April 28, 2010
Stand Up For Abbie Dorn!
The story of Abbie Cohen Dorn (Severely Disabled, Is She Still a Mom?, LA Times, April 11, 2010) brought tears to my eyes and sadness in my heart. Abbie is a 34-year old mother of triplet boys whose former husband will not allow her to see them because she has a severe disability caused by a delivery complication.
Abbie was a chiropractor and the daughter of a physician. She married Dan Dorn, began infertility treatments and ultimately conceived triplets. A triplet pregnancy is extremely high risk and Abbie maintained the necessary precautions. Dan was extremely attentive to her needs during the pregnancy. According to the LA Times, on June 20, 2006 the couple rushed to the Cedar Sinai Medical Center. It appears that Abbie had a C. Section that ended with an emergency cesarean hysterectomy to stop the bleeding. Allegedly, her physician “nicked” her uterus. Oh, do I have several questions for her physician. Why wasn’t she scheduled to have an elective c. section rather than allowing her to have spontaneous labor? Was there an “expert” team to deliver the multiples? Did the labor room practice “emergency” drills or were they ill-equipped to handle this emergency?
Fast-forward to 2010. Abbie has significant neurological damage and receives intensive therapy at the cost of $33,000 per month. Dan divorced Abbie in 2008, is requesting child support and refuses to allow his sons to see their mom because he feels “it would be too traumatic for his sons as such a young age.” Abbie has not seen her sons since 2007 and her father sees his grandsons four times a year. Abbie’s parents are challenging Dan’s decision and a trial is set for May 18th.
I was the daughter of a disabled mother and there was never one day that I did not love her – unconditionally. Dan Dorn is wrong. Dead wrong. Abbie deserves to see her children and a community has emerged to give her support. I urge all of my beloved readers to join the “Stand Up for Abbie” Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=116452135047403&ref=ts) and show her some love.
Tweets that mention Stand Up For Abbie Dorn! « Dr. Linda Burke-Galloway -- Topsy.com said,
April 28, 2010 at 9:46 am
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Linda Burke-Galloway. Linda Burke-Galloway said: Stand Up For Abbie Dorn! #pregnancy #smartmothers http://tiny.cc/neovf [...]
Tiffany said,
May 17, 2010 at 12:17 am
I read your story on April 11, 2010 regarding Abbie Dorn. I was very touched and concerned about her present state. I prayed for her daily since I have read the article. Can you tell me if she can talk and any mobility movements on her arm and legs? Is she mentally alert to respond to your questions or any stimulus around her?
drlindagalloway said,
May 17, 2010 at 12:25 am
Hi Tiffany,
Thanks so much for your comments regarding Abbie Dorn. There is a wonderful community on Facebook of over 1500 supporters of Abbie and there are updates from her family and friends regarding her progress. Here’s the link http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=116452135047403&ref=ts) I’m sure Abbie’s family and friends would love for you to join. I have and try to communicate with them at least once per week. There’s a You Tube video that shows Abbie’s therapy and her mom reported that she told the nurse’s “Good bye” which is a monumental achievement. Continue to pray for Abbie. She needs all the prayers we can send. Thanks again for your concern.
Willa Steiner said,
May 26, 2010 at 8:47 pm
drlindagalloway.wordpress.com’s done it once again! Incredible article!
drlindagalloway said,
May 26, 2010 at 9:14 pm
Thanks for your comments!
Alberto Leblanc said,
May 30, 2010 at 4:11 pm
If only I had a dime for each time I came here… Incredible article.
drlindagalloway said,
May 31, 2010 at 10:22 am
Thank you so much for those kind words, Alberto. This blog is a labor of love. Could you please spread the word and invite your friends to read it? Abbie needs as much support as she can get. Thanks again.
Nightmare Finally Ends for a New Blind Mother « Dr. Linda Burke-Galloway said,
August 2, 2010 at 9:34 am
[...] Johnson’s battle reminds me of the ongoing struggle of Abbie Dorn, a disabled mom who is fighting for visitation rights to see her triplet sons and my own family [...]
Stacey T said,
March 26, 2011 at 12:57 am
1. Abbie had 2 boys and a girl, not three boys.
2. She didn’t have a c-section. The first two babies were born without incident, but the third did not come down. The doctor used high forceps, lacerating her uterus. The mistake was not discovered until the next day when Abbie was found unresponsive.
drlindagalloway said,
March 28, 2011 at 9:39 am
Thanks for your info, Stacey. Where did you get this information from? The articles that I read said something totally different.
KayD... said,
March 26, 2011 at 7:58 pm
When I read this story the other day I couldn’t help but cry…This is one of the most horrible things I have ever read that a parent has done….I am speaking about Daniel Dorn….And right now I don’t really like the judge…I don’t think the judge has a heart! I am sorry but just because she cannot stand up or even speak doesn’t mean she has no right to see her children and vice versa! Why couldn’t the judge say Hey the kids goes and spends 2wks. every spring, all of summer, and all of christmas break with their mother—-this be a must…and if the grandparents or children want to see each other throughout the yr. aside from those times it should be allowed….I pray that the best happens for both the children and their mother…
I hope I was clear..
drlindagalloway said,
March 28, 2011 at 9:30 am
Dear Kay,
I feel your passion and heart. I will try to forward your comment to Abbie’s family. They would appreciate your support. Thanks so much for reading my blog and hope you will continue to do so. Blessings to you.