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Parents charged after son hospitalized for diabetes negligence

Middletown, PA Anthony Diffendall, 41, and Meghan Diffendall, 36, have been arrested following allegations of neglecting their son’s diabetes management. Their 13-year-old son was hospitalized twice within one week due to diabetic ketoacidosis.

The Lower Swatara Township Police Department announced the charges on Thursday. Both parents face one count of endangering the welfare of a child.

The boy was admitted to the hospital on June 22 and again on September 9 after his condition declined, prompting urgent care. Medical professionals indicated that the child’s health deteriorated due to a lack of insulin.

After being discharged on September 10, the boy was re-hospitalized on September 13 for distressing symptoms that included abnormal breathing and chest pain. Doctors confirmed another episode of ketoacidosis, resulting in his admission to the intensive care unit.

The Diffendalls informed medical staff that their son’s long-term insulin was denied by their insurance, leading them to use expired insulin. The boy’s pediatrician noted that he had not received his necessary prescriptions since January.

Court documents highlight concerns about chronic medical neglect, stating the boy should have had a refill every month. The pediatrician remarked that the child’s sugar levels indicated inadequate management of his diabetes.

During a class on managing their son’s condition, Meghan Diffendall reportedly did not attend. When questioned about her absence, Anthony Diffendall stated she was home sleeping.

Following their arrest, both parents appeared before Magisterial District Judge David H. Judy. The judge released them on their own recognizance and scheduled preliminary hearings for the afternoon of November 26.

Lawsuit against Wisconsin hospital dismissed after brain donation lost

Milwaukee, WI A lawsuit against Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin has been dismissed following the accidental disposal of a brain donated for research. The lawsuit was initiated by the parents of Ashtyn Fellenz, who passed away in December.

Ashtyn Fellenz was 24 years old and diagnosed with Canavan disease, a terminal neurological disorder. Her parents agreed to donate her brain for research to further understanding of the disease and possible treatments.

On November 17, Milwaukee Circuit Court Judge Timothy Witkowiak ruled that the Fellenzes could not pursue damages against the hospital. The judge stated that surrendering the donation meant the parents relinquished all rights to it.

Despite the ruling, Judge Witkowiak acknowledged the hospital’s mistake and expressed sympathy for the Fellenz family. He encouraged Children’s Wisconsin to review its protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future.

The hospital admitted the error, stating it was “profoundly sorry” for the mistake. In May, before the lawsuit was filed, a spokesperson emphasized the need to reinforce protocols to avoid such errors.

Children’s Wisconsin reported that both sections of Ashtyn Fellenz’s brain were removed properly but were later improperly disposed of after months of storage.

Ashtyn underwent experimental gene therapy before her death and was among a few patients living longer due to the treatment. Canavan disease typically limits life expectancy to around ten years, but Ashtyn lived to 24.