FRIDA Thanks Our Friends!
FRIDA would like to THANK YOU and your friends/allies for faxing/calling/emailing the AMA on Friday! We heard people all over the country were getting into it. Vermont, New York, Oregon, Texas, South Carolina, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois (obviously) and on and on... It was great! We heard some people actually spoke to Dr. Sade. And Jon Burkhart was not in the office...he'll have a surprise this morning, thanks to you all!
Unfortunately, we have not yet got a set meeting date and time. You know what that means...more action! Over the weekend, FRIDA, with the support of Not Dead Yet and ADAPT, held a planning meeting to strategize our next move. We'll be sending out an alert this afternoon, so keep your eyes peeled! We have the force on our side, folks. It's incredible.
Til this afternoon! Power to the people!!!
FRIDA
Saturday, January 27, 2007
Update on AMA Campaign
Thanks to all of you across the US who called and emailed and faxed the AMA on Friday! Unfortunately, we do not yet have a meeting time and date, so we are laying plans for next steps. Those of you on my email list, look out for news on Monday, January 29. To join this list, please email me at Ambity@aol.com.
FRIDA would like to give huge applause to everyone in the disability community who has worked hard to keep the Ashley Treatment issue alive in the media. We have heard from pissed-off people all over America, parents and people with disabilities alike. If you have ever doubted in your heart for one tiny second that a person with a disability might just be less than a full human being, know that there are millions of people out there who believe otherwise, and who are ready to do something about it. The disability community truly has POWER. Thank you all.
I would also like to apologize for the delay in posting to this blog as FRIDA has been working mainly through e-mail alerts.
Again, the RESPONSE by the disability community on this issue is staggering. Take every opportunity you can to educate your community on the Ashley X case and to stimulate debate on the rights of ALL people with disabilities.
Thanks to all of you across the US who called and emailed and faxed the AMA on Friday! Unfortunately, we do not yet have a meeting time and date, so we are laying plans for next steps. Those of you on my email list, look out for news on Monday, January 29. To join this list, please email me at Ambity@aol.com.
FRIDA would like to give huge applause to everyone in the disability community who has worked hard to keep the Ashley Treatment issue alive in the media. We have heard from pissed-off people all over America, parents and people with disabilities alike. If you have ever doubted in your heart for one tiny second that a person with a disability might just be less than a full human being, know that there are millions of people out there who believe otherwise, and who are ready to do something about it. The disability community truly has POWER. Thank you all.
FRIDA would like to recognize major disability organizations for opposing the Ashley Treatment. Susan Fitzmaurice of Michigan is keeping an excellent list of statements from these organizations. Please visit her site at: http://www.katrinadisability.info/ashley.html. Don't forget to sign her petition against the treatment.
FRIDA would like to invite you also to view a YouTube video by A M Baggs on the autism experience, which is dedicated in part to Ashley X. For the video, please visit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JnylM1hI2jc. Never assume.
I would also like to apologize for the delay in posting to this blog as FRIDA has been working mainly through e-mail alerts.
Again, the RESPONSE by the disability community on this issue is staggering. Take every opportunity you can to educate your community on the Ashley X case and to stimulate debate on the rights of ALL people with disabilities.
Thursday, January 11, 2007
(for those of you looking for the "meat" of the action scroll down past the initial stuff)
Report on the "Ashley Treatment Action"
On Thursday, January 11, disability rights advocates gathered in downtown Chicago with the intention of staging an "Ashley Treatment Action," in response to the case of nine-year-old Ashley X. of Washington State.
Ashley has multiple profound disabilities and does not talk or move on her own. Her parents sought home care supports but those did not work out. Instead they opted to care for her on her own and have her undergo a "treatment" that would enable her parents to more easily care for her. The "treatment" included a hysterectomy, removal of her breast buds, an appendectomy and ongoing estrogen hormone "therapy" to stunt her growth so that she stays small. The case has inspired controversy around the nation. Many disability rights advocates have opposed it.
In an effort to achieve some concrete change, Feminist Response in Disability Activism (FRIDA) led a coalition of Not Dead Yet, ADAPT and Advance Youth Leadership Power (AYLP) in an action at the national headquarters of the American Medical Association (AMA), located in Chicago.
We targeted the AMA because it sanctioned the "Ashley Treatment" by publishing the original article describing it in one of its publications, the Archive of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine. In addition, the publication's editors recommended that the way to find out if the "Ashley Treatment" was beneficial was to perform it on other children.
Our demands were threefold. First, we asked that the AMA's Committee on Ethical and Judicial Affairs meet with a team of advocates from the disability community to review the case. Second, we asked that the AMA issue a formal statement of support for MiCASSA. Third, we asked that the AMA issue a statement condemning the "Ashley Treatment" for other children.
On Thursday afternoon, our coalition met up at a coffee shop, about twenty strong. (FYI having coffee before an action is a really, really, really good idea!) We would be joined by others at the site. We lined up and proceeded to the building housing the AMA offices. We arrived and attempted to enter through the accessible entrance. Security guards blocked the majority of the group from entering, citing the "fact" that the lobby was private property. Our group began entering through the *other* accessible door. Most of us made it in. Reporters had already arrived and had begun attempting to interview the protesters. Our negotiating team began attempting to meet with AMA CEO Michael Maves.
After several minutes of attempting to gather in the lobby, our team decided to move outside because we were losing the opportunity to get recorded on TV cameras. Our negotiating team remained inside to continue fighting for access (the Michael Maves kind). Once we moved outside, we faced a barrage of TV cameras, as well as print and radio reporters. The media presence was truly incredible and our coalition had worked very hard to achieve that. We whipped out our protest signs, which included slogans such as "Operations Not Accommodations" and "AMA: Stop Medical Oppression of Women." (Thanks to Sharon Lamp, who is DA QUEEN of good slogans!) Gary Arnold then led the group in a skit on how to apply for an ethics job with the AMA.
Then, while we waited for news of negotiations, we chanted and chanted and CHANTED!!! The police wanted us to move away from the building and gave us three warnings. The media were complaining they could not interview us, so we went ahead and moved farther away, so we got interviews and plus, the people looking down from the highrise building had a good look at the disabled people making a stink on the ground! The employees sure had an exciting day. Many came down to the lobby to observe what was going on.
After about 45 minutes, our negotiating team came away with a deal: apparently the CEO was on a plane somewhere and unreachable (so they say...). His secretary committed to securing us a meeting with her boss next week. You know what will happen if that doesn't happen....!!!!! So we will be following up with all of you for your support if they don't meet our promises!
At that point, we had a load of media coverage and as much of a win as we could secure before the paratransit rides arrives. So we called it a victory and chanted some more, yeah you know what it was..."The people united will never be defeated!"
The best thing about this action is the AP covered us with a photographer too, so the story is going out across the nation...and I just got word CNN included our action in a story. The other best thing about the action was the people who turned out and worked to get this organized. The energy was fantastic! Amazing! The best thing to happen to feminist/disability rights in a long, freakin' time! Many thanks to the following people who contributed in various ways:
John Jansa, Larry Biondi, Steve Drake, Ramona Harvey, Sam Knight, Diane Coleman, Rahnee Patrick, Ana Mercado, Sarah Triano, Marca Bristo, Sharon Lamp, Lauren Bean, Mike Hasler, Jim Glozier, Gary Arnold, Gabriela "I Lead Parades" Hernandez, Devon Whitmore, Jose Ocampo, Veronica Martinez, Jody Thomas, Wil Cowling, Gloria Nichols, Rob Rotman, William Owenson, Bob Kafka, Stephanie Thomas, Marsha Katz, Jeanine Bertram, Sarah Watkins, Joe Hall, Veramarie Baldoza, Janice Stashwick, Heather and Garland Armstrong, Mary Delgado, Sharon Snyder, Donna Shaw and many others who I apologize to for not having the names....and lots of others that offered support and encouragement. The disability community is wonderful...and ANGRY.
I also want to thank Donna and Martin Harnett for coming. Donna is Martin's mom and Martin has a severe disability similar to Ashley's. Martin's PA didn't show up this morning so Donna brought Martin to the action. Donna spoke to the news media today at our action. Thank you very much to Donna and Martin.
In particular I wanted to thank the negotiators: Sarah Triano, Diane Coleman, Lauren Bean and Marca Bristo. Gary was our skit dude, and Sharon Lamp was our street marshal and a media contact. Stephen Drake and Diane Coleman were super media callers. Thanks again to you all.
Keep up the debate! The time to act is NOW. Tell all the important people you know to make a public statement about this case.
Amber Smock
FRIDA
Chicago ADAPT
Report on the "Ashley Treatment Action"
On Thursday, January 11, disability rights advocates gathered in downtown Chicago with the intention of staging an "Ashley Treatment Action," in response to the case of nine-year-old Ashley X. of Washington State.
Ashley has multiple profound disabilities and does not talk or move on her own. Her parents sought home care supports but those did not work out. Instead they opted to care for her on her own and have her undergo a "treatment" that would enable her parents to more easily care for her. The "treatment" included a hysterectomy, removal of her breast buds, an appendectomy and ongoing estrogen hormone "therapy" to stunt her growth so that she stays small. The case has inspired controversy around the nation. Many disability rights advocates have opposed it.
