Let Lauren Live!

ChristtheKingMaine ^ | May 7, 2008 | Judie Brown

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LAUREN RICHARDSON - YOU CAN HELP!
By Judie Brown

It has been a source of ongoing sadness to read of the difficulties Lauren Richardson’s father has had over the course of the past several months. For those of you who are not familiar with her case, Lauren overdosed on heroin on August 28, 2006. She suffered oxygen deprivation and, as a result of the overdose, is now in a coma and unable to speak out for herself. At the time of the overdose, Lauren was expecting a baby. Her parents honored what they knew would have been her wish and did all they could to keep her healthy and comfortable until the child was born. Today, though Lauren may not be aware of it, she is the mother of Ember Grace, who was born in February 2007.

Since the birth of her daughter, Lauren remains unable to speak of her concerns, but she has a loving father who is doing all he can to protect her from suffering the same fate as Terri Schiavo. However, Lauren’s mother, who has been named her legal guardian, is sadly not of the same opinion and is working with attorneys to pressure the courts to permit Lauren’s starvation.

Lauren’s father has kept hope alive, even at times when there appeared to be no hope in human terms. Lauren’s father is a man of hope in Christ and is dedicated to spending every breath he has on defending Lauren, regardless of what it might cost him in physical exhaustion and worldly goods. The most recent update for those concerned about Lauren tells us the following:

We struggle at times as we seek to share with the public the details of what is happening with Lauren because of the disagreement we have with Lauren’s mother. We cannot understand her reasoning in refusing a path of hope, healing and restoration for Lauren and insisting on causing her death by withholding food and water from her. The issue in Lauren’s case is the eternal truth that all people, no matter what their medical condition, bear the image of God and deserve basic care and an opportunity to be restored to health.

Bobby Schindler, Terri Schiavo’s brother, has written about Lauren in an editorial earlier this year, "False Compassion," and is working closely with Lauren’s father in order to provide expertise that he is uniquely qualified to share during a trying time like this.

There are many links on the Life for Lauren web site that will assist you in tracking this case and learning who is supporting Lauren’s ongoing care and who is opposing it. More importantly, there is something you can do to express your concerns.

ACTION NEEDED NOW

The governor of Delaware, Ruth Ann Minner, is being asked by pro-life Americans across this nation to intervene in this case in order to save Lauren from what many fear is an imminent court order dictating that Lauren be starved and dehydrated to death. I am asking you to be one of those who communicates your passionate belief that Lauren’s life is sacred and deserves to be protected from those who would order her death. The governor’s e-mail address is governor.minner@state.de.us.

Further, it would mean a great deal to Lauren’s father, Randy, if you sent him a copy of your e-mail to Governor Ruth Ann Minner. Randy’s e-mail address is Lifeforlauren@aol.com. 

During a recent visit to Anchorage, Alaska where Bobby Schindler was invited to speak, he told a reporter from The Catholic Anchor, "Once we accept that killing is an acceptable answer to human suffering, we lose any type of parameters. Euthanasia is a form of abandonment. It is not compassion."

Truer words were never spoken. As I frequently tell people who argue that we pro-lifers are being heartless and cruel for fighting to defend the rights of a "hopeless case," "God is the author of every human being’s life, and He has never given permission to a single one of us to arbitrarily rob another human being of life for any reason including disability or illness."

As Flannery O’Connor once wrote on the subject of false compassion, "In the absence of faith, we govern by tenderness. And tenderness leads to the gas chamber."

Lauren Richardson is not terminal – she is severely disabled. Lauren Richardson should not be murdered.

Judie Brown is president of American Life League and a member of the Pontifical Academy for Life.

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From students...

