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Face-eating Tumor - Jose Mestre
Jose Mistre refused surgery to accept a blood transfusion after a bloody tumor appeared on his lip in adoslescence. Jose now 51 could face life threatening danger as the tumor has grown 15 inches long and weighing 12 pounds. It blinded him in one eye and made eating a daily ordeal.He is supported by his siblings with whom are very close with. Jose Mistre has also become well known as ‘The Man with No Face’.
2 more pics of Jose Mistre and his face eating tumor after the jump.
Source: Telegraph UK
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December 5th, 2007 at 2:30 am
I remember this guy ever since I was a kid. He was always downtown Lisbon and I remember back when his tumour wasn’t as big as it is now.
I knew I shouldn’t stare but I always did…
December 7th, 2007 at 12:12 pm
Dude i mean…why the hell did he refuse surgery or blood transfusions. And how the hell won’t you stare..goddamn it, it’s impressive. I mean, he might be a damn nice guy, but, personally, I couldn’t live like that.
December 13th, 2007 at 7:54 am
I feel bad for the man. He has this huge tumor for a face, and won’t except surgery because of his religios beliefs. I feel so bad for him, that he has to endure that. All the looks he must get from other people must be like torture; knowing that there isn’t much you can do about it.
December 19th, 2007 at 2:10 pm
Nice sweater. :/
December 22nd, 2007 at 12:41 am
sad!!! but these things are very rare and i just feel sorry for him!
January 16th, 2008 at 5:24 pm
Jose, its truly a sad n tough moment that yo facing. Some lady in Uganda says she can heal those tumors traditionally without you undergoing surgery. Such things can be healed but i blive u a little bit relaxed BUT its never too late.
January 16th, 2008 at 5:32 pm
Hullo, very absurd the devil has denied you a good life because of religion! Get out of that prison, receive Jesus as your Lord and saviour he will heal you when you pray. Religion does not take any man to heaven. All religions are devil oriented to lock people into different beliefs. Get saved. Christ paid for our sins. He did it all. JUST BELIEVE AND RECEIVE ETERNAL LIFE
January 21st, 2008 at 9:31 am
Part of me empathises with Jose and part of me thinks he is responsible for his own fait. I understand his sisters frustration!!! What a support she is. I think we put too much emphasis on “respecting religious beliefs” and not questioning them. They reveal their absurdity in situations like this. I doubt a good talking to by Richard Dawkins would have much effect, but perhaps mixing with “moderate”, blood-tolerant Jehovah’s Witnesses or a nice conversion to Anglicanism would help! Good luck to ya Jose in 2008. I hope the operations work.
February 7th, 2008 at 9:59 am
I pitied him until he said he was a Jehovah’s Witness. Living with the looks, stares, taunts and disfigurements, the tumours messing up his nasal passages, tongue, teeth and left eye, and is deulsional as well? Part of me wants to pull a House MD and give him a transfusion anyway (because I don’t speak superstition) and tell him later when he can speak better, eat and not drool everywhere and can see out of both eyes. I mean, what is he going to do? Disembowel himself? Why must religious stupidity get in the way of common sense?
February 7th, 2008 at 1:30 pm
Guys, Guys
Just finished watching this show and was touched enough to want to know more about him and whether or not he underwent his surgeries. I too feel sad for his grotesque growth, but want to appeal to you guys about the religion issue…did we not all grow up in a religion and aren’t we all brainwashed by whatever religion our family, our culture, our hemisphere followed? He is a victim of the same “tradition” the entire world is a victim of, we are, for the most part, the religion of our parents until after we feel the need to seek and therefore “find” other religions…or not! Poor Jose simply follows what he was taught so forcefully as a child. If you haven’t been a Jehovah’s Witness you have no idea of how powerful without the comune factor they can be. I am not one and did not grow up one, but spent 2 years studying their beliefs, going to their Kingdom Hall and eventually became one for and additional couple of years. It never seemed right, so I had the will to leave their “church”….and for the religion I grew up with, well, it is not dead to me as I obviously still “look back” for it, but continue to “grow” forward….LET”S ALL WISH JOSE THE BEST!! May you, Jose, live to see days of freedom from this life threatening condition!! May we all bless you!!
February 7th, 2008 at 1:55 pm
Common sense is never common. People believe different things. At least he has something to believe in. Instead of walking mislead and only following the guidance of himself or even worse changing with the tides of man.
February 7th, 2008 at 3:37 pm
@Vodi: Thats a terrible thing to say. Just because you don’t agree with what he believes, doesnt mean you shouldnt feel bad for him or should insult him and his beliefs. Its his life, he has a choice; we should respect that.
February 7th, 2008 at 3:49 pm
I feel really really really reallly sorry for the guy..that sucks..but like he is letting his religious beliefs get infront of this..i say get the surgery..it will boost the mans self esteem and i guess have a more pleasant time in public
February 7th, 2008 at 4:08 pm
I would respect his religious reasons for the blood transfusion, however he even refused minor treatment that wouldn’t involve transfusion. He’s scared, which is understandable, but I think a lifetime of being catered to has kind of spoiled him. His sister mentioned how his mother would over protect him. I feel sorry for him but feel more sorry for his sister. I think he is being selfish, expecting his sister and his niece take care of him. Its almost like he needs an intervention. I the the J.W. excuse is a sham and an excuse to stay the way he is.
February 7th, 2008 at 4:11 pm
ooh, that sounded harsh.. sorry. I really hope he goes through with the surgery. He no doubt has had a hard go at life. I couldn’t say what I would do in his shoes.
February 7th, 2008 at 10:37 pm
dude yo face is messed up
February 8th, 2008 at 6:38 am
WOW, What silly comments, Jose has never had any chose in life, he always carried this with him, his religion is the only thing he believes was the only control he had, god will lead him to the right path. Everything in life happens for a reason, and this documentary and these specialist doctors were brought to him for a reason. When one sees these things instead of judging, take the minute to look at your own lives and appreciate how you look and how god made you!
