The following article appeared in the Contra Costa Times on 9/4/95.
--Contra Costa County, California
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          BYRON BOY, 6, STILL AWAITING DECISION ON CHEMOTHERAPY
                           By Lisa Hayden
A 6-year-old Byron boy taken from his family by state welfare officials
has not yet received chemotherapy for his leukemia because his mother 
wants a second opinion, according to the family and a hospital 
spokeswoman.
Elena Duarte, who wanted her son to receive herbal therapy instead of
chemotherapy, was allowed to spend the weekend with her son, Adrain 
Chavez, at Children's Hospital-Oakland.
A court hearing is expected Wednesday or Thursday to determine whether
the child should be returned home.  County authorities took him from 
his home Thursday.
A hospital spokeswoman said the boy remained in the custody of Child
Protective Services and was expected to stay in the hospital until the
hearing.  A spokesman for the state could not be reached Sunday.
"They're trying to come to some agreement between the oncology doctors
and his mother on treatment.  Right now, he's on hold here," said
Nursing Supervisor Laura Nicholson.  She confirmed that the boy had
not undergone any chemotherapy treatments.
    
    [NOTE:  They are referring to the chemotherapy scheduled for
     9/1/95. Adrian did receive chemotherapy prior to that time.]
"They would prefer to start it, but they won't until she agrees or the
hearing settles it Wednesday," Nicholson said.
Elena Duarte planned to stay at the hospital again Sunday night, 
according to her family.  She could not be reached for comment.
David Duarte, Elena's 22-year-old brother, said that his sister wants
a second opinion.  If another doctor agrees that the boy should 
countinue with chemotherapy then she would acquiesce, he said.
David Duarte said officials said the family will be notified Tuesday
of the hearing date.
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 ! Origin: Family Rights Advocacy Online (510) 439-0712 (1:161/19)
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