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Lauren Marie Richardson was a problematic daughter. Never on time at school, she would come back home at late hours, usually without a word of explanation for her worried parents. Friends she hung around with were far from desirable and hardly ever bothered to introduce themselves to the Richardsons. Problems arose in the family and Lauren's parents divorced after a few years, forcing Lauren to shuttle between two homes. Soon she started doing drugs. Soft narcotics came first, but within time, her organism had grown immune to cannabis, demanding stronger and stronger substances to satisfy the narcotic hunger. Finally Lauren began injecting heroine into her veins. When does life end and death begin? This difficult question will have to be answered soon by the parents of a 23-year-old girl who has been put on a breathing machine for almost two years. Her mother wants the machine unplugged. Her father hopes for a miracle

On August 28, 2006, Lauren Richardson overdosed. She was found unconscious, with her heart barely beating and brain severely deprived of oxygen. She has neither opened her eyes nor uttered a word ever since. At the hospital it turned out that Lauren was pregnant and although it wasn't an easy decision, her parents knew they had to keep her alive at least long enough until her baby was born. Doctors did not give much hope for Lauren's recovery but promised to do everything in their might to sustain her basic functions for nine months.

Ember Grace was born in February 2007. Words cannot describe the joy Edith Towers and Randy Richardson felt over the birth of their first grandchild who reminded them so much of Lauren. The few moments they spent with her were probably the last when they were truly happy. Edith had always claimed that her daughter never wanted to be kept alive and now demanded the doctors unplug the machinery. Randy still had hope. “The issue in Lauren's case is the eternal truth that all people, no matter what their medical condition, bear the image of God and deserve basic care and an opportunity to be restored to health,” he said.

In January 2008, the court named Edith Towers guardian of her daughter. The News Journal which reported on the trial quoted Towers as saying that Lauren had asked her not to keep her alive. Lauren was to tell her mother: “Don't ever leave me hooked up to life support. I would not want that. I think it is horrible. I think that I do not ever want to be kept on life support if the doctors say there's no hope.” The words were backed up by Edith's brother. But Randy Richardson, with whom Lauren had lived shortly before she overdosed, claimed that his daughter would have never said it.

He decided to question his former wife's ability to make reasonable decisions. Supported by numerous pro-life organizations, Randy Richardson has appealed the court's ruling and is hoping that he will be able to keep Lauren breathing until she dies naturally or a miracle happens. One of the groups that have sided with Richardson is the American Life League, the same that fought the euthanasia of Terri Schiavo in 2005. Time presses again because Edith's attorneys have been bombarding the court to grant their client permission to unplug the life-sustaining machines.

Randy Richardson admits that the Lauren lying in a hospital bed is not the Lauren he remembers. But it is still his little girl and he has promised himself and God to fight for her life for as long as possible. “If I don't, who will? I love my daughter.”

If you have any comments or suggestions, please write to: krzys.wasilewski@yahoo.com

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Terri Schiavo Dilemma

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Deo volente, it is now a thread by julieee. Thanks, wagglebee, for the ping.

St. Petersburg, FL -- Terri Schiavo's mother Mary Schindler has uncovered a note that Terri wrote back in 1984 when she married her husband Michael. Now remarried to someone with whom he had an affair before Terri's death, Michael won a court order to take her live despite pleas from her family.

Terri's brother Bobby Schindler tells LifeNews.com about the note...........

Terri Schiavo's Mother Mary Schindler Finds 1984 Note From Her Daughter

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Nova Scotia has some fierce pro-death advocates, but it also has a courageous number of pro-life warriors, some good friends of ours included, and doubtless involved. Thread by wagglebee.

HALIFAX, May 13, 2008 (LifeSiteNews.com) - Aggressive pro-abortion demonstrators made physical attempts to shut down Nova Scotia's first annual "March for Life" Thusday. Beginning with an evening candle-lit prayer vigil on Wednesday May 7th, 2008 followed by a demonstration on Thursday the event was organized and co-sponsored by the Knights of Columbus, the Catholic Women's League and the Campaign Life Coalition. The roughly 90 March for Life participants were infiltrated on both occasions by several pro-abortion activists....