In an effort to achieve some concrete change, Feminist Response in Disability Activism (FRIDA) led a coalition of Not Dead Yet, ADAPT and Advance Youth Leadership Power (AYLP) in an action at the national headquarters of the American Medical Association (AMA), located in Chicago.
We targeted the AMA because it sanctioned the "Ashley Treatment" by publishing the original article describing it in one of its publications, the Archive of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine. In addition, the publication's editors recommended that the way to find out if the "Ashley Treatment" was beneficial was to perform it on other children.
Our demands were threefold. First, we asked that the AMA's Committee on Ethical and Judicial Affairs meet with a team of advocates from the disability community to review the case. Second, we asked that the AMA issue a formal statement of support for MiCASSA. Third, we asked that the AMA issue a statement condemning the "Ashley Treatment" for other children.
On Thursday afternoon, our coalition met up at a coffee shop, about twenty strong. (FYI having coffee before an action is a really, really, really good idea!) We would be joined by others at the site. We lined up and proceeded to the building housing the AMA offices. We arrived and attempted to enter through the accessible entrance. Security guards blocked the majority of the group from entering, citing the "fact" that the lobby was private property. Our group began entering through the *other* accessible door. Most of us made it in. Reporters had already arrived and had begun attempting to interview the protesters. Our negotiating team began attempting to meet with AMA CEO Michael Maves.
After several minutes of attempting to gather in the lobby, our team decided to move outside because we were losing the opportunity to get recorded on TV cameras. Our negotiating team remained inside to continue fighting for access (the Michael Maves kind). Once we moved outside, we faced a barrage of TV cameras, as well as print and radio reporters. The media presence was truly incredible and our coalition had worked very hard to achieve that. We whipped out our protest signs, which included slogans such as "Operations Not Accommodations" and "AMA: Stop Medical Oppression of Women." (Thanks to Sharon Lamp, who is DA QUEEN of good slogans!) Gary Arnold then led the group in a skit on how to apply for an ethics job with the AMA.
Then, while we waited for news of negotiations, we chanted and chanted and CHANTED!!! The police wanted us to move away from the building and gave us three warnings. The media were complaining they could not interview us, so we went ahead and moved farther away, so we got interviews and plus, the people looking down from the highrise building had a good look at the disabled people making a stink on the ground! The employees sure had an exciting day. Many came down to the lobby to observe what was going on.
After about 45 minutes, our negotiating team came away with a deal: apparently the CEO was on a plane somewhere and unreachable (so they say...). His secretary committed to securing us a meeting with her boss next week. You know what will happen if that doesn't happen....!!!!! So we will be following up with all of you for your support if they don't meet our promises!
At that point, we had a load of media coverage and as much of a win as we could secure before the paratransit rides arrives. So we called it a victory and chanted some more, yeah you know what it was..."The people united will never be defeated!"
The best thing about this action is the AP covered us with a photographer too, so the story is going out across the nation...and I just got word CNN included our action in a story. The other best thing about the action was the people who turned out and worked to get this organized. The energy was fantastic! Amazing! The best thing to happen to feminist/disability rights in a long, freakin' time! Many thanks to the following people who contributed in various ways:
John Jansa, Larry Biondi, Steve Drake, Ramona Harvey, Sam Knight, Diane Coleman, Rahnee Patrick, Ana Mercado, Sarah Triano, Marca Bristo, Sharon Lamp, Lauren Bean, Mike Hasler, Jim Glozier, Gary Arnold, Gabriela "I Lead Parades" Hernandez, Devon Whitmore, Jose Ocampo, Veronica Martinez, Jody Thomas, Wil Cowling, Gloria Nichols, Rob Rotman, William Owenson, Bob Kafka, Stephanie Thomas, Marsha Katz, Jeanine Bertram, Sarah Watkins, Joe Hall, Veramarie Baldoza, Janice Stashwick, Heather and Garland Armstrong, Mary Delgado, Sharon Snyder, Donna Shaw and many others who I apologize to for not having the names....and lots of others that offered support and encouragement. The disability community is wonderful...and ANGRY.
I also want to thank Donna and Martin Harnett for coming. Donna is Martin's mom and Martin has a severe disability similar to Ashley's. Martin's PA didn't show up this morning so Donna brought Martin to the action. Donna spoke to the news media today at our action. Thank you very much to Donna and Martin.
In particular I wanted to thank the negotiators: Sarah Triano, Diane Coleman, Lauren Bean and Marca Bristo. Gary was our skit dude, and Sharon Lamp was our street marshal and a media contact. Stephen Drake and Diane Coleman were super media callers. Thanks again to you all.
Keep up the debate! The time to act is NOW. Tell all the important people you know to make a public statement about this case.
Amber Smock
FRIDA
Chicago ADAPT
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
Some Good Blog Posts Regarding the Ashley Treatment Debate
http://elmindreda.blogspot.com/2007/01/dear-ableist.html
http://thegimpparade.blogspot.com/ has several things on Ashley
http://growingupwithadisability.blogspot.com/
http://disstud.blogspot.com/ it is the january 5th entry entitled "Sigh"
http://midlifeandtreachery.blogspot.com/2007/01/it-begins-with-ashley.html
Thanks to imfunnytoo for the links!!
http://elmindreda.blogspot.com/2007/01/dear-ableist.html
http://thegimpparade.blogspot.com/ has several things on Ashley
http://growingupwithadisability.blogspot.com/
http://disstud.blogspot.com/ it is the january 5th entry entitled "Sigh"
http://midlifeandtreachery.blogspot.com/2007/01/it-begins-with-ashley.html
Thanks to imfunnytoo for the links!!
For Immediate Release: January 10, 2007
For Information Contact:Sharon Lamp - (847) 894-4907
Stephen Drake - (708) 209-1500; (708) 420-0539
Amber Smock - Ambity@aol.com
Feminist Response in Disability Activism (FRIDA)To Lead “Ashley Treatment Action”at the American Medical Association Headquarters
At 1 p.m. on Thursday, January 11, Feminist Response in Disability Activism (FRIDA), with the support of other disability groups, will stage an “Ashley Treatment” demonstration at the national headquarters of the American Medical Association (AMA) in Chicago at 515 N. State Street.FRIDA will demand that the AMA start practicing real ethical accountability and dialogue with the disability community.
The action is in response to the AMA’s sanction of the “Ashley Treatment” through its publication of the original case article in the Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine case. This AMA owned-journal went so far as to call for further “study” of the issue by subjecting more children to the same drastic surgeries and follow them over time.
People with disabilities and families nationwide have reacted with outrage to the drastic medical “solution” to what is actually a complex social problem of finding real supports for people with disabilities and their families. FRIDA is also not surprised that the initial recipient of the “Ashley Treatment” was a little girl, given that girls, and girls with disabilities in particular, are perceived as easier subjects for mutilation and desexualization.
Ana Mercado of FRIDA notes, “Our bodies really are the battlegrounds on which ethics debates are fought.” FRIDA seeks to protect our bodies from having to become battlegrounds in the first place. The issue at hand is not our bodies, but the choices that other people make for our bodies.
FRIDA is a group of radicalized women with disabilities representing ourselves and fighting for freedom for our bodies. FRIDA is supported in this action by Chicago ADAPT, the national ADAPT community, Not Dead Yet and Advance Youth Leadership Power (AYLP).
###
Feminist Response in Disability Activism
614 W. Roosevelt RoadChicago, IL 60607
Contact: Monica Heffner, (312) 253-7000
Blog: http://fridanow.blogspot.com/
For Information Contact:Sharon Lamp - (847) 894-4907
Stephen Drake - (708) 209-1500; (708) 420-0539
Amber Smock - Ambity@aol.com
Feminist Response in Disability Activism (FRIDA)To Lead “Ashley Treatment Action”at the American Medical Association Headquarters
At 1 p.m. on Thursday, January 11, Feminist Response in Disability Activism (FRIDA), with the support of other disability groups, will stage an “Ashley Treatment” demonstration at the national headquarters of the American Medical Association (AMA) in Chicago at 515 N. State Street.FRIDA will demand that the AMA start practicing real ethical accountability and dialogue with the disability community.
The action is in response to the AMA’s sanction of the “Ashley Treatment” through its publication of the original case article in the Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine case. This AMA owned-journal went so far as to call for further “study” of the issue by subjecting more children to the same drastic surgeries and follow them over time.
People with disabilities and families nationwide have reacted with outrage to the drastic medical “solution” to what is actually a complex social problem of finding real supports for people with disabilities and their families. FRIDA is also not surprised that the initial recipient of the “Ashley Treatment” was a little girl, given that girls, and girls with disabilities in particular, are perceived as easier subjects for mutilation and desexualization.
Ana Mercado of FRIDA notes, “Our bodies really are the battlegrounds on which ethics debates are fought.” FRIDA seeks to protect our bodies from having to become battlegrounds in the first place. The issue at hand is not our bodies, but the choices that other people make for our bodies.
FRIDA is a group of radicalized women with disabilities representing ourselves and fighting for freedom for our bodies. FRIDA is supported in this action by Chicago ADAPT, the national ADAPT community, Not Dead Yet and Advance Youth Leadership Power (AYLP).
