Family Faces Heartbreak After 2-Year-Old’s Life Support Removed

A 2-year-old girl named Annelise Camp, whose parents contested a Texas hospital’s plan to test for brain death after she drowned, has passed away after being taken off life support. Her parents, Johnston and Joy Camp, shared that Annelise ‘is now with Jesus.’ Although devastated, they expressed trust in their faith, acknowledging His love and faithfulness.

The Camp family maintained hope as Annelise displayed signs of life, wishing for more time to seek recovery and explore treatments. On Monday, Annelise’s breathing tubes were removed, and she passed shortly thereafter, according to her grandfather Steve Camp.

A church service to honor Annelise is scheduled for next Wednesday in Houston. The organization Texas Right to Life supported the family’s efforts, noting that the legal victory allowed the family two additional months with Annelise. This timeline provided her with a chance for potential recovery.

After being found unresponsive in a hotel pool, Annelise was taken to Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston. Her parents sought legal intervention to prevent brain death testing recommended by doctors, emphasizing that her heart continued to beat, albeit with ventilator assistance. They also sought a transfer to another facility for further treatment options. Despite these efforts, Texas Children’s Hospital indicated the necessity of testing to decide on future medical actions.

Out of 36 medical facilities contacted, only one considered accepting Annelise, on the condition that she underwent brain death testing. However, Annelise was later moved to a hospital in Louisiana and then returned to Texas, receiving treatment at Christus Mother Frances Hospital in Tyler.

Texas law allows hospitals to cease life-sustaining measures once brain death is confirmed. The family’s quest revolved around obtaining more time. Johnston Camp highlighted to KRIV-TV the significance of time, asserting that despite scientific readings, Annelise showed bodily and vital sign improvements.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton showed support, emphasizing Annelise’s right to a dedicated medical team. In July, the Camps shared on GoFundMe that Annelise exhibited encouraging signs at the Louisiana facility, pursuing various available treatments.

The family opted not to disclose reasons for the decision to remove life support, focusing instead on their continued faith and Annelise’s memory.