Viewers Left 'Destroyed' By 'Gut-wrenching' Netflix Documentary 'Take Care Of Maya'

Premiered on June 19, the recently released documentary sheds light on the life of Maya Kowalski, a young girl who endured the challenges of chronic pain that gradually became debilitating.

Netflix

In 2015, Maya's parents, Jack and Beata Kowalski, embarked on a desperate search for answers concerning their daughter's deteriorating health. They consulted numerous medical professionals in their quest for a diagnosis and effective treatment.

After being diagnosed with CRPS (complex regional pain syndrome), Maya received high doses of ketamine from one doctor, but unfortunately, the treatment didn't provide the desired relief.

In search of alternative options, the Kowalski family traveled to Monterrey, Mexico, where Maya underwent a procedure to induce a ketamine coma in hopes of finding a solution to her condition.

Netflix

Initially, the treatment appeared to be effective, offering a glimmer of hope for Maya's recovery. However, to their dismay, the positive results were short-lived as Maya experienced a sudden relapse in her condition.

In their desperation to find a solution for Maya's deteriorating health, her parents decided to take her to Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital in St. Petersburg, Florida. 

The situation took a horrifying turn when the hospital accused Beata, Maya's mother and a registered nurse, of child abuse. As a result, the state took custody of 10-year-old Maya.

Beata was charged with Munchausen by proxy, a form of child abuse where a parent creates or exaggerates symptoms in their child. 

Netflix

However, a psychological evaluation later confirmed that Beata did not have this illness. Despite this, she was not allowed to see her daughter for more than three months.

The prolonged separation and distressing circumstances took a toll on Beata's mental well-being.

Feeling increasingly hopeless, she tragically took her own life, leaving behind a devastating situation where she couldn't be reunited with her daughter.

The documentary fast-forwards to the present, where 17-year-old Maya, her father, and her brother are seeking justice through the legal system.

Netflix

The film includes recordings, interviews, and depositions that shed light on their journey.

The documentary has deeply affected viewers, leading them to share their thoughts on social media. One user wrote: "Just finished watching Take Care of Maya on Netflix and I’m emotionally exhausted."

"Had to be one of the most gut-wrenching documentaries I’ve ever seen. Shame on the hospital, court system, and all those that stood by complicit while this injustice was happening," they added.

Another person said: "I have never in my life had to stop a documentary so many times, just to compose myself and wipe the tears away. How is this happening in a 'first world country'? Take care of Maya just destroyed me, I am shook to my core. I hope they televise the trial globally in September."

A third commented: "'Take care of Maya' really shines the light where it needs to be. The system has been so screwed for many many years. It’s sad that’s just getting worse and worse. More lives lost and tons of families destroyed because of it."

The director of the documentary is Henry Roosevelt, while Caitlin Keating serves as the producer. Recently, Keating had a conversation with Vanity Fair, where she discussed the family's ongoing struggle and their journey depicted in the film.

"At a certain point, you have to stop filming," she said, "But this is their truth, that the trial against the children’s hospital hasn’t happened yet. And we think that’s important to show that they are still fighting."