Contact: Pamela Hennessy
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phenn@zimp.org Press Release
Schindler Family Response to Michael Schiavo on Larry King Live
Family of Terri Schindler-Schiavo dispute claims of Michael Schiavo
Clearwater, FL October 28, 2003: In response to an October 27, 2003 interview with Michael Schiavo on Larry King Live, the parents of Terri Schindler-Schiavo wish to clarify some of the mistruths in Mr. Schiavo’s statements.
Mr. Schiavo told Mr. King that his girlfriend had done more for Terri than Terri’s own mother. This statement is completely untrue, as Terri’s mother, Mary Schindler, not only visits her daughter a number of times each week, but has brought clothing and other items for Terri that have been taken away by staff at Hospice – under the direction of Mr. Schiavo.
Mr. Schiavo also stated that on February 14, 1993, he and Terri’s father, Robert Schindler, had an argument regarding the money awarded to Terri for medical care and rehabilitation. Mr. Schiavo states that Mr. Schindler asked him “How much am I going to get from her money?”. Mr. Schindler vigorously denies this. He asked Mr. Schiavo how much of the medical malpractice award Mr. Schiavo intended to use for Terri’s rehabilitation and when those rehabilitative efforts would start. At that point Terri had been without any rehabilitation for about 18 months, and her parents were anxious about efforts to improve her condition. As it turned out, those rehabilitation efforts never did start. That was the source of the disagreement.
Mr. Schiavo and his attorney, George Felos, also intimate that the bulk of Terri’s money was used for Terri’s medical care when, in fact, more than $500,000 of that money has been paid in attorney’s fees and costs, most of it in connection with the removal of Terri’s feeding tube. Additionally, Mr. Schiavo provided NO therapy or rehabilitation to his wife following his November, 1992 malpractice win.
Mr. Schiavo stated that the Schindler family receives funding from “right-wing, right-to-life groups”. However, Mr. Schindler can readily document that the family instead receives donations from individuals and not funding from any large organizations. The tremendous number of e-mails to Florida’s Governor Jeb Bush and to individual legislators have come from ordinary individuals, unconnected with any particular cause or group. The family has received messages of support from all over Europe and from as far away as Australia. One supporter has started a program of “Terri lights,” urging people to place a candle in a window to signify support for Terri’s life. The support for Terri is at a grass-roots level and cuts across gender, age, religious affiliation, location, disability and socio-economic status. Just yesterday, a coalition of more than 15 national disability rights organizations – including Not Dead Yet, Paralyzed Veterans of American, and the National Spinal Cord Injury Association -- issued a joint statement roundly condemning the effort to end Terri’s life.
Mr. Schiavo stated that Terri had received three separate swallow tests. However, he failed to mention that Terri has not had a swallow test in more than 10 years. There is no dispute that Terri swallows; that much can be seen on the videotapes introduced into evidence last fall. She does not drool , and she is not suctioned, also apparent from the videotapes. Her parents want to know why Mr. Schiavo fights so hard to keep Terri from having any sort of therapy, especially speech therapy that would wean her off her feeding tube. What is he hiding? What could it hurt?
Mr. Schiavo had stated that Terri’s brother, Bobby Schindler, did not visit Terri and that he could count “on one hand the amount of times he visited Terri in 10 years.” Bobby Schindler is known by the staff at Hospice to visit Terri a number of times each week. Bobby, in fact, was sleeping in Terri’s room the night of August 29-30, when he witnessed his sister’s pre-dawn transfer to Morton Plant Hospital in Clearwater.
Mr. Schiavo stated that Terri has never spoken a word since her collapse. Her medical records show otherwise. In 1991, Terri was saying “no” and “stop.” Caregivers’ affidavits filed in the court file show Terri was saying “help me,” “pain” and “mommy” in the mid- and late 1990s.
Mr. Schiavo stated that Terri’s teeth were cleaned a few months ago, for which, if true, the Schindlers are grateful. He failed to mention that he refused to permit Terri’s teeth to be cleaned from 1995 until 2002, as borne out in her medical records.
Mr. Schiavo stated that “Nobody talks about death,” yet claims to know what Terri’s wishes are today. Terri’s parents suggest it is Michael Schiavo’s attitudes that have changed over the years, not their daughter’s remarkable determination to live.
Thank you for posting the Schindler's response to last night's Larry King fiasco. I was so disappointed in Larry King. So disappointed! But then what can you expect from a guy who let Gary Condit's staff spew forth such nonsense.
Good responses, but now that I think about it, seems to be somewhat weak in comparison with what happened last night on Larry King Live. It seems MS et al have all the power, PR and legal muscle on their side and Terri's side has a few kind-hearted loving people sticking up for her. It's kind of interesting. Now would be a good time for Jesus to come back.