Trial on whether MN boy must have chemo begins

Click here to read the court petition.

SLEEPY EYE, Minn. -- A 13-year-old boy from Sleepy Eye and his parents are ignoring the advice of cancer specialists that the teenager undergo chemotherapy and radiation.

Daniel Hauser has Hodgkin's lymphoma, considered by doctors to be one of the most curable forms of cancer.

Danny, as he is known, and his parents have turned to natural therapies, such as herbs and vitamins, instead. They're scheduled to be in court Friday to defend their decision.

Brown County Attorney James Olson has filed a petition accusing Daniel's parents, Colleen and Anthony Hauser, of child neglect and endangerment. Olson is asking a judge to order the boy into treatment.

A court hearing started at 8:30 a.m. Friday morning in Brown County.

"It's really about our rights. It's more about our religious freedom here," says Daniel's mother.

Last January, Colleen and Tony Hauser learned their son had a common form of Hodgkin's Lymphoma. Doctors at Children's Hospital and the Mayo Clinic recommended a full six rounds of chemotherapy.

Daniel started with one and then he and his parents said no more. They're instead treating Daniel with traditional medicine -- one that follows a diet of whole, fresh foods and one that's in line with their beliefs. The family's both Catholic and members of the Native American organization, the Nemenhah Band.

"Traditional medicine was here long before we were. It's our spiritual right to do it," say Daniel's parents.

However, prosecutors argue those rights don't apply when a child's life is at stake.

Olsen says doctors contend Daniel has a 90 percent chance of recovery with chemotherapy and radiation. He says that percentage plummets without that care.

However, the family says Daniel should be allowed to live his teenage life at home under the care of his parents and his beliefs.

By Karla Hult, KARE 11 News   Read Karla's Blog

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