Pro-Abortion Activists Attempt to Shut Down March for Life in Nova Scotia

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Thread by wagglebee...

As the very first line of Steven Mosher's latest book reads, we have all grown up "on a poisonous diet of overpopulation propaganda."

Mosher's book, Population Control-Real Costs, Illusory Benefits, is, first and foremost, an answer to the allegation that the human race is inexorably multiplying, hell-bent toward a giant demographic cliff like so many lemmings.

The numbers show that the world is not, has never been, nor ever shall be, overpopulated. In fact, according to the world's experts -- even the ones advocating population control -- birthrates around the world are dropping at a precipitous rate.

The book thus torpedoes the lifeboat scenario, which argued that in order to survive, we had to throw some of the earth's passengers overboard.....

New Book From Steve Mosher Explodes the Pro-Abortion Myth of Overpopulation

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We pray for our founder today! Jim Robinson has stood up for us and has done so many wonderful things with this forum, we may now be able to stand up for him in seeking help through prayers. Update from JustAmy on # 930. Further update by Syncro on #990!

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Jim Update:

It has been a frustrating day, I finally have a update for everyone.

I called Jim at the hospital. The nurse was in his room and gave him the phone. Sheila took his cell phone to him so I will be able to contact him easier. Also they took his laptop.

Due to major pain killers, he was able to sleep in the bed last night and was in bed when I called.

He sounded better than he has for the past few months.
He will be there for at least one more night; maybe more depending on decisions being made tonight.

They may remove Jim's left leg at the knee tomorrow. The docs have told him that the poison in that leg is going to continue causing problems.

Jim is really reluctant to let them remove the leg but I told him that if it will relieve the pain and stop all the damage it is doing to his internal organs, he should let them take it. Jim cannot use his legs now. He only has limited use of his right leg and no muscle remains in his left leg. The muscular dystrophy has done a number on his muscles while he has been ill.

I hope this makes sense.

When I hear what the decision is, I will let you know. In the meantime, Jim needs our prayers tonight and tomorrow.

Father, hear our prayers.

930 posted on Tuesday, May 13, 2008 9:55:24 PM by JustAmy (I wear red every Friday, but I support our Military everyday!!)

Jim Robinson is having surgery today [May 14, 2008 Updates #930, 990]

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Jim Update:

It has been a frustrating day, I finally have a update for everyone.

I called Jim at the hospital. The nurse was in his room and gave him the phone. Sheila took his cell phone to him so I will be able to contact him easier. Also they took his laptop.

Due to major pain killers, he was able to sleep in the bed last night and was in bed when I called.

He sounded better than he has for the past few months.
He will be there for at least one more night; maybe more depending on decisions being made tonight.

They may remove Jim's left leg at the knee tomorrow. The docs have told him that the poison in that leg is going to continue causing problems.

Jim is really reluctant to let them remove the leg but I told him that if it will relieve the pain and stop all the damage it is doing to his internal organs, he should let them take it. Jim cannot use his legs now. He only has limited use of his right leg and no muscle remains in his left leg. The muscular dystrophy has done a number on his muscles while he has been ill.

I hope this makes sense.

When I hear what the decision is, I will let you know. In the meantime, Jim needs our prayers tonight and tomorrow.

Father, hear our prayers.

[wagglebee]

Nova Scotia has some fierce pro-death advocates,

So does Free Republic, at least the ones in Nova Scotia aren't pretending to be conservative.

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Terri's News Alert

May 14, 2008

Lauren Richardson Needs Your Help!

Lauren Marie Richardson is a twenty-three year old woman who suffered an anoxic brain injury after an accident on August 28, 2006.

Lauren's life is endangered by a recent court decision made by Delaware Court of Chancery Master Sam Glasscock, III by which her feeding tube will be removed. As a disabled citizen, she is defenseless against the court-approved, imposed act of dehydration and starvation intended to cause her death.

