“Take Care of Maya,” the heartbreaking Netflix documentary about an accusation that tore a family apart.
The Kowalski family’s case was a true nightmare. This film reveals the shocking story of how a medical treatment turned into an investigation of child abuse
In 2016, when she was ten years old, Maya Kowalski was admitted to Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital due to a strange illness. “As they tried to understand her illness, members of the medical team began to question the ties that bound the Kowalskis. Suddenly, the state assumed custodial care of Maya, even though her parents were desperate to take their daughter home. The Kowalskis’ story, told by the Kowalskis themselves, will forever change your perception of pediatric care,” sums up the synopsis of this powerful Netflix documentary directed by Henry Roosevelt.
Cuiden a Maya (Take Care of Maya) is a heartbreaking production that showcases the story of the Kowalski family and their fight for justice. Through exclusive interviews and shocking revelations, it uncovers the hidden horrors of a medical system that failed in its duty of care. The family decided to take Maya to Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg, Florida. However, instead of finding a medical solution, they found themselves embroiled in a child abuse investigation. The medical staff suspected that Maya’s mother, Beata, suffered from Munchausen’s syndrome and alerted child protective services.
Beata and Maya: a mother accused of mistreating her daughter and a tragic story. (Netflix)
What is Munchausen syndrome?
It is a mental disorder in which a person simulates or provokes symptoms of illness or injury in others under his or her care in order to receive medical attention. Those who suffer from this syndrome may make up convincing stories, resort to unnecessary treatment, and even harm to keep another in a dependent role. It is a complex disorder involving psychological and emotional aspects, and requires professional attention for diagnosis and treatment.
Case Evolution and Tragedy in the Kowalski Family
Maya was separated from her mother and spent more than three months in state custody. During that time, Beata suffered emotional deterioration due to the stress and anguish of being away from her daughter. After a legal battle, Beata committed suicide, leaving her family devastated and feeling unfairly treated. “I’m sorry, but I can no longer bear the pain of being away from Maya and being treated like a criminal. I can’t watch my daughter suffer in pain and continue to get worse,” read the note she wrote before taking her own life.
Maya currently lives with her father and brother in Florida. Although she still struggles with complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), she has improved thanks to an experimental therapy. After a year of treatment, she was able to regain the ability to walk and uses various therapies to cope with lingering symptoms.
The Kowalski family filed a lawsuit against Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, which is expected to go to trial in September. Maya and her father are seeking justice and fighting to fulfill her late mother’s wish.
The story of Maya and her family is a testament to resilience and courage in the midst of adversity, and invites reflection on the importance of listening to and caring for those who need it most. In addition, it is a poignant title that leaves a profound observation about the medical system in the U.S. and the state’s action regarding accusations without solid arguments.
There are several series that deal with true cases of Munchausen’s syndrome such as The Act (Lionsgate+), which tells the story of Gypsy Rose Blanchard and her mother Dee Dee. It explores the toxic relationship between the two and how Dee Dee invented illnesses and symptoms in her daughter. There is also the documentary Mommy Dead and Dearest, about the same case on HBO Max.