Posted on 10/11/2003 11:03:51 AM PDT by nickcarraway
MATTERS OF LIFE AND DEATH
Prayer vigil for Terri Schiavo
Priest plans event 6 days before woman's starvation set to begin
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The revered Roman Catholic priest who was barred from visiting Terri Schindler-Schiavo when she was hospitalized due to a medical crisis in mid-August is holding an all-night prayer vigil on behalf of the 39-year-old brain-disabled woman, whose death by court-ordered starvation is scheduled to begin in six days.
From 8 p.m. Eastern tonight until 7 a.m. tomorrow, at St. Laurence's Church in Tampa, Fla., Monsignor Thaddeus Malanowski of the Diocese of St. Petersburg will personally conduct the Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, marked with hourly prayers, and conclude with a celebration of the Mass at 6:30 a.m.
"As a priest, I feel we have to do something spiritual and religious for Terri because we're getting down to the deadline, and I want to plead with our Lord to intervene," Malanowski told WorldNetDaily.
The deadline to which he's referring is not only the Oct. 15 date when Terri's feeding tube is to be disconnected, but the hearing tomorrow in federal court.
At 1:30 p.m., U.S. District Judge Richard A. Lazzara will listen to arguments by Terri's parents, Robert and Mary Schindler of Gulf Port, Fla., and their attorney, Patricia Anderson, regarding alleged violations of Terri's civil rights by her husband and legal guardian, Michael Schiavo. Anderson will be joined by Christopher Ferrara of the American Catholic Lawyers Association.
Lazzara will also consider a request by the Schindlers for a preliminary injunction to postpone the Oct. 15 removal of the feeding tube that is keeping Terri alive, until she is given therapy and training that would enable her to be spoon-fed.
As WorldNetDaily reported, the Schindlers have been locked in a decade-long legal struggle with their son-in-law over the care and custody of their daughter, who suffered massive brain damage when she collapsed at her home 13 years ago under unexplained circumstances at the age of 26.
A bitter family dispute over Terri's lack of care and therapy became a major euthanasia battle five years ago when Schiavo petitioned the court for permission to remove his wife's feeding tube, claiming she is in a "persistent vegetative state" and had told him years ago she would not want to be kept alive "by tubes" and "artificial" means. Although Terri breathes on her own and maintains her own blood pressure, she requires a simple tube into her abdomen to her stomach for nourishment and hydration.
Over a dozen prominent doctors and therapists have stated that with therapy Terri could be rehabilitated. However, about half-a-dozen physicians maintain her brain is so damaged she is essentially unconscious and will never recover from her "vegetative" state.
Despite a mountain of evidence and testimony to the contrary, the Florida courts have consistently ignored experts on the Schindlers' side and ruled for Schiavo and his attorney, George Felos, a well-known "right-to-die" advocate.
The situation with Malanowski developed last summer, when Terri began coughing up blood and appeared to have aspiration pneumonia. On Aug. 14, she was transferred from the Hospice of the Florida Sun Coast in Pinellas Park, Fla., where she has been living the last three years, and taken by ambulance to Morton Plant Hospital in Clearwater.
Terri's parents were not immediately informed of the medical crisis, but when they learned of it her father visited her in the evening at the hospital. Upon returning home, he phoned Malanowski, who lives a few blocks from Morton Plant, and asked him to run over and see her. As a priest, Malanowski thought nothing of going to the hospital – even though it was 10 p.m. – to see the sick woman, who was quite possibly on her deathbed.
He told WorldNetDaily he gave Terri the Sacraments of Absolution and Healing, as he had done nearly every Saturday for three years when he visited her at the Hospice with her parents. The only difference was this time he was there alone, without the Schindlers.
When Michael Schiavo learned of this, he barred the priest from visiting Terri at the hospital, the hospice or any other place – saying he was concerned about Malanowski's "integrity" and did not think he was the kind of person he wanted visiting Terri.
Malanowski served as a chaplain in the U.S. Army for 30 years, retiring with the rank of brigadier general. He left the service with an unblemished record. Now 81, he is known locally as the "pinch-hitting priest," because, at the request of the bishop, he runs the parishes of several priests forced to leave because of child-molestation charges.
When Anderson learned Malanowski had been barred from visiting Terri, she demanded an emergency hearing. But by the time it was held, Terri had been returned to the hospice even though she was not fully recovered from her illness.
Probate Judge George Greer, of the Pinellas-Pasco Circuit Court, who has presided over the case almost from the beginning, refused to reinstate Malinowski's visitation rights, ruling that since Terri was no longer at the hospital there was no emergency and the attorneys should "work things out."
Anderson has repeatedly asked Greer to reinstate the priest's visitation rights – most recently at a hearing yesterday – but he has rejected every request. Nonetheless, Malanowski has been allowed to visit Terri on a week-to-week basis, but only in the company of her parents.
