Netflix’s new documentary, Take Care of Maya, follows a family’s harrowing experience with the medical system. The film follows on Jack and Beata Kowalski, a married couple that brought their child, Maya, to Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital to treat her chronic pain. The family was hoping for a solution—but found themselves accused of child abuse.
Prior to arriving at Johns Hopkins, Maya was diagnosed with CRPS (Complex Regional Pain Syndrome). The disorder affects the central nervous system, causing a slew of painful ailments. In Maya’s case, she experienced asthma attacks, severe headaches, lesions on her legs and arms, and cramped feet—which made it difficult for her to walk. When Maya was admitted to Johns Hopkins, she had severe stomach pain.
Her mother, Beata, suggested the doctors try a ketamine treatment, which had previously worked for Maya. However, her daughter’s new care team reportedly thought the request was suspicious. Dr. Sally Smith, a doctor for child protective services, then accused Beata of having Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy (MSP)—a disorder that causes caretakers to attempt to make another person appear sick.
Then, Maya was separated from her family, and stayed at Johns Hopkins for months. Meanwhile, her family underwent an intense investigation. At one court hearing, Maya was reportedly able to see her parents, but she was not allowed to hug her mother. According to The Cut, Beata committed suicide shortly after. Jack eventually regained custody of Maya and was left to care for her and her brother, Kyle.
Take Care of Maya explores the Kowalski family’s fight for justice. With information surfacing about their family in recent weeks, many are wondering what happened to Kyle. Here’s everything we know.
Who is Kyle Kowalski?
Kyle Kowalski is Maya’s younger brother. His exact age is unknown. According to The Cut, he was planning to go to a birthday party with his mother before she died. The morning of the celebration, Beata told Jack and Kyle that she had a headache, so she stayed behind. When Jack and Kyle returned, they couldn't find Beata—but they saw Kyle’s bedroom door was closed and assumed she was asleep inside.
Jack told The Cut that she’d grown accustomed to sleeping in their son’s room while Maya was away. “It was like her security blanket,” he said. “You know, that’s all she had—Kyle.” The next morning, Beata was found dead in the garage. She left a note behind that said, “I’m sorry, but I no longer can take the pain of being away from Maya and being treated like a criminal. I cannot watch my daughter suffer in pain and keep getting worse while my hands are tied by the state of FL and the judge.”
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Where is Kyle Kowalski Now?
Kyle does not maintain any active social media accounts, but he currently lives with Jack and Maya in Florida, where he's working with them to fight the medical system. In 2018, Kyle, Maya, and Jack Kowalski filed lawsuits against Johns Hopkins Children’s Hospital, Florida’s Department of Children and Families, Dr. Sally Smith (and her employer, Suncoast Center Inc.), and Maya’s social worker, Cathi Bedy. The Cut reports that Suncoast and Smith settled for $2.5 million. Meanwhile, the trial with Johns Hopkins begins this fall.
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