February 8th, 2008 at 9:47 pm
I think everybody here believes his life would be better in the long run. It would be a very difficult road, but is worth it. God made medicine for a reason and he should take advantage of it.
February 8th, 2008 at 10:58 pm
I think all of you have valid points regarding religion as well asJose’s situation. After I watched the show and listened to many people comment, I have yet to hear his minister or someone from the church speak about the issue. I suggest that he speak to a Jehovah witness minister, or possibly a Jehovah witness doctor to help him deal with the aspect of surgery. ‘m fairly certain that this will help him move forward with the surgery. For all of those whom do not know Jehovah is Jesus. It’s just another name for Jesus. I applaud his religious dedication, though i’m sure 10 out of 10 people religious, Jehovah witness, non-religious, or anyone that saw the disfigurement would want him to proceed with the surgery. I would love to see a story of how his life has improved as well how he would feel sitting in the courtyard without being noticed. In the meantime all of us who look normal strive for attention just to be noticed, guess life is ironic like that.
February 9th, 2008 at 12:10 am
I saw this show yesterday and was deeply touched. The worst part is the hearts of all those people who teased him knowing that if they were in his shoes they wouldn’t want people treating them the way they were treating him. I am a believer in Jesus Christ , he is my Lord and Savior and I wish the same for Jose and his sister. With Jesus if Jose believed in Him there would be healing for his heart and for his face. I am reminded of a story where Jesus and His disciples came upon a blind man who had been blind from birth and Jesus’ disciples asked Him “Lord who sinned that this man was born blind” and Jesus’ response was that no one had sinned, but that this happen so that the power of God might be displayed to those who had mock, cared for and shy’d away from the man. Next Jesus spat on the ground made mud and healed the man as a testimony to God’s (His) power to heal.
February 9th, 2008 at 12:16 am
The fact that the Johavah’s Witness religion would block a man from receiving life changing transformation points out how questionable that religion is. God is in the occupation of healing and not hindering, through His son Jesus Christ. Jose and his sister need healing. I hope and pray the Jose has the surgury and the transfusion but that the transfusion will be to receive the blood of Jesus Christ. You are in my prayer Jose. To your sister I say keep of the fight for your brother.
February 27th, 2008 at 10:21 pm
Jose’ is a JW because he chooses to be one. As JW we are instructed by the bible to abstain from blood as it is sacred and holy. We dont accept Blood Transfusions due to the high risk involved -HIV,wrong blood type,body rejection-.This is besides the blood being sacred. As a witness one dedicates their lives to Jehovah and you do everything to honour him. Jose knows why he made his decision and I am very proud to stand by him. If you people read your bibles and actually took the time to understand what we believe you would understand WHY he made that decision. I have the deepest respect for that man. BTW there are other methods that are safer and have a better result , than taking blood that is unclean. And we have the latest technology and scientific information that will enable him to have the surgery. You people should start reading more facts not hersay!
March 3rd, 2008 at 8:42 am
I feel so sorry for him it has growen so large i would want a blood transfustion if i had a face eating tumor on my face no mater what
March 6th, 2008 at 2:44 am
I have seen this guy, in Lisboa, and i have lokkeded at him, whit my family, and just thinking, Why? Why dont anybody whit lots of mony, who just spends them on swimmingpools, and barbaques partys, why dont they give him the mony, to help him. And FINALY! FINALY someone has open there eyes, and help this man! I’m happy! And i hope he will take that help, instead of pushing it a way, beacourse a faith! I really hope someone will, and can help him. And, im SO happy, that he has hes sister. Thank god!
March 7th, 2008 at 11:14 am
WHY DOESNT HE DONATE HIS OWN BLOOD TO HIMSELF A FEW WEEKS BEFORE SURGERY??????? duh!
March 27th, 2008 at 6:26 am
“he will heal you when you pray” - Yeah that’s not going to happen though now is it? Even if he fell to his knees and suddenly took on your beliefs Ivan he’d still be sat there half blind with a face halfway down his chest when he opened his eyes, wouldn’t he?. If you’re going to peddle your religion to someone at least try to make sense as opposed to outright lying to them and then sitting mock-dumbfounded when they refute your beliefs.
“God made medicine for a reason” - Yet another example of insanity. God or as he’s more commonly known “Medical Professionals”..
This is a serious medical condition and you do not help the situation by oversimplification and falsehood with regard to religion and the real solutions available to people in these positions. Call me intolerant I’ll happily wear the badge rather than bury my head in the sand and delude myself into believing I’m hidden.
March 27th, 2008 at 7:59 pm
True religion should be in complete harmony with science. Here is a religious belief: There are distinct similarities between the SPIRITUAL (Godly and divine) and PHYSICAL realms. For example all the messengers of God such as Moses, Jesus, Mohammad and Baha’u'llah are like the sun. They represent the light of God for the age that they have come for. They renew and regenerate the world of humanity. In the same way that these messengers are SPIRITUAL physicians, bringing healing and peace to humanity, we have PHYSICAL physicians. These physical physicians are the doctors/medical practitioners who are experts in the physical well being of the body. A religion preventing you from getting expert help and advise is nothing but superstition. Get the surgery Jose and leave the dead to bury the dead…
March 29th, 2008 at 9:49 pm
Watchtower gospel of gobbledygook
The blood transfusion issue is still a hot item, even though the Watchtower has practically allowed all ‘parts’ of the blood individually, just not together!
Doesn’t the Bible clearly state to “pour ALL the blood onto the ground and cover it with dust because to Jehovah the life blood belongs”?
So, how can the Watchtower leaders allow most of the parts of blood which they euphemistically call “blood fractions” YET forbid “whole blood”?
Isn’t it all sacred to Jehovah,or is this a legal ruse to keep from being sued?