He told WorldNetDaily he saw her Saturday to administer the Sacraments and was impressed with the way she had recovered from her mid-August illness and a bout with pneumonia and sepsis over the Labor Day Weekend.
"I was there yesterday [Oct. 4], and it's amazing how she's overcome pneumonia," he exclaimed. "Her mother was kissing her, talking to her, and Terri's smiling."
Malanowski said the Schindlers brought earphones and a tape recorder so she could hear some music.
"She loves music, she wants music," he said. "They played [Luciano] Pavarotti for her, and her eyes go wide open. She hears Pavarotti through the earphones, and she becomes alert."
There are musical performances and sing-a-longs at the Hospice, but Schiavo has not allowed his wife to attend and she is kept isolated from the other patients.
Malanowski said he has no idea how many people will come to the vigil, especially during the early hours of the morning, but he has a program planned for every hour. He explained he felt compelled to have it.
"I want to do it," he said. "I want to let people know we're doing something spiritually for Terri. I feel it in my own heart: that's what I want to do. You know, all things are possible with our Lord. That's what the Bible says. With God all things are possible."
Legal documents and information on Terri's fight for life are posted on the family's website.
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. There are so many things each of us can do to stop this horrible crime against an innocent young woman. Even if you think your life is too busy to allow you to worry about someone else's problems, you should be very interested in stopping this court-sanctioned homicide. It affects us all, our loved ones, our children, our parents and our friends.
Here are things you can do to change the outcome of Terri's case and to protect yourself:
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| Downloads, Documents and More | |
| The following files are tools you can use to learn more about Terri's situation and the legal battle to save her life. One of the biggest tasks Terri's family has had to face is undoing a lot of harm caused by misinformation. These documents will help you sort through the misinformation and untruths you may have already read or heard about Terri |
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| Media Kit - PDF format This document contains Terri's story, court information and corrections to myths and misconceptions about the case. |
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| Court Documents | |
| Petition for Intervention - PDF Format This document, filed September 10, 2003, outlines many violations of Florida Statutes by Terri's guardian, Michael Schiavo. This document states very legitimate reasons Mr. Schiavo should be removed as Terri's guardian immediately. |
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| Bone Scan - PDF Format Terri's bone scan from March 5, 1991, indicating trauma, multiple fractures and injuries caused the night of her "collapse". State Attorney, Bernie McCabe refused to investigate this matter because of the time that had elapsed. NOTE: The text in this document has been highlighted so that the most important entries are clear. |
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| Audio - Visual Files | |
| Big Eyes -Real Media During an examination, the doctor asks Terri to open her eyes wide. She opens her eyes, turns her head and raises her eyebrows in response. |
Balloon -Real Media During an examination, Terri is asked to track a balloon with her eyes. She does and the Dr. SAYS "You see that, don't you!" During his testimony, however, he called Terri "totally unresponsive". |
| Terri and her Mother -Real Media Terri is shown reacting to her mother's affection with a glowing smile. |
Swab -Real Media |
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Music -Real Media Terri's parents play piano music for her and Terri listens and laughs. |
How's your cold -Real Media Terri is seen lying quietly until her mother is in view. Terri's eyebrows pop up, she smiles broadly at her mother and she vocalizes when her mother asks her how she is feeling. |
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Sound Files in MP3 Format |
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Girlfriend |
Terri communicates with her father. She responds to his questions and tries desperately to speak. This is NOT something a patient in a persistent vegetative state could possibly do. Clip 1 Clip 2 Clip 3 |
| Press Releases - (all for "wide release" - please distribute freely) | |
| October 7, 2003 - Amicus Memorandum Florida's Governor Jeb Bush files Amicus Brief in the case of Terri Schindler-Schiavo. |
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| August 30, 2003 - Federal Federal Suit entered in the case of Terri Schindler-Schiavo. |
August 29, 2003 - Exit Protocol Terri released from hospital back to Morton Plant while still in medical crisis. |
| August 26, 2003 - Governor Weighs In Governor Jeb Bush urges Judge Greer to consider appointing an independent guardian to protect Terri's interests. |
August 25, 2003 - Terri Hospitalized For the second time in 10 days, Terri hospitalized under emergency circumstances. |
| August 22, 2003 - Supreme Court Says No Florida's Supreme Court rejects jurisdiction of Terri's case. |
August 21, 2003 - Hearing in Schiavo Case Judge Greer rules on withholding of medical information from Terri's immediate family. |
| August 5, 2003 - Supreme Court Attorney Pat Anderson asks the Supreme Court to hear Terri's case - calling it the first Euthanasia case in Florida |
July 28, 2003 - Catholic Medical Assoc. Statement in the Case of Terri Schiavo |
| July 23, 2003 - Catholic Media The Catholic Media Coalition calling on Bishops to speak up for Terri. |
July 20, 2003 - Video Press Release announcing the online publication of video evidence in Terri's case. |
| July 18, 2003 - Petition Press Release announcing online petition to Governor Jeb Bush to intervene in Terri's case. |
July 18, 2003 - Demonstration Press Release announcing bi-county demonstration for support of Terri Schiavo. |
| Articles & Comment | |
| Sunday Visitor (HTML) Is this really a "moral" dilemma? |
Where Has the Money Gone? From the St Petersburg Times. A look at the spending down of Terri's medical fund. |
| Where are all the Feminists? Women's organizations are quiet about Terri's situation. Editorial by Pamela Hennessy, Media Volunteer. |
Justice in America The dehumanizing of the disabled. Editorial by Terri's father, Robert Schindler, Sr. |
| Terri Schiavo and the Culture of Death Editorial by Charles Colson for Credo |
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| Software you might need | |
| Acrobat Reader | Real Media Player (for videos) |
| Winamp (for audio files) | |
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Overview Of Events In Terri's Case (January 2000 – May 2002) |
January 24-28, 2000 – Terri’s life is on trial in Circuit Court Judge George W. Greer's Courtroom.