Lauren gave birth to a baby girl during this ordeal, and has not been allowed to see her child. This little baby girl needs a chance to know her mother. Lauren's family appeals to each person with compassion and love to understand why they wish to bring Lauren home and care for her.

Lauren's situation is more critical than you can imagine. Her story should be told, and we pray that it has a happy ending.

Please click here to go to the Life for Lauren website and read how you can help. More action items will be added as they become available - please check back frequently. Your vigilance could help save Lauren's life.

Sincerely,

The Terri Schindler Schiavo Foundation
www.terrisfight.org

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Terri's News Alert

May 14, 2008

Lauren Richardson Needs Your Help!

Lauren Marie Richardson is a twenty-three year old woman who suffered an anoxic brain injury after an accident on August 28, 2006.

Lauren's life is endangered by a recent court decision made by Delaware Court of Chancery Master Sam Glasscock, III by which her feeding tube will be removed. As a disabled citizen, she is defenseless against the court-approved, imposed act of dehydration and starvation intended to cause her death.

Lauren gave birth to a baby girl during this ordeal, and has not been allowed to see her child. This little baby girl needs a chance to know her mother. Lauren's family appeals to each person with compassion and love to understand why they wish to bring Lauren home and care for her.

Lauren's situation is more critical than you can imagine. Her story should be told, and we pray that it has a happy ending.

Please click here to go to the Life for Lauren website and read how you can help. More action items will be added as they become available - please check back frequently. Your vigilance could help save Lauren's life.

Sincerely,

The Terri Schindler Schiavo Foundation
www.terrisfight.org

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Doubletap to be sure...

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Another big ping today, and again for Jim Robinson. Please keep those prayers going. He is going into surgery tomorrow.

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Today's short update:

I just talked to Jim; the surgery will be performed tomorrow. He doesn't know what time yet. He said he is feeling pretty good. Also, he slept off and on last night. May have been due to the stress.

I am going to try to see him this afternoon. He has some tests scheduled but he doesn't think they will take very long.

He is not allowed to have his laptop in the patient area so he cannot get online until he can get down to the lobby.

His words ..... "Please tell everyone how much I appreciate their thoughts and prayers. Oh Yeah ..... tell them I'll be back online as soon as I'm able.

Anyway, thank you for your prayers.

1,070 posted on Wednesday, May 14, 2008 12:24:33 PM by JustAmy (I wear red every Friday, but I support our Military everyday!!)

Jim Robinson is having surgery May 15, 2008 [Updates #930, 990 & #1070]

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[Dante3]

Prayers for Jim.

[Twink]

Thanks for the info. I wasn’t aware of this bill. I don’t live in FL but it concerns me.

[Twink]

I’m sorry to hear this news. I’ll keep him and his family in my prayers, especially tomorrow.

[floriduh voter]

Governor Minner’s Biography. She’s been a champion in the fight against cancer.
http://governor.delaware.gov/biography.shtml

[floriduh voter]

FYI: Delaware AG page. Just for a look around. Looks like a Biden is Delaware AG.
http://attorneygeneral.delaware.gov/

[floriduh voter]

Governor Minner gets props at an animal rights web site. Here's the post:

Wonderful news! Governor Minner has signed legislation to establish a lowcost spay/neuter program! Specifically, HB 425 will establish a spay/neuter fund to assist (1) individuals eligible for state assistance programs, (2) individuals recognized by county or municipal government or state, county, or municipal animal control as free-roaming cat or dog keepers, and bonafide 501 ©(3) animal welfare, rescue, and humane organizations registered in Delaware. In addition, HB 425 will require that all dogs and cats adopted from public or private entities (i.e., shelters, rescues, clinics) be sterilized and inoculated against rabies prior to adoption unless a licensed veterinarian finds that either sterilization or vaccination would be medically unsafe, or an animal is under 6 months of age and has been inoculated for rabies, and the adopter has posted a deposit.