(I will be cursed by God for eating a whole ham sandwich but if I eat the bun,mayo,mustard,cheese,ham,pickle separately it’s o-kay today.)
Remember thousands of devout obedient Jehovah’s Witnesses have DIED for this blood stance.
The entire doctrine is senseless and deadly.
The Bible says nothing about blood transfusions. They didn’t exist when the Old Testament and Acts were written. The Bible passages in question (kosher law) have to do with diet. Neither the Jews nor other groups oppose blood transfusions because they don’t try to put a spin on something that isn’t there. If the Watchtower had not issued this prohibition, no Jehovah’s Witness would oppose them on Biblical grounds.
Go to Israel and try and find a super observant Orthodox Jew or Rabbi who believes that blood transfusions are against God’s Law given to Moses.You can’t.
Danny Haszard
http://www.ajwrb.org/basics/abstain.shtml
http://www.towertotruth.net/Articles/blood_transfusions.htm Will you die for a lie?
http://www.secularism.org.uk/87764.html
April 1st, 2008 at 6:18 am
Neither I nor my family follow a religion. However I have first hand knowledge of what religion can force people to do/not to do. This man has follwed a path, a path which has been set by his mother, wiht whom he was clearly very close. Who are we to judge his individual situatio. I do not agree, nor do I justify any religion dictating the life a person leads, but if that person chooses a path, and feels safe and happy in that path, then so be it. I hope Jose sees the bigger picture, and finally understands that a religion will not expel him for making a decision to save his own life. I hope he does what I deem to be the right thing, and has some kind of operation, if only to prolong his life. He should want to live as normal a life as possible, and if an operation will help, I hope he takes the chance.
For the judgemental out there - take a good look at yourself, and thatnk your luvky stars you have tunred out ok, and that you have not had to go through life like Jose. For the person who said the rude comment about Jose’s face - get a life, and a grip. And pray to whatever God it is that you believe in that nothing like that should ever happen to any child of yours.
Good luck in your future Jose, and I hope it is a long and happy one.
April 1st, 2008 at 6:24 am
I’m sorry but this guys religious beliefs have left him in the position he is in today. That’s his choice and and a bad one at that.
The simple fact that his belief outweighs the benefits that surgery could bring says it all for me. Let him carry on believing if that’s what he wants and let’s waste no time in debating it. If he truly wanted something done about it he would have had it done years ago, agreed?
In a nutshell, fuck him. He’s not willing to help himself, so why should anynbody else, it’s his choice.
Simple really…………………………….
April 1st, 2008 at 6:27 am
What can you say? Poor guy, I’m glad he said yes to the surgery, and yes I think it is terrible that his beliefs prevented him from having a blood transfusion, but many JW parents have let their children and other siblings die when a simple blood transfusion would have saved them. The thing is, I have very little understanding of their faith, except that its too intense for me and I have been brought up in the Presbyterian Church. I believe that all life saving treatments have been a gift from God, otherwise they wouldn’t have happened, or would they?
I hope the JW’s look at this issue again, otherwise if nothing else, its more ammunition for the next time they bring the Watchtower to the door. The Church of Scotland shrinks year by year, but we consistently help others less fortunate than ourselves, regardless of who they are or where they are from. This is the basis of all Christianity, ‘Love thy neighbour’, you have to wonder what the JW’s take is on that?
April 1st, 2008 at 6:33 am
Ps. A lot of you people really need to learn to spell as well.
Pps. I know I spelt anybody as anynbody but it was a typo :o)
Thanks x
April 1st, 2008 at 6:40 am
By the way ‘intelligent’
zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz……………………………………………………………….
Wake up dude
April 1st, 2008 at 6:45 am
i am with “intelligent”…i am a Jehovah’s Witness, i have been brought up one and CHOSEN to dedicate my life…and i must say that i, my whole family, and all other Jehovah’s Witnesses that i know have the utmost respect for this man. can i put forth a simple analagy…if a person puts their life on their line to follow and defend a cause that they feel strongly about ie. going to war to fight for your country…these people are considered heroes for fighting and dying for that cause. so how is it that, when a Jehovah’s Witness refuses a blood transfusion, the refusal of which is intrinsic to our beliefs, we are branded stupid, brainwashed and ignorant?? it doesn’t make sense!
(a quick word about the comment that Jehovah is another name for Jesus…it is not.. God’s name is Jehovah (Psalms 83:18), and Jesus is his son….just thought i’d straighten that out!!)
as previously mentioned, it states in the Bible that blood is sacred, and that we must abstain from blood (Acts 15:28, 29; Genesis 9:3, 4).as these points have already been covered earlier by ‘intelligent’, and i think they did a very good job of doing so, i wont go into that in depth.
we have a complex stucture in place with support from many consultants who support bloodless surgery, and as bloodless surgery is far more difficult and demanding than normal surgery, we often have the most experienced surgeons operating. i quote from medical director Dr Micheal Rose “Any patient who recieves bloodless medicine is, in essence, the recipient of the highest quality surgery that is possible”.
there are many alternatives to using blood, all of which have a higher recovery rate, and far lower mortality rate…..so much safer!
in answer to the above comment about blood fractions, it is necessary to know the composition of blood…whole blood is made up of 4 primary components…red blood cells, white blood cells, plasma and platelets. the Bible prohibits the use of these, however blood components can be divided again into fractions, and the bible makes no mention of this, so it is up to the individual person to decide if their conscience will allow this. it is the WHOLE BLOOD that is the problem. you may not fully understand this, but please respect our beliefs.
i know many people who have been told that without blood they will die…and all are still here to encourage us with their faith and courage! we are with you all the way jose!!
if you want more information…www.watchtower.org
or write to Jehovah’s Witnesses, The Ridgeway, London NW7 1RN
Thank you
April 2nd, 2008 at 4:16 am
I admire his stubborness to get any help, because he loves his religion
May 24th, 2008 at 6:42 am
..