February 11, 2000 – Judge Greer rules to have Terri’s feeding discontinued.
February 20, 2000 – A rehearing motion was filed with Judge Greer by Attorney Campbell along with a petition requesting Judge Greer to allow for Terri to be tested to determine if she is capable of swallowing.
February 21, 2000 – Judge Greer denies motion for rehearing.
February 25, 2000 – Michael Schiavo filed a petition to prohibit Terri's family from visiting Terri, and/or severely restricting their visiting hours.
March 7, 2000 – Judge Greer denies petition to perform a swallowing test to see if Terri has the ability to swallow. Judge Greer also:
Ordered Terri's family to submit a visitation "guest list" for Schiavo's approval.
Authorized Schiavo's hiring of a security guard to protect Terri.
Authorized Schiavo to hire a security guard for his own personal protection.
Authorized security personnel costs shall be borne by Terri's Medical Fund.
March 24, 2000 – Attorney Joseph Magri filed an appeal notice with the Appellate Court. Judge Greer issued an "execution stay" allowing Terri to be fed for 30 days beyond the exhaustion of all appeal remedies and restricted Michael Schiavo to seek and lift the stay.
April 10, 2000 – Michael Schiavo clandestinely moved Terri from Palm Gardens Nursing Home to the Woodside Hospice Facility. In an emergency hearing, Judge Greer denied a request by Attorney Campbell to return Terri to Palm Gardens Nursing Home.
April 21, 2000 – Judge Greer denied Attorney Joseph Magri's motion to transfer Terri from Woodside Hospice Facility back to a Registered Nursing Home.
May 9, 2000 – A Court hearing was cancelled after Michael Schiavo verbally committed to sign an agreement that Terri will get the necessary medical treatment at Hospice.
June 18, 2000 – After reneging on his previously agreed terms of the agreement, Michael Schiavo later signed an amended agreement stating he will not withdraw or terminate Terri's medical care or treatment for potential fatal infections, without prior notice to the court. He also agreed to treat Terri for a 5-day period should she have an infection.
July 5, 2000 – Attorney Magri filed a formal appeal with the Appellate Court to reverse Greer's February 2000 ruling authorizing Schiavo to remove Terri's nutrition feeding.
August 23, 2000 – Schiavo’s attorney responded with a Brief to Appellate Court pleading that Terri's feeding tube should be removed and Theresa be allowed to die "naturally."
November 8, 2000 – A three-member panel consisting of Judges Jerry Parker, Chris Altenbernd and John Blue presided at the Appellate Court "oral argument hearing."
January 25, 2001 – The Appellate Court ruled to uphold Judge Greer’s verdict in favor of removing Terri's nutritional feeding tube.
February 8, 2001 – Attorney Magri filed a motion for a rehearing or clarification. He also requested the entire Appellate Court staff of Judges review the decision. It was denied.
March 22, 2001 – At a Judge Greer Court hearing, Schiavo’s attorney requested to remove Terri's feeding immediately asking for Judge Greer to reverse his "execution stay" that allowed Terri to be fed for 30 days beyond the exhaustion of all appeal remedies. Attorney Magri obtained an Appellate Court "30-day stay" preventing the immediate removal of Terri's feeding.
March 29, 2001 – Judge Greer reversed his original "execution stay" ordering Terri's feeding to be removed when the Appellate Court "30-day stay" expires on April 20, 2001. Attorney Magri then filed an Appeal with the Florida Supreme Court. He also filed with the Appellate Court for an extension of the "30-day stay," in an attempt to guarantee Terri protection until the appeal with the Florida Supreme Court is completed.
