Related Links EXCLUSIVE The family of the Boca Raton teenager who died during corrective breast surgery is back from their interview with The Today Show. News Channel 5's Marci Gonzalez was the only local reporter to talk to the family of Stephanie Kuleba about how their anger and heartbreak has spawned a new life's mission. Stephanie Kuleba's parents say she always wanted surgery to correct an embarrassing birth defect. Kuleba's mother, Joanne, says she asked Stephanie the morning of the surgery if she was sure she wanted to go through with it. Joanne claims Stephanie was excited to have the procedure so she wouldn't live with the humiliation brought on by her birth defect any longer. Joanne Kuleba fought through tears describing her last moments with Stephanie as she went in for surgery at an outpatient center in Boca Raton. She explained, "When I kissed her goodbye that day, I said, 'I love you' and she said, 'I love you, mom. I never imagined, never imagined, that was going to be the last time." Stephanie had a rare genetic condition called malignant hyperthermia. It caused a reaction to the anesthesia used and the eighteen year old varsity cheerleading captain within 24 hours. Stephanie's mother and father, Tom, say they're angry. They call claims by Stephanie's doctor, Steven Schuster, that he did all he could to save Stephanie, "shocking." The Kuleba’s say the facts will prove his faults, but would not elaborate. They say a lawsuit is certainly a consideration if medical professionals determine there was medical malpractice involved. But the Kuleba’s are adamant that is not their priority. Stephanie dreamed of being a doctor so she could save lives. Now, they say their mission will likely save more lives than Stephanie ever could have in life. Just more than a week after her death, Stephanie's parents are already fully involved in their mission to bring attention to the devastating effects of malignant hyperthermia. They've started a website with information about the condition and want to fight for changes in laws and medical procedures. They say their battle to keep other families from suffering because of the defect has just begun, and feel Stephanie is watching down on them, proudly.
http://www.stephaniejudekuleba.org/
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