.DUMBEST MAN ALIVE !!!!!!!!
f.cing retard!
June 6th, 2008 at 2:10 am
jw:
You are wrong about one thing: nobody, or only someone thinking foolishly, considers someone who goes to war for *a* cause a hero.
Believing something is not inherently good. Going to any lengths for a belief is not inherently good.
He has made a poor choice — unless, by some miracle, God really damns people for getting blood transfusions. I refuse to believe God is absurd — and that would be absurd.
Actually, I don’t refuse to believe, that’s a kissing cousin to believing something for no reason.
The reason I don’t believe it is this: there’s no reason to believe it AND there are reasons to disbelieve it (it’s absurd, and God isn’t likely to be absurd).
Belief is not inherently good. Get that through your skulls! Realizing you don’t know one way or the other is good, as is believing something which is likely to be true when sufficient evidence is presented. Believing you shouldn’t get a blood transfusion for religious reasons is not good. In fact, it has proven to be very harmful for this man. (I can only assume things would’ve been better otherwise; in any case, they would’ve been more rational, which is man’s best hope, when coupled with an absolute value placed on compassion.)
On the compassion note, though, I must also comment that despite Jose making a “wrong” (not morally wrong necessarily, but foolish, i.e. baseless), he doesn’t deserve the comments you’ve made. Not by a longshot.
He’s not a retard because he made a single poor decision.
He’s not someone who we can look at and say, “fuck him”, as one poster did.
He’s a person, with a problem, who as I see it made a bad decision. He doesn’t deserve venomous commentary. What’s wrong with you people? Are you that heartless? You act as if he asked you for something, and you resent him for it. What did he ask you for? Nothing. You simply owe him what you owe everyone else — compassion.
July 6th, 2008 at 1:10 am
I think you are missing the point, this man has not made a bad decision, or a baseless decision, from what I understand it is based on his biblical understanding of the bible, it does not matter what other people think, it is what this man thinks, what he believes, what decisions he wants for himself, his own personal belief, whether we as individuals believe blood transfusions are right or wrong, whether they save lives, as a matter of opinion it is the surgeon and the surgical team, their knowledge, experience and skills that save the lives of people, blood transfusions are just a tool, but if the tool is not right for that particular person then look for another tool, something less invasive, an alternative. I think some people here have made some thought provoking points, and I always wonder what we would do when faced with similar situations, would we as individuals adhere to our faith, our beliefs, this man obviously has, i`ve always admired people who despite personal misfortunes coupled with public condemnation have retained their strength of conviction.
July 28th, 2008 at 3:10 pm
For those who are criticizing his faith…ask yourself how much time you spend reading or studying the Bible? On a daily basis, or weekly..monthly…yearly? Do you really know what it does or doesn’t say on the matter? I believe those of his faith could show you from the Bible if you care to know.
July 28th, 2008 at 3:11 pm
i cant belive he revused surgary!!! i would take surgary because maybe it could get better!but also he could maybe dye!during surgery!and then y did he say he was going to on tv?
July 28th, 2008 at 3:16 pm
the guy that said hes the dumbest guy alive………..thats messed up because maybe he doesnt want to dye!so that makes u messed up!
July 28th, 2008 at 4:29 pm
To JW and other Jehovah Witness apologists here, if all it took was some alternative solution, why didnt a single doctor in the JW community offer a convincing bloodless surgery in the past? Why isnt the JW community offering some help to the poor sister who has to put up with this stubborn asshole?
July 28th, 2008 at 9:45 pm
I am not desirous of preaching to anyone by means of the internet. All I would ask is to please seperate your view of religion with your view of following biblical council. I readily acknowledge, as does the bible that world religion is a farce and a cancer on the world. There is no reason to ever do anything whether it be pray or preach or eat or not eat on account of what religion says. This man however has a faith firmly based on the bible and not on religion. If you would study the bible, not religion you would understand that Jehovah’s Witnesses do not create rules, superstitions, or dogmas. Jehovah’s witnesses believe only what can be supported in the bible. The bible is very clear on the sanctity of blood in Jehovah’s eyes as well as the command to obstain from partaking of it in any way. Just like the bible is clear that there is no need to confess sins to a human since no human can forgive sins and the bible is clear that mankind has a hope to live forever on earth not in heaven. (Read Psalms 37 notable 10, 11, 29 and more). Jose is not following some religion or some person, Jose is following his knowledge of the bible and his faith in the saving power of Christ Jesus’ ransom sacrifice. (John 17:3, John 3:16). It is Jose’s belief that he will live again even if he does die from not getting a blood transfusion and his focus is on making God happy by his obedience to divinely inspired guidance rather than focusing on his own immediate needs or desires. In case you hadn’t thought of it, that’s exactly what Christ Jesus did. Jesus could have simply stopped preaching and not been killed, he chose service to God over service to self. It is noble, decent, courageous and principled. If everyone in the world showed the same courage of conviction in serving God we would not see wars, we would not see murder, assault, rape we would see a world following the principle laid out at John 13:34,35 that Christ’s true disciples would be known and stand out by the love that they show for one another and for God. Rather than immediately dismissing his actions as rash, brainwashed or just plain stupid, think about how it’s possible that someone could have faith that strong in his God that he would be willing to follow the example of Christ so closely. Would this world not be a better place to live if all people worked so hard to apply bible principles? Next time you see a Jehovah’s Witness on the street or at your door, take the time to ask them to explain their abstenance from blood. While you’re at it, ask why they are the only group of people who demonstrate Christlike love in not going to war to kill their brothers, why they are the only group in the world who remains politically neutral even when threatened with violence, or why they are the only group in the world that follow Jesus commands to go preach and teach the good news of God’s Kingdom as a real hope for mankind’s salvation. (Daniel 2:44, Matthew 28:19,20, Revelation 21:3,4) I am both inspired and awed at Jose’s dedication and I am so proud of him for sticking to bible principles in the face of outright opposition from the world and even family. It’s interesting that Jesus said that just as the world hated him, the world would hate his true followers as well. I am not asking anyone to become a Jehovah’s Witness, but I strongly recommend that if you have an opinion on the Witnesses ask yourself what basis you have for your opinion and give them an opportunity to defend their faith by means of the bible to you.