April 1, 2001 – The Appellate Court denied extending the "30-day stay."
April 12, 2001 – Attorneys Anderson and Eckert filed in the Circuit Court to disqualify Judge Greer from Terri's case due to discrepancies Greer permitted in his courtroom.
April 16, 2001 – Judge Greer denies motion.
April 18, 2001 – The Florida Supreme Court refused to hear Terri's case and refused to extend Terri's "stay," beyond 1 p.m. Friday, April 20, 2001. Attys. Anderson and Eckert filed a suit in the Federal Court requesting that court intervene in Terri's case.
April 19, 2001 – The Federal Court conducted a morning hearing where Judge Lazzara claimed the issue was beyond that court's jurisdiction. The Judge extended Terri's "execution stay" to 5 p.m. Monday, April 23, 2001. Attorney Magri filed an appeal with the US Supreme Court
April 23, 2001 – Judge Kennedy of the US Supreme Court refuses to hear Terri’s case.
April 24, 2001 –Terri feeding was terminated.
April 25, 2001 – Michael Schiavo denies Terri's sister and brother from visiting Terri.
April 26, 2001 – Attorneys Anderson and Eckert presented the Cyndi Brasher Shook new findings to Judge Greer that Schiavo had perjured himself at Terri's, January 2000 trial. Judge Greer refused to hear the new evidence because it was presented after one-year time constraints. Terri had not had any nutrition for 48 hours.
April 26, 2001 – Attorneys Anderson and Eckert presented the same new evidence that Schiavo had perjured himself at Terri's 2000 Trial to Civil Court Judge Frank Quesada. In an emergency hearing, Judge Quesada ordered Terri's feeding resumed. Terri had not had any nutrition for 60 hours.
April 30, 2001 – Schiavo's attorney filed an emergency motion with the Appellate Court, appealing Judge Quesada’s order, and to stop Terri's nutritional feeding immediately.
May 7, 2001 – Dr. Hammesfahr (neurology), filed a six page affidavit with the court stating Terri was not in a Persistent Vegetative State, accompanied by a formal letter requesting Schiavo’s permission to allow Terri to begin rehabilitation treatment.
May 7, 2001 – Attorney's Anderson and Eckert filed an "Amended Complaint in the Civil Court." In addition to the initial Fraud and Perjury charges levied against Schiavo, this document contains charges of Breach of Fiduciary Duty and Conspiracy.
May 8, 2001 – Witness Cindy Brashers Shook rendered her deposition.
May 9, 2001 – The Court of Appeals ordered "Oral Arguments" for June 25, 2001.
May 11, 2001 – Judge Quesada denied Schiavo's attorneys motion to negate Judge Quesada's jurisdiction.
June 1, 2001 – Attorneys Anderson and Eckert filed a court motion, which included five additional affidavits from physicians (neurologists) stating Terri was not in a "persistent vegetative state," as portrayed by Schiavo.
June 8, 2001 – Michael Schiavo was issued a deposition subpoena. On two separate occasions the subpoena servers could not locate Schiavo. He and his fiancée had vacated their residence, their whereabouts were unknown.
June 14, 2001 – At the 11th hour, Schiavo’s attorney gave notice Schiavo would not be available for his scheduled deposition.
June 18, 2001 – Schiavo's attorney filed an affidavit from Dr. James Barnhill, reiterating his trial testimony that Terri is in an irreversible vegetative state. The statement goes on to maliciously attack the credibility of the six neurologist’s affidavits.
June 20, 2001 – In a hearing held by Judge Quasada, he declined to designate Terri as a "Key Witness," opting to wait for the Appellate Court appeal decision.
June 21, 2001 – In a hearing, Pinellas Chief Judge elect, Demers ordered the lawsuit, charging Michael Schiavo with "Fraud and Perjury," to remain in the civil court. However, he gave Judge Greer authority on whether Terri should have any new medical evaluation or treatment. Greer will also determine if Terri's sister and brother can visit Terri.
June 25, 2001 – A three-member panel consisting of Judges Jerry Parker, Chris Altenbernd and John Blue presided at the Appellate Court "oral argument hearing."
July 11, 2001 – The Appellate Court issued a ruling allowing a motion be filed in Judge Greer's Probate court to request evidentiary hearings. The Appellate Court denied Schiavo's attorney’s request to order Terri's feeding stopped.
July 20, 2001 – Attorney Larry Crow joined Attorney Anderson as co-counsel. In motions filed by Attorney Pat Anderson, Judge Greer was presented with evidence that that Schiavo had abused Terri both neurological and medically over the past eight years and that Terri's neurological condition was misrepresented at her January 2000 trial.
July 23, 2001 – Schiavo's attorney requested Judge Greer issue an order to immediately discontinue Terri's feeding before reviewing of any of the evidence.
