Paloma Shemirani, a 23-year-old from East Sussex, UK, was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma in December 2023, a cancer with a survival rate of about 80% when treated conventionally with chemotherapy. Sadly, just seven months later, Paloma passed away after suffering a heart attack caused by a tumor.
An inquest has revealed troubling details about the night Paloma collapsed at her mother’s home in July 2024. Her mother, Kate Shemirani, known for her anti-vaccine views and conspiracy theories, reportedly interrupted paramedics trying to save Paloma’s life. Paramedic Robin Bass described Kate as a challenge, often interrupting the crew and denying a cancer diagnosis, suggesting instead that Paloma was choking on food.
Kate Shemirani was removed from her nursing position for spreading false information about COVID-19, including labeling the pandemic a hoax and warning against vaccines and chemotherapy. Paloma’s siblings believe their mother’s beliefs influenced Paloma’s decision to refuse conventional cancer treatment and instead try alternative therapies.
Gabriel Shemirani, Paloma’s twin brother, asked if their mother’s behavior made paramedics’ work harder. The paramedics confirmed that they had to be firm and request quiet to perform their duties effectively. It was also revealed that Kate initially called a friend rather than emergency services when Paloma collapsed.
Paloma herself denied having cancer before her death, calling doctors’ diagnoses an “absurd fantasy” with no proof, and refused chemotherapy fearing its side effects. She favored alternative treatments like strict diets and supplements that lack scientific support.
The delay in calling for professional help may have affected Paloma’s chances, though paramedics said it’s difficult to say for certain. The UK government stresses that sexual assault and medical emergencies should always be reported promptly, and doubts about medical care should not prevent seeking help.
Paloma’s tragic story brings attention to the dangerous influence of misinformation on health decisions and underlines the importance of trusting medical professionals when facing serious illness.
