A Little Girl's Brave Decision: "Let Me Go to Heaven, Hashem Will Care for Me"

Five-year-old Juliana Snow is battling a terminal illness known as Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease—a rare genetic condition that severely affects the nervous system and causes muscle degeneration. For months, the brave girl has been in and out of the hospital. Doctors have said that her condition is stable, but if she survives and lives longer, she will likely need to be on a ventilator for the rest of her life. 

Throughout her treatments, in an effort to lift Juliana's spirits and their own, her parents, Steve and Michelle, started a blog to document her progress and their journey coping with the illness. In one poignant post, Michelle shared a touching conversation with Juliana, where the two considered the best plan for the next time Juliana falls seriously ill:

Michelle: Juliana, if you get sick again, do you want to go to the hospital or stay at home?

Juliana: I don't want to go to the hospital.

Michelle: Even if it means that you might go to heaven if you stay at home?

Juliana: Yes.

Michelle: And you know that Mommy and Daddy won't be able to come with you right away? You'll have to go by yourself at first.

Juliana: Don't worry. Hashem will take care of me.

Michelle: And if you go to the hospital, there's a chance it will help you feel better, come back home, and spend more time with us. I need to make sure you understand that. The hospital can give you more time with Mommy and Daddy.

Juliana: I understand.

Michelle (crying): I'm sorry, Juliana. I know you don't like it when I cry. I just miss you so much.

Juliana: It's okay. Hashem will protect me. He's in my heart.

Juliana and her mother, Michelle