July 28th, 2008 at 10:09 pm
After carefully watching this program, and listening intently to what the participants said (in their own language, prior to/in addition to the English translation), it seems evident that religion is not even an issue here.
This man has no real reason to seek out surgery, as he is cared for by his sister and has all of his needs met. According to the information given, he has never had a job, consequently he has never received the gifts of self-worth that come with even the most menial responsibilities.
His severe disfigurement is not enough to cause him to face his fear of the unknown. Unless one allows oneself to use his handicap as an excuse to treat him as less than a man, one can only conclude that he is using religion as an excuse to not have the surgery, and that he is selfishly effecting the life of his loving sister in much the same way that an addict affects an enabler.
His juvenile attempts at coercion (i.e.threatening to grab and cut parts of the tumor off himself, suggesting the doctors operate on him in Alaska out in the cold where the blood would thicken), are very similar to the histrionics seen when addicts lash out for attention.
The person most in need of and deserving of help here in my opinion is the sister, who seems to determined to seek it out. If she can be convinced to stop enabling him as their mother apparently did, perhaps Jose might be allowed to appreciate the true ramifications of a decision to go without treatment.
Ethically, Jose ought to be allowed to choose for himself if he is willing to truly live with the results of his decision, and do so in full realization of its effects on those around him.
July 29th, 2008 at 4:14 am
He is hiding behind his religion so he doesn’t have to get the surgery.
August 4th, 2008 at 9:27 am
First I would like to say how absolutely proud of Jose I am. I think he is a wonderful example of true faith and courage. His steadfastness in the face of such pressure is something we can all learn from. I know that he will be rewarded for his faith by Jehovah, who will bless him in the future with a beautiful face and eternal life.
I pity all of his persecuters and hecklers, because they don’t know what they are saying. They are angry and blind, and they are the ones brainwashed by this system into thinking that he should just turn his back on his beliefs for a so-called “better life”. How much better will it be if he has to live with regret and sadness at his not sticking to his beliefs, as well as risking his future by disobeying a clear command from God to abstain from blood. (and for all you who say that the bible does not forbid blood transfusions, only EATING blood, ask any doctor if an alcoholic should simply inject the alcohol directly into his bloodstream, rather than drink it, and then it won’t hurt him……..pretty stupid if you ask me….)
Worldwide, there are close to 7 million people who share Jose’s stand on blood, as well as share his hope for a much better future than any surgery can give him now. As far as the smaller, safer surgery that won’t require blood transfusions, I hope Jose is able to have it and that it does improve his situation.
As far as Jose’s sister is concerned, she has made incredible sacrifices for him, and it was very clear to me how much she loves and respects her brother, including his stand on blood. She did not accuse him of being brainwashed or stupid, and said she must respect his decision. She obviously does not share his conviction, and I do feel sorry that she doesn’t have the same hope for his future, because if she did, she would not be so sad, but rather very happy that he is staying faithful. Maybe one day she will understand, but in the meantime, if she can respect his decision, so should you, and if you can’t support Jose, at least don’t add to his pain by calling him names and reacting in anger.
Jose you are in our thoughts and prayers, and we are all looking forward to seeing your face in the paradise, stay strong and remember that Jehovah is the rewarder of all those serving him!!! I hope to meet you in person one day and tell you how much your faith and courage meant to me. Thank you for sharing your story with us.
Warm Christian Love, a faithful sister in canada.
August 13th, 2008 at 1:06 am
GET THE TRANSFUSION AND SURGERY !!
GOD WANTS US TO BE WISE IN ALL OUR WAYS !!
August 26th, 2008 at 10:18 pm
Just saw a documentary about this guy.
After a few minutes it appeared very clear to me this guy has serious mental issues. Probably has a lot to do with the way he was raised, his faith and his character.
I’m disabled myself, I’ve been all my life, slowly deteriorating like Jose, from about 6 years of age until now. I get the stares every day. I’m a productive member of society though, I work and have a family of my own. I’m in an electric wheelchair and everywhere I go people turn around to stare at me.
I just don’t understand how this guy can depend on his sister so much. I could never allow myself to be completely dependent like that. And then he hides behind that BS about not being able to receive blood and he’s clearly OK with messing the life of his sister. Looks like surgery would be paid for as well, everything included. He’s happy to rot away slowly and have his surrounding take care of him when he could be fixed up.
I don’t know, this guy just got me really upset, I have no sympathy for the guy at all.
I say if he seriously won’t go for the transfusion, he should just go and take the risk and have it done anyway and die on the table if something goes wrong.
To me, his behavior is totally selfish and irrational. In my book you can believe whatever the hell you want as long as you don’t affect the people surrounding you. The minute your beliefs ruins your family’s lives and there’s no real tangible gain other than your selfish desire to be “saved” when you die, you’ve crossed a line.
This guy has no honor. Heck, I’d be prepared to bite the bullet and risk the transfusion and risk going to “hell” just to save my family the hardships of taking care of me day in day out.
After all, a lot of my friends are infidels, I wouldn’t be alone there.
This guy think he’s so important that his fate in the afterlife is worth torturing his surrounding in this life? Pathetic.
No respect for Jose Mestre. No honor. They shouldn’t have bothered making a documentary out of that loser, we could use true examples of strength and selflessness.
This was uninspiring and did a huge disservice to all disabled.