###
Feminist Response in Disability Activism
614 W. Roosevelt RoadChicago, IL 60607
Contact: Monica Heffner, (312) 253-7000
Blog: http://fridanow.blogspot.com/
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
Send this action alert to everyone you know. Then give Seattle a buzz. Thank you.
ACTION ALERTFax/E-mail/Phone CampaignFeminist Response in Disability Activism (FRIDA), with the support of Chicago ADAPT, the national ADAPT community and Not Dead Yet, invites you to speak out about the “Ashley Treatment.”
Our Targets: Seattle Children’s Hospital staff involved in the case of nine-year-old Ashley’s growth attenuation and sterilization, as well as Melinda Gates, chair of the Seattle Children’s Hospital fundraising committee and Susan Macek, Director of Communications for Seattle Children’s Hospital. Why: To oppose their permission of what is now known as the “Ashley Treatment,” and to condemn further permission of such “treatments” for children with disabilities whose lives are not otherwise at risk.When: Tuesday, January 9, 2007, starting at 9 am in your time zone.
Contact Info:
Dr. Douglas Diekema
Phone: 206-987-2380
B-5520 – Emergency Medicine
4800 Sand Point Way NE
Seattle, WA 98105
Fax: (206) 987-3836
E-mail: Douglas.diekema@seattlechildrens.org
Dr. Daniel F. Gunther
Phone: (206) 987-2380
M1-3 – Endocrinology
4800 Sand Point Way NE
Seattle, WA 98105
Fax: (206) 987-3836
E-mail: Dan.gunther@seattlechildrens.org
Susan MacekDirector of Communications, Seattle Children’s HospitalPhone: (206) 987-5201Pager: (206) 469-6310E-mail: susan.macek@seattlechildrens.org
Melinda Gates (yes, Bill Gates' wife)
PO Box 23350Seattle, WA 98102
Phone: (206) 709-3100
Fax: (206) 709-3252
Email: info@gatesfoundation.org
Ashley is a nine-year-old with a severe cognitive disability. In order to keep her small and more easily cared for by her family, doctors at Seattle Children’s Hospital are having her undergo hormone “therapy” to stunt her growth. In addition, they surgically removed her breast buds, uterus and appendix. The “Ashley Treatment,” as her parents call it, is a medical “fix” to serious social problems we face in America today. The first of these problems is a lack of quality home-based services for people with disabilities. The second is the social attitude that people with disabilities are less than human and therefore fair game for experimentation. The third is a lack of understanding of disability vs. illness: as Joe Hall of South Carolina has stated, “When I was born my parents knew that I would never walk, but they would have never thought it would be acceptable to cut my legs off.”
To review Ashley’s parents’ blog, please see:
http://ashleytreatment.spaces.live.com/
To review one of the original articles as reported by the BBC, please see:http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/americas/6229799.stm
We need to let the Seattle Children’s Hospital and its fundraising chairperson know that the Ashley Treatment has not gone unnoticed by those of us who live with disabilities.
For more information, AND TO KEEP US POSTED OF YOUR “ASHLEY TREATMENT” ACTIVITIES, please call Sharon Lamp at (847) 803-3258 or e-mail Amber Smock at ambity@aol.com.
ACTION ALERTFax/E-mail/Phone CampaignFeminist Response in Disability Activism (FRIDA), with the support of Chicago ADAPT, the national ADAPT community and Not Dead Yet, invites you to speak out about the “Ashley Treatment.”
Our Targets: Seattle Children’s Hospital staff involved in the case of nine-year-old Ashley’s growth attenuation and sterilization, as well as Melinda Gates, chair of the Seattle Children’s Hospital fundraising committee and Susan Macek, Director of Communications for Seattle Children’s Hospital. Why: To oppose their permission of what is now known as the “Ashley Treatment,” and to condemn further permission of such “treatments” for children with disabilities whose lives are not otherwise at risk.When: Tuesday, January 9, 2007, starting at 9 am in your time zone.
Contact Info:
Dr. Douglas Diekema
Phone: 206-987-2380
B-5520 – Emergency Medicine
4800 Sand Point Way NE
Seattle, WA 98105
Fax: (206) 987-3836
E-mail: Douglas.diekema@seattlechildrens.org
Dr. Daniel F. Gunther
Phone: (206) 987-2380
M1-3 – Endocrinology
4800 Sand Point Way NE
Seattle, WA 98105
Fax: (206) 987-3836
E-mail: Dan.gunther@seattlechildrens.org
Susan MacekDirector of Communications, Seattle Children’s HospitalPhone: (206) 987-5201Pager: (206) 469-6310E-mail: susan.macek@seattlechildrens.org
Melinda Gates (yes, Bill Gates' wife)
PO Box 23350Seattle, WA 98102
Phone: (206) 709-3100
Fax: (206) 709-3252
Email: info@gatesfoundation.org
Ashley is a nine-year-old with a severe cognitive disability. In order to keep her small and more easily cared for by her family, doctors at Seattle Children’s Hospital are having her undergo hormone “therapy” to stunt her growth. In addition, they surgically removed her breast buds, uterus and appendix. The “Ashley Treatment,” as her parents call it, is a medical “fix” to serious social problems we face in America today. The first of these problems is a lack of quality home-based services for people with disabilities. The second is the social attitude that people with disabilities are less than human and therefore fair game for experimentation. The third is a lack of understanding of disability vs. illness: as Joe Hall of South Carolina has stated, “When I was born my parents knew that I would never walk, but they would have never thought it would be acceptable to cut my legs off.”
To review Ashley’s parents’ blog, please see:
http://ashleytreatment.spaces.live.com/
To review one of the original articles as reported by the BBC, please see:http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/americas/6229799.stm
We need to let the Seattle Children’s Hospital and its fundraising chairperson know that the Ashley Treatment has not gone unnoticed by those of us who live with disabilities.
For more information, AND TO KEEP US POSTED OF YOUR “ASHLEY TREATMENT” ACTIVITIES, please call Sharon Lamp at (847) 803-3258 or e-mail Amber Smock at ambity@aol.com.
Friday, November 17, 2006
Please join the disability community in remembering the life of baby Allen Bollinger and all the victims of ableism that dominant culture would forget; lives terminated in the name of compassion and care, perfection and progress, tenderness and trust.
Disability History Conservators
Our Lives, Our History: They Matter!
#
Remembering Baby Allen Bollinger
b. [Nov. 12, 1915, Chicago], d. [Nov.17, 1915, Chicago]
"Baby Bollinger” (first name: Allen) was born to Anna and Allen Bollinger at the German-American Hospital, then located at Diversey and Halsted. The seven lb. baby was diagnosed with multiple physical anomalies [1] and became the first victim in a string of public infanticides of disabled babies committed by the head of staff at the hospital, Dr. Harry Haiselden. The doctor declared the baby a “monster;” a “pitiful bundle of semi-life." [2] Anna Bollinger was encouraged to allow her baby to die by withholding life-saving surgery, "I want my baby. But the doctor has told me...I want him to live-but I couldn't bear to think of how he would suffer…how he would so often curse the day he was born. So I agreed with the doctor."
Many, including Jane Addams and Director of the National Children’s Bureau, Julia Lathrop, denounced the infanticide. Anna’s friend, Catherine Walsh, testified “It was not a monster, that child, it was a beautiful baby”. Yet on Nov. 17, Allen Bollinger, to his mother’s undying grief, and to Chicago’s shame, died as the result of treatment denial. [3]
On the day of Allen Bollinger’s death, the Chicago Tribune newspaper printed the following: “A pink bit of humanity lay upon the white cloth.
Its blue eyes were wide open. Its hair was brown and silky, it dug at its face with little fists. It cried lustily as it drew up chubby legs and kicked out. It seemed quite vigorously informed with life.” [4]
References
[1] Pernick, Martin S, The Black Stork: Eugenics and the Death of “Defective” Babies in American Medicine and Motion Pictures since 1915.
New York: Oxford University Press, 1996, p3.
[2] Chicago Tribune, 11/17/15
[3] Chicago Daily News, 11/17/15
[4] Chicago Tribune, 11/17/15
Disability History Conservators
Our Lives, Our History: They Matter!
Disability History Conservators
Our Lives, Our History: They Matter!
#
Remembering Baby Allen Bollinger
b. [Nov. 12, 1915, Chicago], d. [Nov.17, 1915, Chicago]
"Baby Bollinger” (first name: Allen) was born to Anna and Allen Bollinger at the German-American Hospital, then located at Diversey and Halsted. The seven lb. baby was diagnosed with multiple physical anomalies [1] and became the first victim in a string of public infanticides of disabled babies committed by the head of staff at the hospital, Dr. Harry Haiselden. The doctor declared the baby a “monster;” a “pitiful bundle of semi-life." [2] Anna Bollinger was encouraged to allow her baby to die by withholding life-saving surgery, "I want my baby. But the doctor has told me...I want him to live-but I couldn't bear to think of how he would suffer…how he would so often curse the day he was born. So I agreed with the doctor."
Many, including Jane Addams and Director of the National Children’s Bureau, Julia Lathrop, denounced the infanticide. Anna’s friend, Catherine Walsh, testified “It was not a monster, that child, it was a beautiful baby”. Yet on Nov. 17, Allen Bollinger, to his mother’s undying grief, and to Chicago’s shame, died as the result of treatment denial. [3]
On the day of Allen Bollinger’s death, the Chicago Tribune newspaper printed the following: “A pink bit of humanity lay upon the white cloth.
