and tragic sorrows that this family has been through,and through it all they have endured.The love this family has for one another will again carry them through,this time with an absolute angel to love the rest of their lives.I know deep in my heart Jason your daughter will survive.She will be Susan's legacy of love to you.All my love and prayers,Billie Jo Hawley

Torres & Rollins family. I am holding you in all my prayer's. May God give you the strength to say farewell to Susan when the time comes, remember she is still alive in Peter and your little bundle of joy. god bless you all. all my warm wishes and prayer's are with you and your's,Rocio De Bruyne

I just want to send my prayers to Susan and her family...I saw the "Larry King Show" and I was stopped in my tracks over this story. I am really sorry that such a young life is being cut so short...but out of this you will be able to bring home Susan's spirit...a child...a child's laughter is the music of God. God bless you and I will keep you in my thoughts...Cancer is so devastating...the more we rally and the more money we raise helps a lot...it took memebers of my family away and struck friends of mine...just keep your faith and know you have a lot of people in your corner.

I just heard about this sad, but moving, situation this morning on foxnews.com. I can't imagine how I would feel in the same situation but after reading many articles quoting Jason I'm worried about his faith in the Lord, which is understandable at a time like this. I doubt if he will ever see this but maybe a family member will and can pass along a similar message. This may seem like the Lord has turned his back on you and your family, but he hasn't. Just know that there is a reason he is ready to take Susan home but he may let you keep your baby. Don't doubt him, he has a reason for everything. Let go and let God have it. He will take care of you. I am 24 and my husband and I are trying to have a baby and I can't imagine something like this happening. However, I know that he would make the same decision that you did. I will be praying for you as often as you cross my mind. Have faith and rejoice in the life that the Lord is blessing you with. Your wife would have wanted nothing less.

I think keeping Susan "alive" is the right thing to do. What a wonderful gift Susan will be giving her family. A sweet glorious little baby girl. May Susan's loving kindness grow in this daughter and throught both children, her memory can live. My prayers are with the Torres' family.

Father we approach you in the name of Jesus. We thank you for your steadfast love and faithfulness. Lord thank you for your divine appointments for this family. I ask that you cure Susan for your glory. Lord, I thank you curry is being used in research against melanoma. Lord I pray Jason will believe Susan can be cured. Lord, I stand in the gap and know you will touch and heal Susan for your glory. Amen. Thank you Father we can approach you as Jesus because He is in our hearts. In Jesus name you are the Healer.

To the Family of Susan:

I recently heard of your unbearable grief, and was overwhelmed. I want you to know that from the moment I read the article my heart has been overwhelmed with a profound sense of sadness for your the family. "Silver or Gold have I none, but such as I have, I give to you" Acts 3 vs. 6 (The Holy Bible). In the name of Jesus I am declaring that Susan will be miraculously healed from her disease, deliver a health baby and live a long life with her Husband... I don't know if this family knows the Lord, But in times like these we search for answers from up above, & I just want to let you all know that I am standing Proxy for Susan before the Almighty, pleading her case. And with assurance I can say to you that right now Jesus is making intercessions to God for you. The bible declares that "He (Jesus) can be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; Therefore be rest assured that He is making those intercessions for you

Romans 8:26 - Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

Continue to also lift up your Susan's name to Jesus Christ and watch what happens. If you are not Christians, please try Jesus, he's never failed anyone yet, I know from experience. About a year and a half ago, doctors found an unexplained lump in my throat, and after MRI, I was told that the best option I had was to have surgery. I had a 3 year old at the time and couldn't see myself going through that. So I lifted up my Faith in Christ and asked him to heal me. Within weeks the Lump disappeared much to the amazement of my doctor.

Please If you've never been to the Lord in prayer,
Pray this prayer : Dear God in Heaven, I come to you today in earnest desparation. I believe that you are the one and true God, and that you sent your only son Jesus to die on the cross for me. God it is with this knowledge that I come to you today, I know that because of Christ's Death, I can come boldly to the throne of heaven and declare our Susan healed. for the Bible declares in : Isaiah 53:5 - "But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. " And so lord I stand on the word of God ( Bible and it's promises) today and Declare Susan be healed in the name of Jesus.

I love you in the Lord...

god bless you susan

Could someone please let me know if the baby has been born and how everything worked out for this family. I have seen nothing else about it on TV and am praying for the family.

Congratulations on your beautiful baby girl.

May Jesus continue to guide you through this hard time.

May God bless you Susan and your family. You are such a brave young woman and mother. Holding on to your life despite the pain to give birth to your baby girl is such a great thing to do. My prayers are with you.

My thoghts and prayers go out to the family of Susan Torres. I am praying that your miracle little girl grows up to be as happy and healthy as my niece who was born at 28 weeks. God Bless your entire family!

