What's your value? (previously posted on my facebook page)

The purpose of life is a life of purpose.  ~Robert Byrne

During my consultation recently with the Orthopedic Specialist about Roxy's tethered spinal cord, the subject of the differing schools of thought in the medical community regarding the 'value' of a person's life came up. I wasn't sure exactly why he decided to broach the subject, but I do know why now,  in the grander scheme of things.  I will get to that in a minute.
There are  committees that make decisions regarding donor organs, and which person would be best 'suited' to receive it. The decision is usually made to opt for the person that has the most 'value'. The person that will be a 'productive member of society', etc. During our conversation, the surgeon told me that there are differing opinions as to what should be done with a child like Roxy. I said, 'You mean disabled?'. He said yes. He said that one school of thought is that no extra ordinary means should be taken on a child whose life expectancy is realistically shorter than most, and what quality of life would it give? What value is she worth? What will she contribute? How will she give back? I asked what HE believed. After all, this is a person whom I am about to completely entrust my child's life, to possibly perform surgery on.  I want to make sure that HE feels she has as much VALUE as any other HUMAN BEING.
His answer comforted me. He said he feels that she is a human with just as many rights as any other human. He would do his very best to ensure that he can make her as comfortable as possible, and work to give her the best quality of life. He would need an MRI first, which is risky in and of itself, as Roxy will have to be put under anesthesia, which carries with it risks, since she has delays, and is riskier for children that have delays. He said he feels it would be 'unethical' to do unnecessary anesthesia, if I am not willing to do the surgery. I am, so I will.
As he was discussing the 'value' of a persons life 'like Roxy',  I was kneeling in front of her, trying to keep her from getting out of the chair. She began pulling on my sleeve, the way she does when she wants my attention. I said excuse me to the doctor, turned toward her, and said 'Yes Roxy?'. At that, she took my face in her hands, pulled my face toward hers, puckered up in only the way she can, kissed me, and then put her forehead on mine. We looked into each others eyes, long and hard, and in that moment, she said more than any words could possibly express.
The surgeon was moved to tears. He said that was the most precious thing he has ever witnessed, and that it would stay with him forever. In that moment, Roxy showed him exactly what her worth is.....