Its blue eyes were wide open. Its hair was brown and silky, it dug at its face with little fists. It cried lustily as it drew up chubby legs and kicked out. It seemed quite vigorously informed with life.” [4]
References
[1] Pernick, Martin S, The Black Stork: Eugenics and the Death of “Defective” Babies in American Medicine and Motion Pictures since 1915.
New York: Oxford University Press, 1996, p3.
[2] Chicago Tribune, 11/17/15
[3] Chicago Daily News, 11/17/15
[4] Chicago Tribune, 11/17/15
Disability History Conservators
Our Lives, Our History: They Matter!
This case is one of the stories in the media last year that inspired FRIDA members to start thinking we needed a women's group to respond to stories like this. Read on. Get pissed off. Join FRIDA. (Next meeting is December 18, 2 to 4 pm at Access Living.)
Former suburban nursing home worker pleads guilty in patient's rape
Thu Nov 16, 2006 9:03 am (PST)
WHEATON, Ill. -- A former suburban Chicago nursing home worker chargedwith raping a profoundly brain-damaged resident who later gave birth changed his plea to guilty Wednesday in DuPage County Circuit Court. Authorities said Reynaldo Brucal Jr., 19, of Schaumburg, raped the23-year-old woman, who suffers from cerebral palsy, at the AldenVillage Health Facility for Children and Young Adults in Bloomingdaleearly last year. In accepting the guilty plea to a count of aggravated criminal sexualassault, Circuit Judge George Bakalis said Brucal faces a sentenceranging from 6 to 30 years in prison. Bakalis set a presentencing hearing for Dec. 13, at which time he saidhe would set a sentencing date for sometime in January.The baby's mother, who cannot walk or talk, and her twin sister hadlived at Alden Village since they were 10 but were removed from thefacility when the pregnancy was discovered, five weeks before the babywas born.Bloomingdale police took DNA samples from all the male workers at thenursing home and matched Brucal's to the infant, who was delivered byemergency Caesarean section on July 20, 2005.Brucal, a nurse's aide, worked at Alden Village from September 2004until his arrest Nov. 1, 2005."What I find especially disturbing ... is that he sexually assaulted aseverely handicapped woman who was unable to fight back or to evencommunicate to others what had happened," DuPage County State'sAttorney Joseph E. Birkett said in a statement.The Illinois Department of Public Health fined Alden Village $10,000for lacking oversight and mishandling its investigation of the incident.State officials said the facility failed to conduct a completeinvestigation into the alleged assault, and treated the swelling ofthe woman's abdomen as constipation despite nursing staff reports thatsaid she showed signs of pregnancy.As a result, the woman didn't receive prenatal care and tookanti-convulsive medication until she was seven months pregnant, theagency said.The victim's mother now has custody of the baby, and filed a lawsuitlast year in Cook County against the facility, the management company,her daughter's doctor and Brucal.Copyright © 2006, The Associated Press
Teen admits raping patient - Ex-aide pleads guilty in assault ondisabled womanNovember 16, 2006A former nurse's aide for a Bloomingdale nursing home pleaded guiltyWednesday to raping a profoundly brain-damaged resident who later gavebirth to a daughter.Reynaldo Brucal, 19, faces 6 to 30 years in prison at sentencing forassaulting the 23-year-old woman, who suffers from cerebral palsy andcannot walk or communicate. She was 7 months' pregnant before staffersat the Alden Village Health Facility for Children and Young Adultsnoticed in June 2005. Police were called after doctors confirmed the pregnancy. Her baby was delivered by emergency Caesarean section in July 2005. DNA tests were ordered for all male staff members of the facility andthe results indicated Brucal was a one-in-356 million match to thechild, said DuPage Assistant State's Atty. Robert Berlin. When police confronted Brucal, he initially denied any sexual contact. In November 2005, he confessed, claiming that a latex hospital glovehe improvised as a condom failed, Berlin said. Brucal pleaded guilty Wednesday to aggravated criminal sexual assault. DuPage County Judge George Bakalis told Brucal, who is Filipino, "I can assure you that after any jail sentence you will be deported."Brucal, a Schaumburg resident, is being held without bond as he awaitssentencing. Bakalis will set the sentencing date Dec. 13, when apresentencing report is due.Brucal never looked toward his parents or the victim's family onWednesday as he answered Bakalis' routine questions. The woman, who is now living in another nursing home with her similarly disabled twinsister, was not present."We're glad he might get his due," said her grandmother, JoElla Gerdes.Looking at photographs of her granddaughter sitting in a wheelchairwith her infant on her lap, Gerdes said: "There's no communication between the two. And my granddaughter just wonders what is this lump on her lap."The victim's mother, Cheryl Hale-Crom, is raising the 16-month-oldchild. Gerdes said her family remains concerned about the child's slow development, saying she has had seizures.The Illinois Department of Public Health fined Alden $10,000 for lackof oversight and mishandling its investigation of the incident. The family has filed a civil lawsuit against the facility.DuPage County State's Atty. Joseph Birkett said Brucal "was entrustedwith [the patient's] care. He betrayed that trust by raping her. It isespecially disturbing that he sexually assaulted a severelyhandicapped woman who was unable to fight back or even communicate toothers what had happened."abarnum@tribune.comCopyright © 2006, Chicago Tribune
Former suburban nursing home worker pleads guilty in patient's rape
Thu Nov 16, 2006 9:03 am (PST)
WHEATON, Ill. -- A former suburban Chicago nursing home worker chargedwith raping a profoundly brain-damaged resident who later gave birth changed his plea to guilty Wednesday in DuPage County Circuit Court. Authorities said Reynaldo Brucal Jr., 19, of Schaumburg, raped the23-year-old woman, who suffers from cerebral palsy, at the AldenVillage Health Facility for Children and Young Adults in Bloomingdaleearly last year. In accepting the guilty plea to a count of aggravated criminal sexualassault, Circuit Judge George Bakalis said Brucal faces a sentenceranging from 6 to 30 years in prison. Bakalis set a presentencing hearing for Dec. 13, at which time he saidhe would set a sentencing date for sometime in January.The baby's mother, who cannot walk or talk, and her twin sister hadlived at Alden Village since they were 10 but were removed from thefacility when the pregnancy was discovered, five weeks before the babywas born.Bloomingdale police took DNA samples from all the male workers at thenursing home and matched Brucal's to the infant, who was delivered byemergency Caesarean section on July 20, 2005.Brucal, a nurse's aide, worked at Alden Village from September 2004until his arrest Nov. 1, 2005."What I find especially disturbing ... is that he sexually assaulted aseverely handicapped woman who was unable to fight back or to evencommunicate to others what had happened," DuPage County State'sAttorney Joseph E. Birkett said in a statement.The Illinois Department of Public Health fined Alden Village $10,000for lacking oversight and mishandling its investigation of the incident.State officials said the facility failed to conduct a completeinvestigation into the alleged assault, and treated the swelling ofthe woman's abdomen as constipation despite nursing staff reports thatsaid she showed signs of pregnancy.As a result, the woman didn't receive prenatal care and tookanti-convulsive medication until she was seven months pregnant, theagency said.The victim's mother now has custody of the baby, and filed a lawsuitlast year in Cook County against the facility, the management company,her daughter's doctor and Brucal.Copyright © 2006, The Associated Press
Teen admits raping patient - Ex-aide pleads guilty in assault ondisabled womanNovember 16, 2006A former nurse's aide for a Bloomingdale nursing home pleaded guiltyWednesday to raping a profoundly brain-damaged resident who later gavebirth to a daughter.Reynaldo Brucal, 19, faces 6 to 30 years in prison at sentencing forassaulting the 23-year-old woman, who suffers from cerebral palsy andcannot walk or communicate. She was 7 months' pregnant before staffersat the Alden Village Health Facility for Children and Young Adultsnoticed in June 2005. Police were called after doctors confirmed the pregnancy. Her baby was delivered by emergency Caesarean section in July 2005. DNA tests were ordered for all male staff members of the facility andthe results indicated Brucal was a one-in-356 million match to thechild, said DuPage Assistant State's Atty. Robert Berlin. When police confronted Brucal, he initially denied any sexual contact. In November 2005, he confessed, claiming that a latex hospital glovehe improvised as a condom failed, Berlin said. Brucal pleaded guilty Wednesday to aggravated criminal sexual assault. DuPage County Judge George Bakalis told Brucal, who is Filipino, "I can assure you that after any jail sentence you will be deported."Brucal, a Schaumburg resident, is being held without bond as he awaitssentencing. Bakalis will set the sentencing date Dec. 13, when apresentencing report is due.Brucal never looked toward his parents or the victim's family onWednesday as he answered Bakalis' routine questions. The woman, who is now living in another nursing home with her similarly disabled twinsister, was not present."We're glad he might get his due," said her grandmother, JoElla Gerdes.Looking at photographs of her granddaughter sitting in a wheelchairwith her infant on her lap, Gerdes said: "There's no communication between the two. And my granddaughter just wonders what is this lump on her lap."The victim's mother, Cheryl Hale-Crom, is raising the 16-month-oldchild. Gerdes said her family remains concerned about the child's slow development, saying she has had seizures.The Illinois Department of Public Health fined Alden $10,000 for lackof oversight and mishandling its investigation of the incident. The family has filed a civil lawsuit against the facility.DuPage County State's Atty. Joseph Birkett said Brucal "was entrustedwith [the patient's] care. He betrayed that trust by raping her. It isespecially disturbing that he sexually assaulted a severelyhandicapped woman who was unable to fight back or even communicate toothers what had happened."abarnum@tribune.comCopyright © 2006, Chicago Tribune