August 27th, 2008 at 12:23 pm
If the doco was made in 2007 what has happened since?
It ended with him agreeing to minor surgery.
Has he had it?
If so what are the results?
September 5th, 2008 at 6:10 am
Man the guy is responsible for what has happened to him i mean in Islam (muslims) one is not allowed to have a cosmetic surgery if noting is wrong with u…if one has been disfigured or in cases like this…u know what i mean..he should convert and go on with the operation…..wish him all the best but if i were him id wish id die
September 12th, 2008 at 5:46 am
Wombat hit the nail on the head!
He is afraid to face life and the responsibilities that go with it.
Without the tumor he will have no excuses and no more shield from the outside world.
October 2nd, 2008 at 7:02 am
I think he should be asked one more time to take the surgery offer. would he have to pay a penny after all? No, he doesn’t want the surgery, and we need to respect his religious beliefs. Spend this money on other people that want that help.
October 7th, 2008 at 4:05 am
Yea i saw him as well on Lisbon streets when I was younger, although i didn’t had the chance to see this documentary yet, but i just wanted to say that anyone who is coward enough to keep hiding all his life under superstitions or religions deserves no such thing as sympathy
October 8th, 2008 at 1:29 pm
I cannot believe that I have just read he died last weekend; that is terrrible. I was hoping he would get better. At least he is no longer in pain. Such a shame.
October 12th, 2008 at 9:57 am
I’m not surprised at some of the degrading comments that have been made against this gentleman. Why even Jesus was defamed for his beliefs as the scripture reads at Mark 3:20-21, “Once more the crowd gathered, so that they were not able even to eat a meal. But when his relatives heard about it, they went out to lay hold of him, for they were saying: “He has gone out of his mind.”
But unless people truly take the time to read and study their Bible thoroughly, ‘they are puzzled and go on speaking abusively’ of such ones like Jose. 1 Peter 4:4
So please before you act in haste with hurtful words and name-calling, take the time to read your Bible, and learn to comfort those in need of comfort as God comforts us all - 2 Corinthians 1:3-4. For as Psalms 34:18 brings out, “Jehovah is near to those that are broken at heart…”; Shouldn’t we be too? Just something to think about.
CC
October 13th, 2008 at 9:00 pm
If that was me, I would just think ‘Ok forget religion I’m not living like this!’
Shows he’s dedicated to his religion though!
October 15th, 2008 at 10:11 am
Mr. Mistre, I hope you know that there are a lot of us praying for you, and we all hope you will have peace. I too live with a debilitating disease, and at times I get stared at and it makes me feel unloved. You are very much loved, by many, many people. Please try to concentrate on that, not on the people that make you feel bad about yourself. You are a strong person of great fortitude and someone I admire. I can try to tell you to go ahead with surgery for you sister’s sake, because I see how much she loves and cares for you, but none of us are you and none of us have walked in your shoes. But please try to understand that if you just try, have faith, and let that nice British surgeon take bits of the tumors off at a time so you don’t have to get a transfusion and I think your life will get a little easier and it will also make your sister and your neice very happy. They just want you to be healthier and have a better life.
October 16th, 2008 at 9:18 am
Just goes to show a strong will can take you further then most people expect you to go. I personally would have opted for surgery, but that is just me.
October 20th, 2008 at 11:12 am
I just read that he died during surgery due to blood loss. Sad and preventable. Frustrating.
October 20th, 2008 at 11:19 am
I am so proud of Jose. As a Jehovah’s Witness myself, Jose refused the blood transfusion despite intense pressure to compromise his beliefs yet he endured to the end. Some might call him crazy but he cared greatly to get help, to get better, to improve his life, he was willing to seek any form of medical help as long as he didn’t have to take a transfusion. What a faithful man he died with the assurance of a hope for the future. I hope i too can one day remain as faithful as Jose.
October 20th, 2008 at 2:42 pm
[quote] I just read that he died during surgery due to blood loss. Sad and preventable. Frustrating.[/quote]
Where did you read that he’d died? Anyone else know where to find the article that talks about it?
October 20th, 2008 at 2:56 pm
Well, it is good to be faithfull but …… to a human interpretation?? JW priest was asked what he thought about blood in the meat they eat …. The reply was that its not blood .. its just juice …… This irrational thought process and iterpretation cost a precious life … and what life?.. he struggled good part of his exsistance …… He deserved better.
But may god bless his soul … but the idea behind all religions is to make our lives better by providing guidlines to lead a happy life and respect all life in whole. To prevent a person from getting treated and end up like Jose, cannot be god’s intention.
October 21st, 2008 at 1:37 am
I don’t think any of us has the right to judge this man’s beliefs. I personally do not agree with them, but if they have been his crutch all these years, then who are any of us to tell him he’s wrong? Even his sister, who isn’t a JW and gets visibly frustrated with him over their differing beliefs, still respects his choice to follow the religion. Now, I personally don’t understand why a person would choose such a life as Jose leads over life-saving surgery, but I don’t follow his religion, either. I just can’t look at the two options and decide that allowing a tumor to destroy my face and eventually crush my brain and block my airways; for me, there isn’t a question. For Jose, that wasn’t the case.
It’s clear from the documentary that his religion is not the only reason why Jose has decided to refuse treatment all these years; there were a number of medical, financial, and personal mishaps, as well, that have caused him to shy away from treatment. And, to me, it seemed as though Jose found it more important that people learned to see him as a human being and not some freak.
October 24th, 2008 at 9:17 am
i believe if this man chooses to respect his religion and not have the blood transfusion then everyone should respect what he wants. As for the rude, disrespectful jerks that left all those ugly comments.. remember when your mother told you not to make fun of people or it would happen to you?? its called karma and it’ll get you! I’m am not a JW and its not mine or anyone elses place to judge him.
