Family says DHS 'stripped' mom and daughter of their rights in battle against cancer

PORTLAND, Ore. – A group of family members and supporters gathered at Pioneer Courthouse Square Saturday calling for a Wilsonville girl and her mother to be reunited after the Department of Human Services (DHS) recently took the girl into protective custody.

Kylee Dixon and her mother, Christine, were reported missing earlier this week. Clackamas County Deputies say Christine ignored a court order to bring Kylee to DHS. Deputies told KATU News Kylee missed a surgery scheduled for June 6th.

Authorities found the girl and her mother in Las Vegas Thursday.

Family say Kylee was brought back to Oregon and is currently in foster care. Supporters and family say DHS has gone too far.

Alena Pop, who says she is Christine's sister, said Kylee has cancer. She said traditional treatment did not work so Christine began naturopathic treatments. Since beginning the naturopathic treatment, including the use of CBD, Pop said Kylee improved dramatically. Pop said her tumor shrank to ten percent of what it was during treatment in the hospital.

“She was vibrant. She was ready to go back to school,” said Pop. “It's been a long legal battle with [Oregon Health and Science University], with DHS, the doctors. We really question what their motives are.”

Pop said family are concerned about Kylee’s safety and health in DHS custody. Pop said Kylee had her naturopathic medication taken away and told to get a surgery she did not want.

“This is a clear example of the rights that were stripped from Christine as a parent, and Kylee's rights,” said Pop.

Family say Christine has not been allowed to speak with her daughter.

Christine, who Pop says is still in Nevada, spoke in front of a crowd of supporters via telephone. She read a letter to Kylee, hoping her daughter would somehow hear it.

“Kylee, since I couldn't say goodbye to you, I hope you're watching this. I want you to know that I love you with all my heart. You mean the world to me and I will never, I mean never, stop fighting with you, for you, and to protect you as I have been with my every last breath that I have,” said Dixon.

She added, “I love you so much, no words can ever describe the day I last hugged you on Thursday morning as they pulled you out of my arms. You are my rock, stand strong, fearless and bold in Christ.”

KATU News reached out to DHS on Saturday afternoon, but did not hear back.

Christy Sinatra, a representative for DHS said in a statement earlier this week, "DHS takes the safety and well-being of children very seriously. DHS is obligated to comply with court orders and any actions DHS may take in regard to this child will be focused on the child’s safety and well-being."

"DHS has requirements to protect the safety and health of the children and youth in our care, as well as their personal information. While we appreciate the help of the media and public in locating this child, we are not able to share any additional information about the family beyond the details law enforcement provided."

State Senator Kim Thatcher, R-Keizer, came to Pioneer Courthouse Square to support the family Saturday.

"I met with the head of DHS to learn more about this situation and my staff has been in contact with advocates and activists,” said Thatcher in a statement. “In Oregon, you apparently have the ‘right to die’ treatments but you don’t have the 'right to deny' treatments.”

Supporters will hold another rally Thursday on the steps of the state capitol.