August 7, 2001 – Judge Greer ignored all the evidence presented to him and ordered to have Terri's feeding stopped on August 28, 2001. In his written court order, he admitted he did not read six of the seven doctor's affidavits.
August 9, 2001 – Schiavo’s attorney plea to dismiss the Civil Lawsuit, charging Michael Schiavo with fraud and perjury, was reviewed at a hearing in Judge Schaefer’s civil courtroom. Judge Schaefer determined future hearings would be conducted to determine if the charges supported a jury trial and that Michael Schiavo’s deposition would not be required until after the hearing process.
August 10, 2001 – Attorney Crow filed a motion with Judge Greer requesting an expedited hearing regarding Michael Schiavo's improprieties while acting as Terri's legal guardian. A petition to have Michael Schiavo removed as Terri’s legal guardian accompanied this. Attorney Crow listed numerous Florida Statutes that Michael Schiavo had violated acting as Terri's legal guardian. Attorney Crow also filed a motion requesting a hearing to allow independent medical experts to have access to Terri. Judge Greer denied the motion and the request to conduct a hearing regarding this issue.
August 14, 2001 – Attorney Anderson filed a motion requesting Judge Greer to remove himself from Terri's case revealing that, because of severe eyesight problems, Judge Greer could not see Terri's trial videotape and neurological scans. Judge Greer denied the motion.
August 16, 2001 – Attorney Anderson announced she had filed a "Notice of Appeal" with the Second District Appellate Court.
August 17, 2001 – Judge Greer granted Terri a "stay of execution" until October 9, 2001 to allow Terri "due process of the law" in filing an appeal with the Appellate Court.
August 20, 2001 – Schiavo's attorney filed with the Appellate Court to negate Greer's October 9 'stay' and have Terri's nutrition and hydration feeding terminated immediately.
August 22, 2001 – Attorney Pat Anderson files motion stating that Schiavo’s attorney is attempting to "trick the court" into permitting Terri's death before the Appellate Court has an opportunity to hear evidence.
September 26, 2001 – A three-member panel consisting of Judges Jerry Parker, Chris Altenbernd and John Blue presided at the Appellate Court "oral argument hearing." The core of the appeal is that Judge Greer did not follow the Appellate Court's July 11, 2001 instructions. Judge Greer admitted he ignored the doctors sworn opinions and summarily rejected additional evidence that unmistakably proved Michael Schiavo lied to the court at the original trial. Rather, Judge Greer ordered Terri's feeding to be withdrawn on Oct. 9.
October 1, 2001 – A hearing was conducted in Judge Greer's Courtroom regarding Terri's visitation and videotaping. Judge Greer agreed to allow Terri's sister (Suzanne) and brother (Bobby) to visit Terri based on a negotiated arrangement, which contained rigid restrictions. Also, Judge Greer and Schiavo's attorney gave permission to take memorializing videotape or still photographs of Terri with restrictions, while giving copyright protection to Michael Schiavo.
October 3, 2001 – The Appellate Court issued an "indefinite stay" maintaining Terri's nutritional feeding until they issue any further order regarding her case.
October 17, 2001 – The Appellate Court issued a ruling, which will allow five doctors to examine Terri. The court's decision authorizes the doctors to only conduct diagnostic tests in order to determine if Terri's condition can be treated. At the culmination of this process, an evidentiary hearing will be held in Judge Greer's courtroom to determine Terri's fate.
October 23, 2001 – Michael Schiavo’s attorney requested a rehearing in an attempt to reverse the Appellate Courts, October 17 decision allowing Terri to be examined.
November 1, 2001 – The Court of Appeals denied Schiavo's rehearing motion.
November 16, 2001 – Prior to a Judge Greer scheduled case management hearing to establish procedures and time frames for Terri's neurological evaluation, Schiavo's attorney suggested negotiating the medical segment of Terri's case with a mediator.
December 19, 2001 – In an all day attempt to mediate an agreed upon solution to Terri's evaluation, retired Judge Horace Andrews acted as a mediator.
January 18, 2002 – A hearing was conducted in Judge Greer’s court after all attempts to achieve a mediated agreement with Schiavo’s attorney were unsuccessful. Judge Greer established a time schedule for Terri’s evaluation. Attorney Anderson, convinced Judge Greer that Terri's medical condition was an important prerequisite in arriving at Terri’s true neurological status. Judge Greer finally will allow Terri to have a full medical examination in February 2002.
January 25, 2002 – An evidentiary hearing was scheduled to examine if Michael Schiavo has discharged his statutory duties as Terri's guardian. The hearing was scheduled after Attorney Anderson revealed Schiavo’s guardianship reports were in breach of the Florida Guardianship Laws, some with as many as a dozen violations. Attorney Anderson had subpoenaed Michael Schiavo, along with a number of others to testify at this hearing. Schiavo's attorneys requested that Judge Greer cancel the hearing on the promise that Michael Schiavo would submit a new guardianship plan. Judge Greer postponed the hearing.