October 25th, 2008 at 6:33 am
I just heard he died during surgery. Too much blood loss. Is this true?? This is a really sad story. This guy needed help YEARS ago, before it got this bad. I believe that trying to perform surgery without a blood transfusion was risky and irresponsible. I also think refusing medical practices, such as a blood transfusion, is also very ignorant. Not stupid, ignorant. Blind faith can be very misguided.
Hmmm… it’s just a really sad story.
November 2nd, 2008 at 12:42 am
What a vile, hideous monster that man is. He needs to be euthenized to put the rest of society out of its misery. We kill rats and other vermin walking the streets, so why keep this parasite alive, destroying the good name of the Portuguese people. He is filth and should be shot, if you want my personal opinion
November 15th, 2008 at 10:00 am
First of all the show only showed one side of what was going on when a person needs medical treatment there is a group of minister’s who will sit down with doctors and help them other ways to have surgeries with out blood. And some hospitals have seen the dangers and will not treat people with blood now. englewood hospital in nj is one of them. The show only made it seem as getting blood was the only way. I have had many surgeries in my life time that was done with out blood. I know someone who just had open heart surgery with out blood and is doing fine. Acts 15:29 says “keep abstaining from things sacificed to idols and from blood and from things strangled and from fornication. If you carefully keep yourselves from these things good health to you.” Also if a doctor told you to abstain from wine or beer. Does that mean that the doctor said it was ok to pour wine in to your body through an IV. Of course not the doctor told you to abstain from wine, Same thing with blood. I am also proud of my brother and that he stood up for his faith.
November 19th, 2008 at 5:01 am
Are those things just like getting more ordinary??
December 2nd, 2008 at 9:54 am
I dont think he died as you wrote here. I’ve been to Lisbon for a few days in October this year and I’ve seen this guy sitting on one of main squares of Lisbon (I dont remember square’s name but it was close to Rossio Train Station and the north end of the main downtown shop streets, going upstairs east you could get to Bairo Alta)
December 6th, 2008 at 3:18 am
“I admire his stubborness to get any help, because he loves his religion.”
How in the world can you admire this? Does it make him a better person to refuse treatment because he is clinging to mythology written by primitive men thousands of years ago? Any reasonable person can see that this logic is severely flawed. Jose complains of people staring at him, the tumor obstructing his vision, drooling, face bleeding, etc., yet he will let the petty reason of, “Oh, I can’t. It’s my religion.” prevent him from stopping any of it.
I do feel sorry for him. Sorry that his ignorance is affecting his health so.
December 8th, 2008 at 4:38 am
Poor poor dude! and everyone who keeps calling him a dumbass, shut the fuck up! Its his choice, and even tho its stupid, he is following his beliefs and i think one day he will regret this
December 29th, 2008 at 11:00 pm
where can i get more information about this man? i would like to know how’s he is doing now.
January 5th, 2009 at 8:12 am
all your comments r cool but have you ever wondered , if god is supposed to be forgiving to all the people in the world y does he do this to ppl
January 17th, 2009 at 2:08 am
Can do the operation without blood transfusion ?
God bless this man…..please..
he is so brave, i had been Church too, there was a lady had an operation without blood transfusion, and she seems fine. I believe if we pray for this guy and more faith, he will be ok.
and I hope God will reward him what he deserves. It is a big test from devil…..if u behave to God or not but we understand that it wasn’t God who made him looks like this. That was devil.
I really hope he will get better right now and he can have his happiness .
i wonder how hard is it…….i hope God will come back with us as soon as possible.
God bless us
February 14th, 2009 at 1:42 am
I respect peoples religious beliefs but I don’t believe in a god who can inflict mental and physical pain on people,Jose has had it rough, the way people treated him and everything, isn’t right! the REAL problem is that some people are v CRUEL, SADISTIC and that is the worst kind of emotional torture. being stared at in the street!! society??lol! I hope Jose is well, and he carries himself with more dignity than these sadistic s+-) heads that stare and want to hurt another human mentally, human nature can be the most ervil thing!!!!!
February 14th, 2009 at 1:55 am
p.s love to you all, and to Jose and his family, we must become the change we want to see in this world, j learn to love and respect each other!! sorry if the last message was a bit angry but I can see how Jose became angry and frustrated, there’s too much hatred in the world, the stranger is a threatening figure I j hope that people can change and j get on with others..
February 17th, 2009 at 7:26 pm
Please be so kind to post a brief description of the operation and apicture of Jose and the haemangioma after the surgery if possible. Would like to see the wonderful and brave face apart from the ugly tumor. God bless
February 26th, 2009 at 1:06 pm
Poor guy, brainwashed by his mom to believe that blood transfusions are wrong… If there was life after death she would tell him: “Get the surgery and the transfusion.”
I haven’t seen the statistics, but in the name of God or religion I would think there has been more bodily harm, bloodshed and death than cigarettes, alcohol and cars combined. You would figure at some point religions would be banned. They ban sillier things, like pot, etc.
Some of us are smart enough to not get too near to the open flame, others need to be “enlightened” (noo… not set on fire silly.)
I was raised catholic… I believe there may be a God. But I believe all religions have some nice fundamentals, but are also fundamentally wrong. How many times are there contradictions in the writings… If there is a God, I do not believe he would want anyone to suffer if their happiness can be achieved without harming others…
Ironically, his (Jose Mestre) decision does quite the contrary… Respecting his religious teaching is not only causing himself grief, but more importantly causing his family grief and suffering… I find him very selfish. I also think he likes the attention.
Religious teaching should be guidelines to common sense values… Not dictating how we live our lives… Any religion that forces you to make decisions that will cause grief and suffering to your family is fundamentally wrong…
Enduring suffering is not testing your faith, it is demonstrating your stupidity, plain and simple. Just watch JACKASS and I think you will agree
Jose, I am very sorry for you that you have let your religious beliefs cause you such suffering… I am even more sorry for your family whom you have exposed to so much suffering and grief in the name of your religion… If God does exist, he will happily great your sister and brother, but I think he will have a few harsh words for you (and your mother), for not doing what you could to increase your family’s happiness.
