The story of Maya Kowalski and her family has been a difficult one. It all started when Maya, as a young girl, began having health problems. Her journey included a rare disease, accusations against her mother, and a legal battle with a hospital.
Around 2015, Maya, who was just 9 years old, started experiencing strange symptoms. She had asthma attacks and headaches, and sores appeared on her skin. Doctors were puzzled, and some thought her pain might be psychological. But her parents knew something was really wrong.
Eventually, Maya was diagnosed with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). This is a rare condition that makes people very sensitive to touch and causes a lot of pain.
In 2016, Maya was admitted to Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital because of severe stomach pain. Her mother, Beata, asked the doctors to give Maya ketamine, a medicine that had helped her before. However, the hospital staff became concerned and reported Beata to child protective services. She was accused of Munchausen syndrome by proxy, a condition where a caregiver fakes or causes illness in someone they’re caring for.
Maya was taken into state custody and kept away from her family for several months. This was a very difficult time for everyone. Sadly, Beata, Maya’s mother, died by suicide in 2017.
After her mother’s death, Maya and her family sued the hospital. In 2023, they were awarded a large sum of money. However, in 2025, that decision was overturned by a court.
The family’s story became well-known after a Netflix documentary called “Take Care of Maya” was released in 2023.
Today, Maya is still dealing with CRPS, but she is doing her best to live a full life. She also wants to help others who are going through similar situations.