February 7, 2002 – Schiavo's attorney filed an appeal with the Florida Supreme Court to overturn the Appellate Court's October 17, 2001 ruling, which ordered five doctors to conduct diagnostic tests to determine if Terri's condition can be treated.
February 14, 2002 – The Florida Supreme Court issued a "hold" until they could review Terri's case. Their action could delay the medical scheduling arrangements that Judge Greer established for Terri's doctor examinations.
March 14, 2002 – The Florida Supreme Court denied Michael Schiavo’s appeal.
April 5, 2002 – At a hearing conducted by Judge Schaefer, Schiavo’s attorney requested dismissal of two charges filed against Michael Schiavo in the May 7, 2001 civil lawsuit. Judge Schaefer directed Attorney Anderson to re file her brief in greater detail before any decision can be made to dismiss the charges.
April 24, 2002 – Judge Greer conducted a hearing in his chambers and authorized Schiavo’s attorney to continue using Terri's medical fund money to underwrite the doctor fees ($450/hour) in Terri's upcoming neurological evaluation. Judge Greer indicated he would select the fifth doctor to examine Terri.
the terri schindler-schiavo foundation
4615 gulf blvd # 104-103, saint petersburg beach, fl 33706
tax id number 23-3031168
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A Letter From Terri's Father |
Dear Friend,
In a trial initiated by Michael Schiavo (Terri Schindler-Schiavo’s husband and legal guardian), a verdict was issued by Circuit Court Judge, George W. Greer, on February 11, 2000. Judge Greer granted authorization to stop feeding Terri. Judge Greer’s verdict will cause Terri to die in 10 to 14 days. Terri will die of starvation. As Terri’s father, I have been designated as spokesperson for the family and more important, as a voice for Terri appealing to you to join us in our efforts to reverse this travesty of justice. We have to save Terri’s life. Essentially, Terri has been sentenced to death. We do not understand how, in a civilized society, Terri’s life was even put on trial. Terri has not committed a felony, or any crime. Terri has not desecrated any commandment of God. Terri has not violated any of society’s laws. Terri’s only culpability is ironic. She has made herself vulnerable because of a $750K medical fund that she acquired via a medical malpractice lawsuit payable to her inheritor when she dies. Terri has no will. The inheritor is her husband. The precedence that Terri’s trial and ensuing verdict establishes should frighten everyone. Basically, any person that is impaired, who cannot speak their mind, is vulnerable to be legally executed. In Terri’s case, where money is the motivation, the risk increases substantially. This ruling could potentially open the door to eventually include everyone who is a burden to his or her caretaker or a drain on the state. The court’s verdict endorsees a current movement attempting to legalize euthanasia in the United States. After hearing Judge Greer’s verdict, our family reacted with a variety of emotions. The thought of our daughter’s death by starvation is inexpressible. There is also empathy for the parents and families of murder victims. Particularly when the person guilty of committing the crime goes on trial and is acquitted due to dishonest testimony given by witnesses under an oath of God. The frustration must be unbearable. There is hope for Terri to recover! She displays the exact characteristics as described by all the callers. Her husband does not want anyone to believe that Terri is a living human being who consistently responds when stimulated. He is well aware that he has denied Terri any opportunity to recover for the past eleven years. Before we can concentrate on assisting Terri’s recovery, the immediate priority is to stop Terri’s execution. We have to keep Terri alive. We are dedicated to preserve Terri’s life. Terri does not deserve to have her precious life cut short. Please help us. We cannot do this alone. Please join our family and make this a community effort to overturn this cruel verdict. We must challenge this miscarriage of justice. Hopefully someday, Terri will personally thank you.
Terri’s trial has attracted national media coverage. People have responded from across the country offering their support. There have been communications from people who also have family members impaired by brain damage and have recovered. They relate scenarios where their family member was in the identical situation as Terri. Like Terri, their child/sister would smile, laugh, cry, moan, show signs of recognition and appear as if they were trying to speak. In every case, the Neurologist interpreted these actions as reflex. In every case, the Neurologist prognosis indicated that there was absolutely no chance of recovery. Remarkably and contrary to the negative diagnosis, they report that there was recovery. Most notable was a young man who walks daily, unassisted, on a treadmill, and a woman, who after 20 years, has fully recovered. Also, we have the recently publicized case of Patti WhiteBull who recovered after 16 years, and Terry Wallis, who recovered after 19 years in a condition similar to my daughter.
With heartfelt thanks,
Robert Schindler Sr.
Click here to read about Terri as told by her brother, Bobby.