Spay/neuter(1) saves animal lives by significantly reducing the free-roaming animal population, unwanted animal births in general, and shelter intake and euthanasia rates; (2) dramatically reduces animal impound costs; and (3) protects public health and safety by reducing the risk of rabies and the incidence of common canine and feline behavioral problems such as aggression, roaming and spraying. Delaware has now joined the growing number of states Illinois, Maine, New Hampshire and New Jersey to enact progressive spay/neuter legislation to increase the save rate. This is from the ASPCA site. "reduces the euthanasia rate" for animals that is.

[Sun]

“Lauren gave birth to a baby girl during this ordeal, and has not been allowed to see her child.”

I hate to think the worst, but could some be trying to deny Lauren seeing her baby, because they are afraid seeing the baby will help bring Lauren to recovery.

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I am cynical enough to think you are right on target and that it was certainly considered if not the main factor.

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Jim Robinson goes into surgery this morning. It will start at 9:00am California time and will last a couple hours. Time for more intense prayer for our founder!

See #436 post by JustAmy.

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Just received a call from Sheila ....

They will take Jim to surgery at 8:00am. The surgery will probably start about 9:00 and will take a couple of hours. He will probably get into recovery about noon.

She will call me tomorrow after surgery to let me know how it went.

9:00am Fresno time, please join me in prayers.

436 posted on Thursday, May 15, 2008 1:14:56 AM by JustAmy (I wear red every Friday, but I support our Military everyday!!)

Prayers for Jim Robinson (Updates at #279, #436)

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Just received a call from Sheila ....

They will take Jim to surgery at 8:00am. The surgery will probably start about 9:00 and will take a couple of hours. He will probably get into recovery about noon.

She will call me tomorrow after surgery to let me know how it went.

9:00am Fresno time, please join me in prayers.

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Haleigh Poutre update...

More emerges about the dark role played by the DSS against Haleigh and her mom.

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Lawyers for Haleigh Poutre’s biological mother yesterday alleged she had signed away her rights to the child because of government “coersion” and possible fraud.

At a Superior Court hearing, attorneys seeking damages for what they are calling the wrongful adoption of the 14-year-old brain-damaged girl questioned why the state Department of Social Services has for two years refused to turn over two documents that purportedly explain why she was taken from Allison Avrett.

“The question remains: What is in those two secret reports?” Wendy Murphy said. “. . .Fraud may be someplace in those files.” Lawyers for DSS did not respond to the allegation, but asked Judge Linda Giles to dismiss the case, arguing that Avrett has no say in the matter because she is no longer Haleigh’s legal guardian. Giles made no decision yesterday.

Haleigh was removed from Avrett’s care when she was 4 after Avrett’s sister, Holli Strickland, told DSS the child had been molested by Avrett’s boyfriend at the time, Murphy said.

The allegation was investigated and determined to be unfounded, she said. But DSS threatened to take away Avrett’s unborn child unless she agreed to give up Haleigh, said attorney Elizabeth Clague.

Avrett agreed to allow her sister to adopt Haleigh, with the understanding that she could still visit her daughter.

But when she began to question why Haleigh often had bruises on her body, Strickland falsely reported to DSS that Avrett was neglecting her other two children, Murphy said.

Avrett’s sister and her husband, Jason Strickland, were later arrested and charged with the Sept. 11, 2005, beating that left Haleigh with a sheared brain stem. A month later, Holli Strickland was killed in a murder-suicide with her grandmother.

DSS, believing Haleigh was brain-dead, sought to have life support removed, and Avrett initially agreed, but later began to notice signs of responsiveness.

In January 2006, the day after the Supreme Judicial Court ruled that DSS could remove Haleigh from life support, DSS announced that she was breathing on her own and halted plans to remove her feeding tube.

Five months later, without explanation, DSS permanently barred Avrett from seeing her daughter.

Alison Goodwin, a spokeswoman for the Executive Office of Health and Human Services, yesterday said she was under a “gag order” prohibiting her from commenting on the case.

Poutre’s mom: I was forced to give up custody

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