This must be so hard for everyone involved,I am so sorry and my prayers are with the family.Now you have a beautiful reminder of just how much your wife loved her family.

May good things come your way!!!

There is a press conference today at 1pm. Please pray for her husband as he now is faced with turning off the life support & saying goodbye to his beloved wife. Pray for their son who asks where his mommy is all the time & pray for that little girl who hopefully will emulate the strength & beauty of her mother.

I know she will be reunited with her family one day....I am sure of it.

I want to extend my condolences to your family. I cannot imagine your pain, grief, and worry for the life you have lost and the life you have been blessed with. I will keep you all in my prayers. God will watch over you and help you through this difficult time. Your beloved wife, mother, daughter and friend, will not be forgotten...she will live on in memory and spirit...through the eyes of her children and all of the family and friends who love her. Be comforted knowing she is at peace and smiles down from heaven.

May God bless you in your time of need. I am the mother of 4 beautiful boys. You have shown such dignity and strength during this difficult time. Your actions should be an example for all of us. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Since I read Susan's story online I've always been checking any news about her. It is heartbreaking yet inspiring to know Susan, her husband Jason and the rest of the family. Please know that my prayers are with you guys! God bless...

I only just learned of Susan today, of all days. I truly believe that she is now smiling down from heaven and can see the beautiful life that she brought into this world. May God bless baby Susan, and the entire Torres family.

Everyone needs to give something to the memorial fund. The last thing this family needs is debt!

God Bless You, Susan Torres!

Im am so, so sorry for Susan! I think of her parents, who loved her for every day of her too short live, I think of her husband, left to live a life without the warmth of his wife, of the little boy who knew his mother for so short and his tiny baby sister, children who will long forever to say "mommy". And I think of her, young beautiful woman, with dreams and hopes, with a life so well fulled of joy, a woman who' life was sudenlly ripped away, like if the sun ceased to shine!
All my prayers for those who loved Susan and for her rest!

I have been following your family's inspirational story for several weeks now. What a selfless and courageous way you have handled it all. Tragedy has certainly turned to triumph for your family and all of mankind to be led by your example. I am contributing to your fund and encourage others to do the same. It is the least we can do. I am sure Susan is at peace and serving as your guardian angel until such time as you all meet again. God bless you all.

The hypocracy of the pro-life right has finally come full circle. Just weeks after finding out without doubt that Terri Schaivo was in fact brain dead (most of her cerebral cortex had melted away), and that all their un-christlike hatred toward michael schaivo was "Oops!" dead wrong, now they hear the story about a woman in the same, brain dead condition, who's family has decided to terminate her life support the moment she gives birth.

What is the difference for the pro-life right? Why is one man a villan and the other a hero?

Well it can only be one thing: If you use your brain-dead wife as an incubator for a fetus, then its OK to let her die afterward. Shows where women really rank in the pro-life food chain.

PS: It's only respectful to call her "Susan" if you know her, but of course respecting women is not on the religious right's priority list, is it?

The family's actions were understandable, but in no way selfless. They, like anyone else in their position, wanted that baby badly, and there was no risk to them to wait it out. They made a calculated medical decision based on their own desires and the facts at hand. If I knew them and was asked my opinion I would probably support their decision. For many others here, it seems like they are content to sit back and pass judgement whether or not they are asked. Luckily for her husband he made the "right" decision, and he won't be subjected to Michael Schaivo's fate.

Susan was my grade school best friend. I learned about her collapse through a friend recognizing her picture on the news. She called me and told me to look it up on the internet. The more she told me the more it sounded like it could possibly be the Susan Rollin I spent my childhood with. Today is a very sad day, but also a day of celebration. I know how much Susan would have fought for this baby, I know she is still fighting for her now. I love her and will miss her so much. I will be sure to pass along my memories so that her children will have the opportunity to know their mother. Please donate anything you can. I cant say enough about her parents and her brother. They always made their house like a home to me. My love and prayers are with you all. God Bless,
Teri Brown

I heard today about the passing of your daughter. I am so sorry for what you have and are going through. My thoughts are with you and your families.

The story of Susan and her daughter has touched me deeply.

Mother and child are together again.

Susan Anne will be buried tomorrow with her mother. She has touched more people in 1 month than I have in 50 years. She was just as strong as her mother, and had just as much love for life as her. Before her death the doctors handed Susan Ann to Jason, her heart rate was down to nothing but her dad told her he loved her and her heart raced like the wind. Even the doctors and nurses commented about it.
I want to thank all the prayers and wonderful
comments. To gbert I say it is not heros or villians, but saying yes to God when it is your turn.