What: SOUTH LYON PUMPKIN FEST PARADE

Why: We will walk in the parade to bring awareness to medically misdiagnosed child abuse and how this affects our community with specific reference to the Burns case.

On September 17th Torn Family Trustees, Brenda Burns, and two other individuals whose families were impacted by the misdiagnosis of child abuse by a child abuse pediatrician had the privilege of speaking at a University of Michigan Board of Regents meeting.

This afternoon the Torn Family Trust and supporters went to Ann Arbor to speak to the U of M Board of Regents. Eight speakers spoke on the topics regarding the controversial actions of U of M's Child Abuse Team in making diagnoses. Thank you all for your support. Click to see the WXYZ coverage:

Over four decades ago, Dr. Norman Guthkelch first hypothesized that brain bleeding in infants could be caused by violent shaking. Over time, doctors evolved this idea into the theory that a “triad” of symptoms in infants (brain bleeding, brain swelling, and retinal hemorrhaging) was proof of violent shaking.

The judge heard a motion presented by the Michigan Innocence Clinic to reduce or modify Josh's sentence in order to facilitate reunification with Naomi. They also requested modifications to certain probation conditions.

Denise Johnson's book, Love to Give, was hard to put down at times. I was surprised by how engaged I became in her story. Our stories are so different but the pain is similar. Reading about the struggle Denise and her husband endured brought me comfort in a strange way.

Where: Livingston County Courthouse
How You Can Help: Please consider attending the next hearing in the Burns case where Judge Cavanaugh will finalize the plan for reunifying Josh with his family. The Michigan Innocence Clinic will also present a motion to amend Josh's probation terms and shorten his sentence.

Judge Miriam Cavanaugh rendered her decision today regarding Josh's parental rights. She recognized that Josh has been more compliant and involved in trying to regain a relationship with Naomi than many fathers who have been in her courtroom.

TERMINATION DECISION: Wednesday July 29th, Judge Cavanaugh will render her decision regarding the termination of Josh's parental rights. This hearing will be held at the Livingston County Courthouse in Howell at 8:30 a.m. Friends, family, and supporters are encouraged to attend the hearing in support of the Burns family.

Today Judge Miriam Cavanaugh denied Josh’s request for bond during his appeal. She stated that the defense cannot prove there are appealable issues without access to the criminal trial transcripts. The defense was not able to review the transcripts because they have not been produced.