Monday, November 13, 2006
Study Finds Discrimination Against Disabled Patients (women)
Multiple Medical Problems Make Breast Cancer Treatments Harder forSome
By MARISSA WEISS,
M.D.Nov.6, 2006- Audrey Robinson, now in her 50s, was a 10-year stroke survivorwhen she was diagnosed with early stage breast cancer. The stroke left Robinson visibly disabled. One side of her body is entirelylimp and motionless. Robinson walks with a complex cane, and uses herworking arm and leg to drag and support her weak side. Although Robinson's disability made her a veteran of the health care system,she was unprepared for the way the breast cancer surgeon treated her. She waited more than four hours to enter an examination room.But even when the doctor did arrive, he didn't treat Robinson with therespect she might have expected. "After making us wait. the door swung open, the doctor swooped in andproceeded to make me feel worthless," Robinson says. "No apologies weremade. He was abrupt, impatient, and never looked me in the eyes. I could'vebeen there with horns on my head and he wouldn't have noticed."I'm not the kind to speak up but I did," she says.Her story came as a real surprise to me - I happen to know the offendingsurgeon and have always known him to be caring and respectful. But, as a newstudy suggests, the surgeon's poor manners might have been related toRobinson's disability. Women with early stage breast cancer who are also disabled are less likelyto be offered today's best treatment options, according to researchpublished in today's Annals of Internal Medicine.For example, lumpectomy (removal of the breast cancer) followed by radiationof the rest of the breast is just as effective a treatment as mastectomy(removal of the whole breast). And a woman who undergoes lumpectomy doesn'tnecessarily lose her breast the way she would from a mastectomy. But women with disabilities were 20 percent less likely to be offeredbreast-saving treatment, according to the study. And the disabled women whounderwent lumpectomy were about 20 percent less likely to be given necessaryradiation after lumpectomy. Every woman's life is precious and deserves the best care possible. So, whydoes this happen? Unfortunately, the research is somewhat true. Patients with multiple medicalissues need a lot of attention in the doctor's office, and doctors tend tobe impatient. It turns out that many complex factors influence these health caredecisions. * Related: www.breastcancer.org<http://abcnews.go.com/Health/www.breastcancer.org> * Related: Health Problem? <http://abcnews.go.com/US/story?id=2619668>Concern? Ask Us
Women who are disabled tend to have limited financial resources, insurancecoverage, social networks, transportation options and back-up plans. Adisabled patient may have nowhere to turn in case of bad weather, a brokenwheelchair or a no-show transport team. Disabled patients also tend to have other medical problems and emotionalchallenges that can be almost as threatening and all-consuming as theirbreast cancer. For example, dialysis patients have to juggle hours ofdialysis treatment with their daily radiation therapies.Many of these challenges can make the logistical demands of regulartreatments hard to meet. So what can a woman do?Each woman who faces breast cancer - fully able or disabled - needs to workcarefully with her doctor to figure out her best treatment options againstbreast cancer. While weighing the pros and cons of any treatment option, ask your doctorabout other medical issues.You, as a patient, own your choice. Any given treatment decision may requirespecial arrangements - assisted transportation, coordination with othertherapies like dialysis, etc. It may help to ask for a social serviceconsultation, to find out all of the resources that are available to you. Dr. Marisa Weiss is president and founder of www.breastcancer.org
Multiple Medical Problems Make Breast Cancer Treatments Harder forSome
By MARISSA WEISS,
M.D.Nov.6, 2006- Audrey Robinson, now in her 50s, was a 10-year stroke survivorwhen she was diagnosed with early stage breast cancer. The stroke left Robinson visibly disabled. One side of her body is entirelylimp and motionless. Robinson walks with a complex cane, and uses herworking arm and leg to drag and support her weak side. Although Robinson's disability made her a veteran of the health care system,she was unprepared for the way the breast cancer surgeon treated her. She waited more than four hours to enter an examination room.But even when the doctor did arrive, he didn't treat Robinson with therespect she might have expected. "After making us wait. the door swung open, the doctor swooped in andproceeded to make me feel worthless," Robinson says. "No apologies weremade. He was abrupt, impatient, and never looked me in the eyes. I could'vebeen there with horns on my head and he wouldn't have noticed."I'm not the kind to speak up but I did," she says.Her story came as a real surprise to me - I happen to know the offendingsurgeon and have always known him to be caring and respectful. But, as a newstudy suggests, the surgeon's poor manners might have been related toRobinson's disability. Women with early stage breast cancer who are also disabled are less likelyto be offered today's best treatment options, according to researchpublished in today's Annals of Internal Medicine.For example, lumpectomy (removal of the breast cancer) followed by radiationof the rest of the breast is just as effective a treatment as mastectomy(removal of the whole breast). And a woman who undergoes lumpectomy doesn'tnecessarily lose her breast the way she would from a mastectomy. But women with disabilities were 20 percent less likely to be offeredbreast-saving treatment, according to the study. And the disabled women whounderwent lumpectomy were about 20 percent less likely to be given necessaryradiation after lumpectomy. Every woman's life is precious and deserves the best care possible. So, whydoes this happen? Unfortunately, the research is somewhat true. Patients with multiple medicalissues need a lot of attention in the doctor's office, and doctors tend tobe impatient. It turns out that many complex factors influence these health caredecisions. * Related: www.breastcancer.org<http://abcnews.go.com/Health/www.breastcancer.org> * Related: Health Problem? <http://abcnews.go.com/US/story?id=2619668>Concern? Ask Us
Women who are disabled tend to have limited financial resources, insurancecoverage, social networks, transportation options and back-up plans. Adisabled patient may have nowhere to turn in case of bad weather, a brokenwheelchair or a no-show transport team. Disabled patients also tend to have other medical problems and emotionalchallenges that can be almost as threatening and all-consuming as theirbreast cancer. For example, dialysis patients have to juggle hours ofdialysis treatment with their daily radiation therapies.Many of these challenges can make the logistical demands of regulartreatments hard to meet. So what can a woman do?Each woman who faces breast cancer - fully able or disabled - needs to workcarefully with her doctor to figure out her best treatment options againstbreast cancer. While weighing the pros and cons of any treatment option, ask your doctorabout other medical issues.You, as a patient, own your choice. Any given treatment decision may requirespecial arrangements - assisted transportation, coordination with othertherapies like dialysis, etc. It may help to ask for a social serviceconsultation, to find out all of the resources that are available to you. Dr. Marisa Weiss is president and founder of www.breastcancer.org
Monday, October 09, 2006
The wrong diagnosis, the wrong operation, the wrong medication (or the right medication, in the wrong dose) - preventable medical errors kill an estimated 100,000 Americans each year. It's the eighth leading cause of death in this country!
Two million of us pick up infections each year at the hospitals that are supposed to make us well. Some 90,000 die from those infections. Many more suffer needlessly, are injured or worse.
Research has found that Americans today have a 50/50 chance of getting the right care at the right time. That's no better than a toss of a coin. And for women and people of color, the chance of getting poor care is even greater.
http://www.qualitycarenow.org/
Two million of us pick up infections each year at the hospitals that are supposed to make us well. Some 90,000 die from those infections. Many more suffer needlessly, are injured or worse.
Research has found that Americans today have a 50/50 chance of getting the right care at the right time. That's no better than a toss of a coin. And for women and people of color, the chance of getting poor care is even greater.
http://www.qualitycarenow.org/
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
In case you didn't catch it earlier, the following story was posted about a month ago about disability reproductive rights. Anyone got follow-up? Please contact us.
August 24, 2006
NEW YORK — C-FAM) The government of Nicaragua led a charge of 23 nations at UN headquarters this week objecting to the inclusion of "sexual and reproductive health services" in what will become a treaty on the rights of the disabled. Nicaragua's UN Ambassador objected to the phrase because he said it was vague and undefined. He also called the phrase too controversial to include in the document.
Negotiators are meeting in New York for what they hope will be the final two weeks of a multi-year negotiation that will lead to a hard-law treaty protecting the rights of the disabled. Following Nicaragua's objection was a wide range of governments including United States, Honduras, Egypt, Costa Rica, Bangladesh, Tanzania, Tunisia, Qatar, Kenya, and the Philippines. In a move that surprised everyone in the room even usually liberal Norway joined in the objection to including "sexual and reproductive health services" into the document.
The controversial nature of the phrase is that though the UN has never defined the phrase, it has been used by radical non-governmental organizations and by some UN committees to get governments to legalize abortion. "Reproductive health" has only ever been defined once as including abortion and that was in the non-binding document produced by the Cairo Conference on Population and Development. It has never been defined in a hard-law treaty which would be binding on nations that ratify.