Click here to read about Terri as told by her sister, Suzanne.
the terri schindler-schiavo foundation
4615 gulf blvd # 104-103, saint petersburg beach, fl 33706
tax id number 23-3031168
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Help Get Terri's Story Out to the World! |
We ask you to assist us in exposing the powerful national euthanasia group that has now entered into Terri's case. You can do this by writing letters to the media and government officials, some whom we have listed. By telling them Terri's story you will let them know how she is being used by this evil cult advancing their ambition to expand the categories of people who can be legally starved to death. Here is how you can help Terri and also help save the lives of future disabled people like Terri.
To send an email to the Judges, the Media, or Government Officials - use these addresses:
| .National Media |
Fox News -- online
Mr. Sean Hannity - online
Mr. Hannity's Program Director phil.boyce@abc.com
Mr. Bill O'Reilly, Fox News -- Oreilly@foxnews.com
World Net Daily -- news@worldnetdaily.com
| .Local Media |
Mr. Bill Levesque, The St. Pete Times -- levesque@sptimes.com
The St. Pete Times -- letters@sptimes.com
Mr. Dave Sommer, The Tampa Tribune -- dsommer@tampatrib.com
The Tampa Tribune -- tribletters@tampatrib.com
970 WLFA AM Radio -- news@970wfla.com
If you want to mail your letter through the Postal Service, here are the addresses:
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Tampa Tribune |
St. Pete Times |
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Send a Letter to Your Government Officials! |
The Terri Schindler-Schiavo Foundation is working for change in the State Guardian Laws as well as trying to gain positive recognition for Terri's case. Help us by emailing our State Officials. Be sure to tell them about Terri's case AND how the poorly written laws have helped her get into this situation.
| .Governor of Florida | Attorney General of Florida |
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Governor Jeb Bush (R) (850) 488-4441 |
Attorney General Charlie Crist (850) 414-3990 Fax: (850) 487-2564 |
| State Attorney Bernie McCabe 14250 49th Street North Clearwater, FL 33762 (727) 464-6221 |
| .Members of the Senate |
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Senator Bob Graham (D)
or: 524 Hart Senate Office Bldg. |
Senator Bill Nelson (D)
or: 524 Hart Senate Office Bldg. Washington, D.C. 20510 |
| .Representatives |
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Michael Bilirakis (R) Fax: (727) 442-8180
or: 2269 Rayburn Bldg. |
C. W. Bill Young (R) District 10 360 Central Ave., Suite 1480
or: 2407 Rayburn Bldg.
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| .Judges |
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The Honorable David A. Demers Chief Judge of 6th Judicial Circuit |
The Honorable George W. Greer 6th Judicial Circuit 315 Court Street, Room 484 (727) 464-3933
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| .Church Leaders |
Mrs. Mary Jo Murphy, Diocese of St. Petersburg, FL -- comdosp@aol.com
Ms. Janet Shelton, The Florida Catholic -- SHELTONJ@dosp.org
EWTN -- viewer@ewtn.com
the terri schindler-schiavo foundation
4615 gulf blvd # 104-103, saint petersburg beach, fl 33706
tax id number 23-3031168
| .How To Contact Us... |
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You can contact many of us here at the foundation thru email. Our email addresses are: |
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| We can even take snail mail. Write to us at the following address: | |
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| .What Some People are Saying... |
| So many people have contacted Terri's Fight to offer support, tell their own stories and suggest new ideas for defending her life. While we will reserve publishing anyone's name or private email address, we thought some of these comments were moving and worth sharing. Scroll down to read just some of the tremendously helpful things people have sent our way. |
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| From an Assistant Speech Pathologist: Date: Wed, 6 Aug 2003 16:43:46 EDT I was compelled to write after reading your daughter's story on a link from Adam McManus' daily newsletter. I am an assistant Speech Pathologist in San Antonio who has been practicing for 10 years. I currently work in the home health setting and was encouraged that there was a licensed SLP as part of the case for Terri. Your daughter is certainly not in a vegetative state, and having worked in rehabilitation hospitals, is much more responsive than many patients I continue to service for direct therapy on a daily basis. I was curious if any of the environmental controls mention in the SLP's statement had been tried and what the outcome was. Also, I was wondering if there had been any voice output devices tried with Terri and how she responded to these. I would love to hear that there is some avenue for her to express herself and prove to those that don't know better that she is a living, breathing human being who deserves the right to live life to the fullest extent possible. |
| From Someone Caring for a Disabled Spouse: Thank you so much for your email. I downloaded the videos and, though I never met Terri, I think she is amazing in what she can do. My Fiance is very similiar as to abilities. I am showing to my fiance these tomorrow to show her other people like her are going thru the same thing. Terri moves alot faster than my fiance and is more animated, too. I hope Terri's movies can encourage her. Once again Thank You. And if I lived in your area I would be the first one at the demonstration. Good luck! |
 View The Prayers Theresa "Terri" Marie Schindler Schiavo
Pray to end "deadly" discrimination against those with brain afflictions. "Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For additional information, or to send a supportive message to the Schindler family: www.terrisfight.org
 Prayer on Behalf of Theresa Marie Schindler Schiavo O my Jesus, You said "verily I say to You, ask and you shall receive, seek and you shall find, knock and it shall be opened to you", behold I knock, I seek, and I ask on behalf of your suffering daughter, Theresa Marie Schindler Schiavo; Much prayer is needed for Terri Schiavo and her family. Printable version - Page 1, Page 2 - Litany - and Page 3 - Other Prayers. |
DATE: July 12, 2003
TO: Governor Jeb Bush
We are requesting that you investigate, what the Schindler Family believes are severe abuses conducted against their daughter, Terri Schiavo.
