Hope, love radiate through story of loss

   There can be no joy, none whatsoever, in losing a child.

   But Kim and George Hermance felt a huge sense of relief three years after their daughter Emily died.

   After three years of detailed research and plenty of legal actions, they proved their innocence in her death, beyond any doubt. They also sent a message to authorities, about the need for sensitivity in dealing with anyone who has lost a loved one, especially a child.

   The best part for the Hermances, though, is that they now can look back and realize that all the lessons they learned in dealing with Emily's tough physical condition helped them fight their winning battle.

   They're free, in a sense, to celebrate her life again. So yes, this remains a story of sadness, but one mixed in with hope and plenty of love.

  -- Gene Warner

Comments

[a mom]

dear yadayadayada; the recall involves all Vail 500, Vail 1000 and 2000 enclosed bed systems. go to the FDA website. search for recalls that are archived for March 22, 2005. the talk paper is titled "FDA asks Us Marshals to seize......hopital bed systems." the consumer inquiry number is 301-443-4190. here is the link for the talk paper: http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/ANSWERS/2005/ANS01347.html

[The Relocated]

I am happy to hear that justice was served. I am sure that the loss of thier child was painful enough.

I can understand some measure of inquiry and investigation but I guess it's naive to assume that it would be done fairly. While the ME's intentions were probably meant to serve the public interest no doctor is right 100% of the time. I'll take issue with prosecutors who seem focused on winning the case rather than discovering the truth.

I'm beging to have a serious lack of faith in a justice system that seems more interested in winning cases than discovering truth. This incident, the Dejac case and the man who was falsely convicted as the bike path rapist reflect a very disturbing trend when it comes to how prosecutors behave.

[Val]

unfortunately, there are a lot of parents who *do* the unthinkable. more blame should be put on the ME who ruled homicide without any evidence.

[Robert]

Never, ever, ever, talk to the police without a lawyer sitting next to you. They are not interested in finding out the truth, much less seeking "justice". It is all about racking up convictions, guilty verdicts, and plea deals. The police are NOT your friends. They are not here to "serve" you. They will destroy your life at any opportunity and not loose a minutes sleep over it.
* Never let them on your property or in your house without a warrant.
* Never give verbal consent to a search of your home, vehicle , or possessions.
* Never answer any questions without the presence of your attorney.

[yadayadayada]

Too bad all parents of dead children are not treated with the same compassion: innocent until proven guilty!

Many are serving, or have served, long prison sentences because they did not have the resources to adequately defend themselves against the rush to judgment.

[ryry]

I am a West Seneca mom of a disabled child who has a vail bed, where to I start to find out if it is the same as the one you had for emily. I am sorry for you loss and can't imagine the pain you are in.