Mother Fights Allegations of Abuse Amid Rare Disease Discovery
In a painful legal battle, Tasha Patterson faces serious accusations of child abuse concerning her twin babies, but new evidence suggests a different narrative. According to Patterson, the injuries sustained by her twins were caused by a rare genetic condition that can lead to fragile bones and excessive bruising.
A Heartbreaking Holiday
This Christmas marks the third that Tasha Patterson has had to endure without her twins. “It’s the holidays, and I want my kids. It’s not fair,” she expressed emotionally. While preparing for the holiday, she is filled with memories of her children, filling a bag with toys intended for them.
Medical Journey of Discovery
Patterson, a nurse practitioner, recognized that her twins were experiencing unexplained health issues from an early age. “They would have these spurts of increased fussiness that we didn’t understand why,” she recalled. Despite numerous visits to doctors and emergency rooms, the cause of their distress remained elusive until a visit to the emergency room revealed that one of the babies had multiple rib fractures.
The discovery led to the involvement of the Department of Children and Families (DCF), who subsequently placed the children in foster care. Patterson was adamant about her innocence, stating, “No, I didn’t abuse my babies.”
Diagnosis of a Rare Genetic Disorder
Following her twins’ removal, Patterson learned she has Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), a hereditary disorder characterized by joint hypermobility, skin elasticity, and the potential for fragile bones. This condition can indeed be passed down to children, influencing their susceptibility to injuries.
Legal Appeals and New Evidence
Patterson has been fighting to regain custody of her children, with DCF refusing to return them even after she disclosed her diagnosis. Despite her initial appeal being denied, Patterson has obtained new expert opinions from doctors suggesting that the twins’ injuries could not reasonably be attributed to abuse.
Valentina Villalobos, Patterson’s attorney, cites an expert who concluded, “Although this is new and there is not a ton known about it, what we do know about it makes it impossible for you to conclude that this is child abuse.” Moreover, investigations led by Dr. Irman Forghani from Mount Sinai Medical Genetics found that one of the twins continued to sustain new fractures while not in Patterson’s custody, raising questions about the allegations against her. Another expert indicated that some fractures may have occurred before their birth.
Current Status and Future Prospects
Currently, Patterson is allowed to have supervised visits with her twins, who are living with her brother. She shares the pain of separation, stating, “When I’m walking out the door, I hear them crying, ‘Mommy,’ through the door. If I’m this horrible person, why would my kids be crying for me?”
Patterson is awaiting the outcome of her second appeal in court. Should the ruling not be in her favor, the twins could face the possibility of being placed for adoption.
Heather Walker, 7News.