We also request that you review the -heavily guarded- Department of Children and Families (DCF) sealed investigation report. It contains the agency’s findings in response to a formal complaint filed of alleged abuses Terri suffered at the hands of her husband and guardian, Michael Schiavo.
In addition, we ask you to review Terri’s court and medical records:
WHEREAS evidence in Terri Schiavo’s medical records and testimony that suggests Terri was possibly strangled. Terri’s family believes this crime was committed by her husband and this act was responsible for Terri’s mysterious collapse and ensuing heart failure.
WHEREAS evidence in Terri’s medical records that show Terri suffered ‘Massive Body Trauma,’ which consisted of bone fractures in her Ribs, Pelvis, Spine, Ankle and a Broken Right Femur Bone. The Schindler Family believes these injuries contributed to Terri’s collapse.
WHEREAS evidence that Terri’s husband has recently petitioned the court to have Terri’s body cremated immediately following her death. The Schindler Family believes Terri’s cremation is a maneuver her husband will utilize to destroy evidence of his criminal acts.
WHEREAS evidence that Terri’s $1.6 million dollar trust fund, awarded to her by a 1992 medical malpractice jury for medical treatment and therapy, is depleted. The Schindler Family believes Court transactions will show the majority of the fund has been used to pay her husband’s legal fees in his pursuit of Terri’s death.
We, the undersigned, ask that you issue a stay in any further court proceedings until a full investigation can be completed. Terri Schiavo’s life is in danger. Her husband has petitioned the court to remove her feeding tube and end her life by way of starvation. We ask that you halt any further action by the courts until the results of a investigation into these allegations against Mr. Schiavo are known.
Sign the petition at: http://www.friendsofterri.org/petition.html
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Cartoon Donated
Florida Bishops Accused of 'Deafening Silence' in Euthanasia Case
By Jeff Johnson - CNSNews.com - Congressional Bureau Chief, August 07, 2003
Excerpt:
Capitol Hill (CNSNews.com) - A Catholic media organization Wednesday criticized Florida's Catholic bishops for not speaking out in the case of a Catholic woman who is disabled and whose husband is seeking court permission to let her die of starvation and dehydration. In response, the office of the Florida bishop in whose diocese the woman lives re-released a nearly 10-month-old statement explaining that the church "will refrain from passing judgment." Read Mr. Johnson's entire article here.
Florida Bishops ask Governor Jeb Bush to protect the life of convicted killer, Paul Hill.
Read Bishop Lynch's (St. Petersburg, Florida Diocese) statement here.
Contact the members of the Catholic church below and tell them you would like them to support Terri's right to live a safe and happy life with the family who loves her.
Contact Information:Pope John Paul II - accreditamenti@pressva.va Governor Jeb Bush - jeb.bush@myflorida.com or jeb@jeb.org Diocese of St. Petersburg - comdosp@aol.com Archdiocese of Miami - information@miamiarch.org Most Reverend Gilberto Fernandez Most Reverend Agustín A. Román Most Reverend Thomas G. Wenski - tomwenski@catholiccharitiesadm.org Diocese of Orlando - cbrinati@orlandodiocese.org Diocese of Palm Beach - info@diocesepb.org Diocese of Pensacola-Tallahassee - wolfc@ptdiocese.org Diocese of St. Augustine - nmadden@dosafl.com Diocese of Venice - information@dioceseofvenice.org
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The following is a form letter you can use in contacting the Florida Legislators and Junior Senators. We will try to have an online form programmed soon that does the work for you and are working hard to get it done quickly. In the meantime, please refer to the email list below for appropriate email addresses.
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Dear Representative:
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There are musical performances and sing-a-longs at the Hospice, but Schiavo has not allowed his wife to attend and she is kept isolated from the other patients.
This man is a monster.
Pray, everyone. Pray.
Satan in moving thru this situation.
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