Gabriel and Sebastian Shemirani reflect on their sister Paloma's death due to cancer, believing their mother's promotion of anti-medicine conspiracy theories played a pivotal role in her decision to forgo potentially life-saving treatment. As misinformation spreads through social media, they call for greater accountability and action against such harmful narratives.
Family Tragedy: The Consequences of Misinformed Beliefs on Health
Family Tragedy: The Consequences of Misinformed Beliefs on Health
A family's struggle with conspiracy theories around medical treatments culminates in a tragic loss as a young woman succumbs to cancer after rejecting conventional therapies.
Gabriel and Sebastian Shemirani watched with anguish as their mother Kate gained notoriety during the pandemic, ultimately leading to her dismissal from nursing for spreading Covid-19 misinformation. Their sister Paloma was diagnosed with cancer and, despite doctors assuring her an 80% survival rate with chemotherapy, she sought alternative treatments instead. Tragically, after seven months, Paloma passed away at just 23, and the brothers blame their mother’s unfounded medical conspiracy theories for her death.
The brothers, wishing to prevent similar tragedies, point out the increasing mainstream acceptance of anti-medicine beliefs, which they believe directly influenced Paloma’s choices. Kate Shemirani, having been stripped of her nursing license, maintains that her daughter's demise resulted from medical mismanagement, a claim the BBC has not found evidence to support.
Throughout their childhood in Uckfield, the Shemirani siblings were exposed to various conspiracy theories, which their mother adopted after overcoming breast cancer through alternative methods. This background shaped Paloma’s worldview and her approach to health, leading her to reject conventional medical advice throughout her life.
Later in her journey, as she dealt with chest pains, doctors at Maidstone Hospital confirmed Paloma had non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Once diagnosed, Paloma was determined to follow alternative therapies—despite medical advice—fuelled by her mother’s influence and the encouragement of alternative health practitioners. The reality of her illness and pressure from loved ones amplified her struggle to reconcile medical advice with familial beliefs.
In the ensuing months, Paloma’s health deteriorated as she continued with alternative treatments. Her family became increasingly concerned, particularly when Kate’s involvement appeared to isolate her from medical guidance and support. Despite efforts to intervene, Paloma ultimately chose to halt conventional treatment, spurred on by her mother’s ideology.
Tragic developments unfolded in July 2024 when Paloma’s health severely declined, culminating in a heart attack linked to her tumor. The news devastated her family, leaving Gabriel and Sebastian grappling with grief and guilt. The brothers are now advocating for accountability in combating harmful medical misinformation propagated by influential figures—like their mother—on social media, underscoring the dire need for better regulation to protect vulnerable individuals from similar fates. An inquest is scheduled to investigate the circumstances leading to Paloma's tragic death.
