A COUPLE WHO RAISED A CHIMP AS THEIR OWN CHILD DISCOVERS
THE HARSH REALITY OF ANIMAL BEHAVIOR AFTER A VICIOUS, DISFIGURING ATTACK, ON ABC NEWS' "PRIMETIME LIVE," THURSDAY, APRIL 21
Also: A Young Woman's Death Inspires Questions About a Little-Known
Prescription Drug Industry in America
And: A Mother Credits Her Baby's Amazing Survival Story to
What She Believes is the Healing Power of a Religious Relic
St. James and LaDonna Davis' chimp, Moe, was more than a pet - he was the son they never had. They raised Moe in their home as you would a child, teaching him to shower, dress in clothes and even watch television. But their love for Moe would take a tragic turn when they were attacked by two other chimps while visiting Moe at a wildlife sanctuary on his 39th birthday. John Quiqones reports that the attack left St. James Davis, a former NASCAR driver, disfigured and clinging to life in a coma. In an emotional interview, LaDonna Davis shares her memories of that horrific day, on "Primetime Live," THURSDAY, APRIL 21 (10:00-11:00 p.m., ET) on the ABC Television Network.
Also: Chris Cuomo reports on a tragic medical mistake that has some questioning why millions of prescriptions for drugs compounded by pharmacists -- which are not FDA-approved -- are allowed to be taken by Americans every year. North Carolina college student Shiri Berg died after she rubbed a numbing cream - a custom-made mixture containing two anesthetics -- into her legs and then wrapped them in cellophane prior to a laser hair removal session. Her parents blame the spa and its doctor, but also the little-known industry that produced the cream. So-called "compounding pharmacies" are allowed to make drugs from scratch -- mixing or altering existing prescription medications. Cuomo reports that small "mom and pop" pharmacies have been doing this, unregulated by the federal government, for years. Now, according to critics, it's become a booming business for larger manufacturers. These critics assert that there have been instances of meningitis outbreaks and even deaths due to bad compounding. But industry representatives say "compound" drugs, which are made after a doctor has written a prescription, are regulated by states and play an important role in meeting patients' specific needs.
And: When Jill Chadwick went into labor four months prematurely, doctors said her baby's brain and lungs could be too immature for him to survive. Amazingly, Chadwick's son not only survived, he thrived. She tells Jay Schadler she believes that it's all due to a religious relic from a local church that was placed on her pregnant belly. Religious relics - which can be anything from the bones of saints to locks of hair or splinters of sacred wood - hold enormous significance for many Catholics. Some, like Chadwick, even believe these holy objects have the power to heal.
DIANE SAWYER, CHRIS CUOMO, CYNTHIA McFADDEN and JOHN QUIQONES are the anchors of "Primetime Live. DAVID SLOAN is the executive producer.
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