It’s a heartbreaking story that no parent should have to endure. Andrea and Paul Haynes had to face the unimaginable decision of ending the life of their 13-year-old daughter, Esra Haynes. Australian journalist Ally Langdon, herself a mother, couldn’t hold back her emotions as she interviewed them on the popular show A Current Affair.
Esra was a talented and vibrant young girl, with a passion for BMX biking and aerobics. Tragically, her life was cut short when she attended a sleepover and fell victim to a dangerous trend called “chroming.” Chroming involves inhaling chemicals, in this case, aerosol deodorant, to achieve a high. Esra suffered cardiac arrest and permanent brain damage as a result.
In an interview with Langdon, Esra’s parents shared the heart-wrenching details of that fateful night. It was just a regular sleepover with friends, and they never anticipated the devastating phone call they would receive. Esra’s friends initially believed she was having a panic attack, unaware of the grave danger she was in. By the time her mother arrived, Esra was being revived, and the paramedics revealed that she had been chroming.
Esra was rushed to the hospital with hope for a full recovery due to her strong heart and lungs. However, after eight days on life support, her parents received the devastating news that her brain was beyond repair. They had to make the heart-wrenching decision to let her go.
The pain of saying goodbye to their daughter is indescribable. Surrounded by family and friends, Esra’s parents held her close until the very end. Esra’s death has shattered their family, leaving her siblings and community devastated.
The heartbreaking reality is that many parents, including Esra’s, were unaware of chroming until tragedy struck. In an effort to raise awareness and prevent future harm, Esra’s parents are on a mission to educate others about this dangerous trend. Chroming, which can lead to organ failure, seizures, heart attacks, and even death, is alarmingly popular among teenagers. Common household items like deodorant, paint, hairspray, and markers can be used to achieve a quick high.
Esra’s father, Paul, expressed regret for not knowing about chroming earlier. He emphasized the importance of parents having open and honest conversations with their children, urging them to seek information first-hand rather than relying on peers or social media. By educating parents and children about the dangers of chroming, lives can be saved, and families spared from the unimaginable pain that the Haynes family has endured.
Let us stand in solidarity with the Haynes family and keep them in our thoughts and prayers. By sharing this story, we can help raise awareness and protect other children from the dangers of this fatal trend.