Despite the overwhelming opposition, the committee chair, Ambassador Donald McKay of New Zealand, insisted that nations continue to negotiate the matter. Peter Smith, UN representative of the London based Society for the Protection of Unborn Children remarked "even the chairman seems to be negotiating.
" Traditionally in UN meetings if even a few countries object to certain language it is removed since the UN works by consensus. It was clear as the afternoon progressed that the chairman wanted to retain the controversial language even though so many countries objected. At one point he was even admonished by the Egyptian delegate for not remaining impartial.
A number of governments spoke in favor of the language, including the European Union, Canada, Peru, Cuba, and Brazil.
Another surprising development at this negotiation was the active participation of non-governmental organizations in the actual governmental negotiation. Traditionally, NGOs are allowed into the room and are allowed to press their case with delegates between sessions. In this meeting, however, the chairman is allowing NGOs to speak during negotiations on the specific paragraph being negotiated, just like governments.
The other controversial language the negotiators have to decide by the end of next week is whether the disabled have to the right to "experience their sexuality." Though one knows what this phrase really means, it is being supported by the European Union and other liberal governments. In negotiations Thursday afternoon, 21 countries objected to this phrase.
It is likely that the debate on these phrases will continue into next week and will likely not be decided until the wee hours on the final day.
Copyright 2006 - C-FAM (Catholic Family & Human Rights Institute).
Permission granted for unlimited use. Credit required.
August 24, 2006
NEW YORK — C-FAM) The government of Nicaragua led a charge of 23 nations at UN headquarters this week objecting to the inclusion of "sexual and reproductive health services" in what will become a treaty on the rights of the disabled. Nicaragua's UN Ambassador objected to the phrase because he said it was vague and undefined. He also called the phrase too controversial to include in the document.
Negotiators are meeting in New York for what they hope will be the final two weeks of a multi-year negotiation that will lead to a hard-law treaty protecting the rights of the disabled. Following Nicaragua's objection was a wide range of governments including United States, Honduras, Egypt, Costa Rica, Bangladesh, Tanzania, Tunisia, Qatar, Kenya, and the Philippines. In a move that surprised everyone in the room even usually liberal Norway joined in the objection to including "sexual and reproductive health services" into the document.
The controversial nature of the phrase is that though the UN has never defined the phrase, it has been used by radical non-governmental organizations and by some UN committees to get governments to legalize abortion. "Reproductive health" has only ever been defined once as including abortion and that was in the non-binding document produced by the Cairo Conference on Population and Development. It has never been defined in a hard-law treaty which would be binding on nations that ratify.
Despite the overwhelming opposition, the committee chair, Ambassador Donald McKay of New Zealand, insisted that nations continue to negotiate the matter. Peter Smith, UN representative of the London based Society for the Protection of Unborn Children remarked "even the chairman seems to be negotiating.
" Traditionally in UN meetings if even a few countries object to certain language it is removed since the UN works by consensus. It was clear as the afternoon progressed that the chairman wanted to retain the controversial language even though so many countries objected. At one point he was even admonished by the Egyptian delegate for not remaining impartial.
A number of governments spoke in favor of the language, including the European Union, Canada, Peru, Cuba, and Brazil.
Another surprising development at this negotiation was the active participation of non-governmental organizations in the actual governmental negotiation. Traditionally, NGOs are allowed into the room and are allowed to press their case with delegates between sessions. In this meeting, however, the chairman is allowing NGOs to speak during negotiations on the specific paragraph being negotiated, just like governments.
The other controversial language the negotiators have to decide by the end of next week is whether the disabled have to the right to "experience their sexuality." Though one knows what this phrase really means, it is being supported by the European Union and other liberal governments. In negotiations Thursday afternoon, 21 countries objected to this phrase.
It is likely that the debate on these phrases will continue into next week and will likely not be decided until the wee hours on the final day.
Copyright 2006 - C-FAM (Catholic Family & Human Rights Institute).
Permission granted for unlimited use. Credit required.
Tuesday, September 26, 2006
You gotta get girls with disabilities started early on understanding themselves and their rights. Check out the workshop posting below. How fabulous can this get? This training will be run by two FRIDA members. Get in touch with them ASAP if you're interested because they've been getting calls from around the world about this. It doesn't matter if you're from Smalltown USA or outside the US though. Just call these guys today to see what's up.WORKSHOP ALERT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Between Me You and Liberation:
Starting a Group for Girls with Disabilities
The creators of a groundbreaking program for girls with disabilities are hosting a 3-day intensive national workshop for women interested in learning more about how to build a gender-conscious, disability proud, safe space for girls.
This very interactive workshop will take you through everything you need to think about to start your own group for girls with disabilities including:
-recruitment
-curriculum development
-group dynamics
-capacity building
-and more!
When: May 2007 (exact days to be announced)
Where: Access Living of Metropolitan Chicago
(one of the country's best known Centers for Independent Living)
Cost: FREE ($500 stipend available to help you cover costs of attending)
Only 12 participants accepted.
It will be designed and facilitated by the co-coordinators of the Empowered Fe Fes (Fe Fes is slang for female), an ongoing group for girls with disabilities since 1999. The Fe Fes are best known for their award-winning movies about disability identity, bullying, and sexuality.
Are you interested?
call Susan Nussbaum or Ana Mercado
Voice: 1-800-613-8549
TTY: 1-888-253-7003
or email:
snussbaum@accessliving.org
amercado@accessliving.org
Between Me You and Liberation:
Starting a Group for Girls with Disabilities
The creators of a groundbreaking program for girls with disabilities are hosting a 3-day intensive national workshop for women interested in learning more about how to build a gender-conscious, disability proud, safe space for girls.
This very interactive workshop will take you through everything you need to think about to start your own group for girls with disabilities including:
-recruitment
-curriculum development
-group dynamics
-capacity building
-and more!
When: May 2007 (exact days to be announced)
Where: Access Living of Metropolitan Chicago
(one of the country's best known Centers for Independent Living)
Cost: FREE ($500 stipend available to help you cover costs of attending)
Only 12 participants accepted.
It will be designed and facilitated by the co-coordinators of the Empowered Fe Fes (Fe Fes is slang for female), an ongoing group for girls with disabilities since 1999. The Fe Fes are best known for their award-winning movies about disability identity, bullying, and sexuality.
Are you interested?
call Susan Nussbaum or Ana Mercado
Voice: 1-800-613-8549
TTY: 1-888-253-7003
or email:
snussbaum@accessliving.org
amercado@accessliving.org
Monday, September 25, 2006
I'd rather go to jail than die in a nursing home, because in jail at least you'd get some pads! Mary in Chicago let us know that she visited THREE bathrooms in the Chicago jail at 26th and California, and each one had a nice big box of pads. So women in real jails get this, and women in jails masquerading as "nursing homes" and "institutions" get...what? Talk about oppression! Now see, we have nothing against individual workers, but we sure do have something against the people at the top who dictate how the system's run. You wanna know what the grassroots see? Check out this page of first-person testimony from ADAPT, collected earlier this year. It's gonna make you cry tears of rage, cause NOBODY deserves to be treated like this: http://www.adapt.org/freeourpeople/aar/nash06/transcript.htm.
In response to some questions about the Pad Patrol, FRIDA is fully aware that in cases where nursing homes or institutions fail to provide sanitary napkins as dictated by federal law, legal recourse is necessary in case where informal negotiation is not successful. We are in full agreement that systemic change is the only way to ensure long term justice. We do, however, feel that systemic change can be achieved on multiple levels. Some folks have asked whether, in distributing sanitary napkins and tampons to nursing homes, we would enable the nursing homes to continue evading the law. Our viewpoint is as follows...
First, in conducting outreach for a pad drive (which has reached as far as Australia) we are exposing a problem in a system, a problem that many feel a personal connection to. Anyone would be shocked by the idea that someone would have to blow their whole allowance on sanitary napkins or else sit in a crust of their own blood. Add to that the fact that showers are often regulated and you must bathe on a schedule. Sometimes, by relating to something so graphically everyday, we can push awareness of the problem to a critical mass of public opinion.
Second, the larger problem beyond the lack of sanitary napkins and the suppression of periods is the entire system of nursing homes and institutions in which so many people with disabilities become trapped. While the average person will be shocked by the pad issue, they will hopefully also learn a little to care about the wider problems of institutionalization. FRIDA feels, as does ADAPT and many other groups, that we would much prefer to live in our own homes with community supports for our needs, rather than in nursing homes, institutions or group homes.
In the end, we see that a feminist issue is really a human issue.
Third, and maybe most pragmatically, the woman who is having her period in 3 days cannot wait for a lawsuit to be settled in five years. There is a final question which FRIDA needs to answer to the public, and that is whether this problem really exists, and whether there are women who are willing to speak out about this issue. There are in fact such women but at this time their identities are protected by confidentiality.
FRIDA is working to identify women who are willing to speak out. If you or someone you know is willing to testify and let people know what's really going on with women's rights in nursing homes and institutions, get in touch with Monica at (312) 253-7000.
First, in conducting outreach for a pad drive (which has reached as far as Australia) we are exposing a problem in a system, a problem that many feel a personal connection to. Anyone would be shocked by the idea that someone would have to blow their whole allowance on sanitary napkins or else sit in a crust of their own blood. Add to that the fact that showers are often regulated and you must bathe on a schedule. Sometimes, by relating to something so graphically everyday, we can push awareness of the problem to a critical mass of public opinion.
