San Jose Mercury News, USA
Dec 28 2007

Mourners attend funeral for teen who died during transplant delay

By NOAKI SCHWARTZ Associated Press Writer
Article Launched: 12/28/2007 01:18:18 PM PST

GLENDALE, Calif. – Hundreds of people attended the funeral of
17-year-old Nataline Sarkisyan, who died after her insurance company
initially refused to approve a liver transplant then reversed the
decision hours before the girl died.

Mourners remembered Sarkisyan on Friday as someone who was
optimistic, loved dancing and never complained about the leukemia she
was battling.

Janet Saboundjian told the crowd at St. Mary’s Armenian Apostolate
Church in Glendale that her niece’s sparking blue eyes could brighten
the darkest of days.

Along with traditional black attire, mourners wore touches of pink,
her favorite color.

Philadelphia-based Cigna Corp. has said the procedure was
experimental and not covered by the employer’s benefit plan. The
company reversed the decision after nurses and community members
rallied outside its office.

Attorney Mark Geragos has said the family will file a lawsuit.