February 26th, 2009 at 1:14 pm
You know, Some of you irritate in the the things that I have read on this site. It sickens me to think that in the year 2009, there could be such prejudism of disabled people,still. If you guys have not lived a mile in the man’s shoe’s, you cannot speculate on how hard his life has been or why he is refusing surgery. Although it does get me mad that because of his religious beliefs he is sabotaging his betterment to life, I do know what it is to walk a mile in Jose’s shoes. I too suffer from a Hemangioma Cavernosus and although after 30 reconstructive surgeries later, and the fact that I NOW look normal and lead a normal productive life, the effects of the Hemangioma is a lifelong agony which never goes away. not only physically but also emotionally of having been taunted, stared at, my family being crticized and some people have actually accused my parents of burning me or putting a mask on me. I have had this since I was 6 months old and did not have surgery since I was 9. You people need to understand the meaning compassion. because for all you know, others like me or Jose himself could read your criticisms.If you think that doesnt hurt, think again. I did NOT write this for some sort of pity party because I am happy with the person I am now. I lead a happy and productive life with a gorgeous man by my side. Be mindful, that it could be you or someone in your family that could be in this poor man’s shoes !
February 27th, 2009 at 12:25 am
I think that it is wrong to call this man a vermon or parasite. He is enduring lots of pain and is probably living in agony. I do feel that it is wrong to hold back on surgery and blood transfusions because of his “religion”. I think he should get the surgery and save his own life. And Jose your a horrible person for putting that man down like that. you should support him.
March 3rd, 2009 at 1:26 am
We all need to really respect this man because he so faithful to Jehovah THE ONE AND ONLY TRUE GOD Psalms 83:18″That people may know that you, whose name is Jehovah, you alone are the most High over all the earth.”There are reasons that you should not take blood and the bible clearly states that you should not take blood,because we are not here to save our own life only Jehovah has the ability to give and take life. I am currently studying with the Jehovah witnesses and this is the best decision that I have ever made in my life. I know that we all want to do as we want but the witnesses live as the bible tells them to and the bible is Gods word to show us how to be better people and also to let’s us know that there is real hope for the future. This is what the love of God means, that we observe his commandments;and yet his commandments are not burdensome.”-John 5:3
March 9th, 2009 at 11:52 am
Well,
besides the religious convictions he holds to, the question remains, Can those skilled & intelligent practitioners in the medical circles guarantee that using blood transfusions whole or in part guarantee that their use of blood will lead to success?
No! That is why Bloodless medicine is becoming more & more accepted due to JW’s steadfast
search for better methods of treatment.
The facts(Regarding Blood transfusions) show JW’s efforts are benefitting all.
If any who’ve expressed negative comments about his choice to refuse this type of treatment, do research, you will easily see that, in the USA alone many, many thousands die as a result of blood transfusion complications & contaminations. This was mentioned briefly in an earlier post.
As a result of the noble efforts of many skilled surgeons throughout the world, we have all benefited in the quality of medical treatments using less or no blood at all.
These medical personnel who respect JW’s right to choose what is done to their bodies are to be commended & they see the practical beneficial side of JW’s stance. They strive to treat the whole person including matters of one’s conscience & their spirituality.
We recognize that all of us will become sick & seek the best medical treatment for our families. Unfortunately we will die. So…………..
The hope that Mr. Jose Mestre adheres to is part of him, his hope to live in a better time, in a better world. a world with out negative thinking, negative comments from the uninformed.
The Nasty Vile attitudes shown in some the written posts above. are a proof of the need for a new world guided by a more compassionate & understanding society.
Just remember that all will face life threatening conditions & situations. We will hope that
others treat us kindly, verbally or otherwise.
Peace & hope to all
March 11th, 2009 at 11:41 pm
Follow-up information, here is a link for your information on the benefits of bloodless medicine.
http://cbs4.com/video/?id=58418@wfor.dayport.com (Cut & Paste in Browser)
This change of thinking becoming more & more accepted by the medical communities world wide.
Even though JW’s Pioneered this many are adopting these changes. Blood transfusion is expensive, damaging & dangerous to those in the Know.
April 9th, 2009 at 10:00 am
One of the major problems in the world is that people aren’t tolerant of other person’s religious beliefs. I applaud Jose for keeping strong in his faith and not taking blood. Now a days people violate God’s commands at the drop of hat. I for one truly hope that medical science will progress to the point where he can have a bloodless surgery and be helped with his condition. But for right now he can take comfort in the fact that he is serving Jehovah to the best of his ability.
May 18th, 2009 at 6:16 am
Why can’t he have his own blood stored, the same way others donate blood, and then have it there available for the surgery, after he’s regained the blood? That way, he wouldn’t be taking anyone’s blood, just his own.
August 11th, 2009 at 12:35 am
Because the blood still exit his body andy.
August 12th, 2009 at 4:07 am
Jehova belief kills: Rumors say that he died because of blood loss during operation. So don’t be a Jehove witness!
December 3rd, 2009 at 12:14 pm
I feel so sorry for him D:
I’m atheist, but I think it makes perfect sense that he’d want to follow through with his religion no matter what - I just wish he didn’t have to suffer so much to follow his beliefs. No-one deserves to suffer that much and I wish our population wasn’t so judgemental. People need to accept other peoples beliefs and they need to stop being so cruel to people with problems beyond their control.
I’ve been hearing rumors that he’s dead and I’m really worried; does anyone know a link that can confirm if this rumor is true or not?
February 1st, 2010 at 4:07 am
I’m also interested and I heared a lot of informations about dead of this man but none were really confident. If someone from Lisboa reads it, probably can confirm it, at least if this man still sits on Rossio Plaza as he used to do.