Second, the larger problem beyond the lack of sanitary napkins and the suppression of periods is the entire system of nursing homes and institutions in which so many people with disabilities become trapped. While the average person will be shocked by the pad issue, they will hopefully also learn a little to care about the wider problems of institutionalization. FRIDA feels, as does ADAPT and many other groups, that we would much prefer to live in our own homes with community supports for our needs, rather than in nursing homes, institutions or group homes.
In the end, we see that a feminist issue is really a human issue.
Third, and maybe most pragmatically, the woman who is having her period in 3 days cannot wait for a lawsuit to be settled in five years. There is a final question which FRIDA needs to answer to the public, and that is whether this problem really exists, and whether there are women who are willing to speak out about this issue. There are in fact such women but at this time their identities are protected by confidentiality.
FRIDA is working to identify women who are willing to speak out. If you or someone you know is willing to testify and let people know what's really going on with women's rights in nursing homes and institutions, get in touch with Monica at (312) 253-7000.
So, what's the deal with Open Wide and the Pad Patrol? FRIDA has two new campaigns being initiated in this very busy month of September. The first, Open Wide, is a campaign to survey and increase the accessibility of hospitals in the Chicago area. That includes physical building accessibility but also covers the accessibility of diagnostic equipment and the accessibility of services provided. The second campaign, the Pad Patrol, addresses the underground problem of women in nursing homes and institutions being forced to pay for sanitary napkins out of their SSI money (they only get a $30 allowance each month). In addition, the Pad Patrol seeks to bring to light the fact that many women with disabilities are still being sterilized or put on a birth control program without their full consent, so as to lessen or eliminate their periods. They are being denied their right to choose how to manage their menstrual cycles. The Pad Patrol is initiating a drive to collect the stories of these women and to collect pads and tampons to distribute to women with disabilities in need of them. If you would like to donate some pads or tampons, please send them to FRIDA c/o Sarah Triano, 614 W. Roosevelt Road, Chicago IL 60607. FRIDA can also take checks or cash to pay for these items; checks should be made out to FRIDA with a note for "pads and tampons". Smile. Thanks for listening out there.
Womyn around the world, many apologies for the lack of regular updates this year. Many thanks to FRIDA members who have been posting stuff in the name of getting info out there to womyn who need it! Everybody's incredibly busy so any time anyone has to give to FRIDA is very precious. Thank you. I want to make sure that people know that our very next FRIDA meeting is on Tuesday, October 17 from 2:30 to 4:30 pm at Access Living, 614 W. Roosevelt Road in Chicago. For newbies, our meetings are just once a month, but our committees are on a separate schedule. For accommodation needs, please contact Sharon at slamp1@uic.edu because a) you need the accommodation and b) she's fabulous. For general info about FRIDA, try calling Monica at (312) 253-7000 during work hours.
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
Local Medical Practice Discriminates Against More Deaf Patients
After Lawsuit Filed, More Patients Complain
Denver
- Today the Center for Rights of Parents with Disabilities at theColorado Cross-Disability Coalition ("CRPD"), filed an amended lawsuit inthe federal district court of Colorado against a Lakewood medical practiceon behalf of CRPD and several members. The suit alleges Cohen & Womack,M.D., P.C., doing business as Red Rocks OB-GYN, refuses to provide signlanguage interpreters for deaf patients.Annette Guerrero is a Red Rock OB-GYN patient who is deaf. Ms. Guerrero and her husband, who is also deaf, went through her entire pregnancy without knowing simple facts about the progress of her pregnancy. She never knew her weight or the size of her baby. When she was diagnosed with gestational diabetes, the doctors and sta ff were unable to explain how she was to manage her condition."After we filed the first complaint, Dr. Cohen was reported to claim thelawsuit was based upon a miscommunication," said Carrie Ann Lucas, thedirector of the CRPD and lead counsel in the case. "It's certainly amiscommunication - an intentional miscommunication caused when Red Rocks OB-GYN refused to provide sign language interpreters for its patients. ""It's shocking that Red Rocks OB-GYN provides Spanish interpreters to ensureSpanish speaking clients have effective communication, but that they don'tdo the same for Deaf patients," said Jennifer Pfau, one of the plaintiffs inthe case. "It's not simply shocking, it's shameful," she said.The ADA requires health care providers to ensure effective communicationwith patients through the provision of interpreters, assistive technology,and other auxiliary aids and servicesThe plaintiffs ask the Court to order the medical practice to provide signlanguage interpreters to deaf patients to ensure that they understandmedical communications. The complaint also requests damages for theplaintiffs. The CRPD combats discrimination that affects parents with disabilities.The Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition is Colorado's largest state-widecross-disability organization and has several thousand members acrossColorado.A copy of the amended complaint can be found athttp://ccdconline.org/legal /cohen_womack
After Lawsuit Filed, More Patients Complain
Denver
- Today the Center for Rights of Parents with Disabilities at theColorado Cross-Disability Coalition ("CRPD"), filed an amended lawsuit inthe federal district court of Colorado against a Lakewood medical practiceon behalf of CRPD and several members. The suit alleges Cohen & Womack,M.D., P.C., doing business as Red Rocks OB-GYN, refuses to provide signlanguage interpreters for deaf patients.Annette Guerrero is a Red Rock OB-GYN patient who is deaf. Ms. Guerrero and her husband, who is also deaf, went through her entire pregnancy without knowing simple facts about the progress of her pregnancy. She never knew her weight or the size of her baby. When she was diagnosed with gestational diabetes, the doctors and sta ff were unable to explain how she was to manage her condition."After we filed the first complaint, Dr. Cohen was reported to claim thelawsuit was based upon a miscommunication," said Carrie Ann Lucas, thedirector of the CRPD and lead counsel in the case. "It's certainly amiscommunication - an intentional miscommunication caused when Red Rocks OB-GYN refused to provide sign language interpreters for its patients. ""It's shocking that Red Rocks OB-GYN provides Spanish interpreters to ensureSpanish speaking clients have effective communication, but that they don'tdo the same for Deaf patients," said Jennifer Pfau, one of the plaintiffs inthe case. "It's not simply shocking, it's shameful," she said.The ADA requires health care providers to ensure effective communicationwith patients through the provision of interpreters, assistive technology,and other auxiliary aids and servicesThe plaintiffs ask the Court to order the medical practice to provide signlanguage interpreters to deaf patients to ensure that they understandmedical communications. The complaint also requests damages for theplaintiffs. The CRPD combats discrimination that affects parents with disabilities.The Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition is Colorado's largest state-widecross-disability organization and has several thousand members acrossColorado.A copy of the amended complaint can be found athttp://ccdconline.org/legal /cohen_womack
Tuesday, August 22, 2006
Are you a woman with a disability? Are you sick and tired of discrimination? Then Feminist Response in Disability Activism (FRIDA) is for you. FRIDA knows things aren’t right when:
Women with disabilities can’t get Pap smears because most doctors’ examining tables aren’t accessible
Women with disabilities get left on the curb by bus drivers who don’t want to stop for wheelchairs
Women with disabilities who live in nursing homes have to pay for pads and tampons out of the $30 left out of their SSI each month
Women with disabilities are given the wrong information by their doctors, sometimes resulting in catastrophic health situations
Women with disabilities who receive home services are sometimes told their children should be acting as their personal care assistants
Women of color with disabilities are treated like they are stupid and don’t know their rights
Women with disabilities are not provided with interpreters
Women with disabilities aren’t treated respectfully on paratransit
Women with hidden disabilities don’t get the respect they deserve
Women with disabilities go to jail because no one understands their disability
Women with disabilities don’t receive the proper medical care or accommodations in jail
Women with disabilities are considered not sexy and asexual
Women with disabilities have doctors who won’t listen to them
Women with disabilities aren’t told about birth control
Women with disabilities don’t know where to get help on sex issues
Women with disabilities don’t have access to diagnostic test equipment that fits them
Women with disabilities are easy victims for rape and domestic violence
Women with disabilities who need to exit a bus are forgotten by bus drivers, who say “Oops! I forgot you were there!”
Come to a FRIDA meeting and let’s do something about this! Bring your concerns for women with disabilities to our next meeting on Monday, August 21, from 2 to 4 pm at Access Living, 614 W. Roosevelt Road. An ASL interpreter will be present. For accommodations, please contact Sharon Lamp at slamp1@uic.edu. For more info about FRIDA, call Monica at (312) 253-7000 (v) or Amber at (312) 253-7029 (TTY) or asmock@accessliving.org.
Women with disabilities can’t get Pap smears because most doctors’ examining tables aren’t accessible
Women with disabilities get left on the curb by bus drivers who don’t want to stop for wheelchairs
Women with disabilities who live in nursing homes have to pay for pads and tampons out of the $30 left out of their SSI each month
Women with disabilities are given the wrong information by their doctors, sometimes resulting in catastrophic health situations
Women with disabilities who receive home services are sometimes told their children should be acting as their personal care assistants
Women of color with disabilities are treated like they are stupid and don’t know their rights
Women with disabilities are not provided with interpreters
Women with disabilities aren’t treated respectfully on paratransit
Women with hidden disabilities don’t get the respect they deserve
Women with disabilities go to jail because no one understands their disability
Women with disabilities don’t receive the proper medical care or accommodations in jail
Women with disabilities are considered not sexy and asexual
Women with disabilities have doctors who won’t listen to them
Women with disabilities aren’t told about birth control
Women with disabilities don’t know where to get help on sex issues
Women with disabilities don’t have access to diagnostic test equipment that fits them
Women with disabilities are easy victims for rape and domestic violence
Women with disabilities who need to exit a bus are forgotten by bus drivers, who say “Oops! I forgot you were there!”
