Child Missing From Cancer Ward Could Die 'In a Matter of Days'
A child missing from the cancer ward of Phoenix Children's Hospital is feared to be in danger if she does not receive prompt medical care. The 11-year-old known only as Emily was seen leaving the hospital with her mother the day before she was scheduled to be discharged, and authorities fear that could leave her in danger.
Emily has leukemia and had recently had her arm amputated; she was hospitalized while fighting an infection. Doctors worry that she could be at significant risk for more health problems if she is not returned to the hospital immediately because Emily has a catheter in her heart that they fear could become infected if not properly attended to.
"Our concern right now is for that catheter to be medically removed. We understand that there is the possibility that the catheter could get an infection and thereby result in the death of this child really in a matter of days," Sgt. Steve Martos told ABC News.
"In this particular case, we have again an 11-year-old girl who can't really decide for herself. Her parents are now removing her from the hospital and putting her in danger by not providing that last bit of medical attention that she needs," Sgt. Martos added.
According to the hospital employee who discovered Emily was missing, her mother removed the IV in Emily's arm, took her to the bathroom and changed her into street clothes and a wig. Emily, her mom Norma, and a young boy then walked out of the hospital at 10:30 p.m. on Wednesday and got into a black van. They have not been seen since then.
Authorities are now trying to track down the black van and hope that Emily's parents will return her to the hospital for further treatment. They have not released the family's last name for security reasons, but ask Phoenix residents to be on the alert for a black van. Or, if anyone knows the family, call the Phoenix Police Department.