Come to a FRIDA meeting and let’s do something about this! Bring your concerns for women with disabilities to our next meeting on Monday, August 21, from 2 to 4 pm at Access Living, 614 W. Roosevelt Road. An ASL interpreter will be present. For accommodations, please contact Sharon Lamp at slamp1@uic.edu. For more info about FRIDA, call Monica at (312) 253-7000 (v) or Amber at (312) 253-7029 (TTY) or asmock@accessliving.org.
Wednesday, April 05, 2006
`This was a tragic family situation'
Mom held in slaying of 34-year-old woman with cerebral palsyBy James Kimberly and Angela Rozas, Tribune staff reporters. Tribune staff reporter William Presecky and freelance reporter Rita Hoover contributed to this report
Published April 5, 2006
Kane County authorities Tuesday charged a St. Charles woman with the stabbing death of her disabled 34-year-old daughter, calling the incident that also involved their car plunging off an embankment a family tragedy.
First-degree murder charges were filed against Betty C. Whitten, 57, who was pulled from the mangled wreckage of the car Monday in downtown St. Charles along with the body of her eldest daughter, Nyakiambi Whitten.
The daughter, who was diagnosed with cerebral palsy and developmental disabilities at age 2, had been stabbed three times with a kitchen butcher knife in the family's home in the 42W500 block of Hawk Circle in unincorporated Kane County on Monday morning, Sheriff Kenneth Ramsey said.
Soon afterward, Betty Whitten crashed the family's 2002 Hyundai sedan through a guardrail near the Prairie Street Bridge. It flipped on its roof in Mt. St. Mary's Park along the Fox River. Police said they believe Nyakiambi Whitten was dead before she was put into the car.
Ramsey would not discuss a possible motive for the crime other than to say that Betty Whitten was under pressure from circumstances in her life and from caring for her disabled daughter.
To read more please see http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/southsouthwest/chi-0604050257apr05,1,528938.story.
`This was a tragic family situation'
Mom held in slaying of 34-year-old woman with cerebral palsyBy James Kimberly and Angela Rozas, Tribune staff reporters. Tribune staff reporter William Presecky and freelance reporter Rita Hoover contributed to this report
Published April 5, 2006
Kane County authorities Tuesday charged a St. Charles woman with the stabbing death of her disabled 34-year-old daughter, calling the incident that also involved their car plunging off an embankment a family tragedy.
First-degree murder charges were filed against Betty C. Whitten, 57, who was pulled from the mangled wreckage of the car Monday in downtown St. Charles along with the body of her eldest daughter, Nyakiambi Whitten.
The daughter, who was diagnosed with cerebral palsy and developmental disabilities at age 2, had been stabbed three times with a kitchen butcher knife in the family's home in the 42W500 block of Hawk Circle in unincorporated Kane County on Monday morning, Sheriff Kenneth Ramsey said.
Soon afterward, Betty Whitten crashed the family's 2002 Hyundai sedan through a guardrail near the Prairie Street Bridge. It flipped on its roof in Mt. St. Mary's Park along the Fox River. Police said they believe Nyakiambi Whitten was dead before she was put into the car.
Ramsey would not discuss a possible motive for the crime other than to say that Betty Whitten was under pressure from circumstances in her life and from caring for her disabled daughter.
"Reviewing the totality of the circumstances, this was a tragic family situation," he said.
On Tuesday, Betty Whitten's husband, Earstin, 57, struggled to make sense of events, saying it is out of character for his wife. He has not talked to her since the crash, he said.
"There are different emotional stages in a person's life. Clearly ... something was not right," he said.
"I would like to know why this happened. I would like to see my wife get whatever assistance she needs to become whole."
Ramsey said Betty Whitten is "remorseful and emotional" and under suicide watch in the Kane County Jail, where she was being held in lieu of $2 million bail. She is scheduled to make her first court appearance Wednesday morning in Kane County court.
Earstin Whitten said his family had "normal issues" but no extraordinary problems. Nyakiambi, whose name means "first daughter" in Swahili, was "an innocent, loving, caring person," who was keenly perceptive, he said.
She was educated in special education programs in St. Charles schools and at Elgin Community College until she was 21. Her father said she loved music, eating at restaurants, and helping him in the vegetable garden and the kitchen, but she required care at all times. Cerebral palsy and vision problems made her prone to falling, so she needed help walking, he said.
"It is hard," Earstin Whitten said, his voice breaking. "I know how much she cared for me. She just enjoyed my company and the interaction. I would speak to her like she was an adult, and she enjoyed it."
Friends said Betty Whitten is a creative artist who enjoyed knitting and quiltmaking and was rarely seen out of the company of her daughter. She taught craft classes part time, her husband said.
"She certainly seemed like she had patience with her daughter whenever she came in here," said Annie Kordesh of the Fine Line Creative Arts Center in St. Charles, where Betty Whitten frequently attended classes in knitting and other crafts.
She also was active in her community, organizing a knit-a-thon at Pheasant Run Resort in St. Charles to benefit the Snug Hug for Kids clothing drive. The hats, mittens and scarves go to the Children's Home & Aid Society of Illinois.
"She never seemed out of sorts or expressed anything negative about her [daughter] or anything like that," Kordesh said.
Earstin Whitten said he learned of trouble in his home Monday morning from a frantic telephone call made by his 24-year-old daughter who was home with her mother and sister.
"She was in fear for her life when she ran from the house. She flagged down somebody and called from their cell phone," Whitten said. She also called police.
Sheriff's deputies responded to the 911 call and found blood at the home. By the time Earstin Whitten arrived from his job in Northbrook, police had cordoned off his house and refused to let him inside, he said.
While sheriff's police were at the well-kept raised ranch house in a cul-de-sac of similar homes on large lots, a St. Charles police officer happened upon the Whitten family car stopped on Prairie Street just west of the bridge over the Fox River.
The officer thought the car had stalled, police said. He turned on his emergency lights and tried to approach the driver, but Betty Whitten put her car into gear and sped off the side of Prairie Street, police said.
The officer radioed for help, and rescue workers took Betty Whitten and her daughter to Delnor-Community Hospital in Geneva.
Nyakiambi Whitten was pronounced dead in the hospital. An autopsy Monday determined she had died of stab wounds, but found no defensive or self-inflicted wounds on her body, said Kane County Coroner Charles West.
Her mother was released from the hospital Monday afternoon, a spokesman said.
----------
jkimberly@tribune.com
arozas@tribune.com
First-degree murder charges were filed against Betty C. Whitten, 57, who was pulled from the mangled wreckage of the car Monday in downtown St. Charles along with the body of her eldest daughter, Nyakiambi Whitten.
The daughter, who was diagnosed with cerebral palsy and developmental disabilities at age 2, had been stabbed three times with a kitchen butcher knife in the family's home in the 42W500 block of Hawk Circle in unincorporated Kane County on Monday morning, Sheriff Kenneth Ramsey said.
Soon afterward, Betty Whitten crashed the family's 2002 Hyundai sedan through a guardrail near the Prairie Street Bridge. It flipped on its roof in Mt. St. Mary's Park along the Fox River. Police said they believe Nyakiambi Whitten was dead before she was put into the car.
Ramsey would not discuss a possible motive for the crime other than to say that Betty Whitten was under pressure from circumstances in her life and from caring for her disabled daughter.
"Reviewing the totality of the circumstances, this was a tragic family situation," he said.
On Tuesday, Betty Whitten's husband, Earstin, 57, struggled to make sense of events, saying it is out of character for his wife. He has not talked to her since the crash, he said.
"There are different emotional stages in a person's life. Clearly ... something was not right," he said.
"I would like to know why this happened. I would like to see my wife get whatever assistance she needs to become whole."
Ramsey said Betty Whitten is "remorseful and emotional" and under suicide watch in the Kane County Jail, where she was being held in lieu of $2 million bail. She is scheduled to make her first court appearance Wednesday morning in Kane County court.
Earstin Whitten said his family had "normal issues" but no extraordinary problems. Nyakiambi, whose name means "first daughter" in Swahili, was "an innocent, loving, caring person," who was keenly perceptive, he said.
She was educated in special education programs in St. Charles schools and at Elgin Community College until she was 21. Her father said she loved music, eating at restaurants, and helping him in the vegetable garden and the kitchen, but she required care at all times. Cerebral palsy and vision problems made her prone to falling, so she needed help walking, he said.
"It is hard," Earstin Whitten said, his voice breaking. "I know how much she cared for me. She just enjoyed my company and the interaction. I would speak to her like she was an adult, and she enjoyed it."
Friends said Betty Whitten is a creative artist who enjoyed knitting and quiltmaking and was rarely seen out of the company of her daughter. She taught craft classes part time, her husband said.
"She certainly seemed like she had patience with her daughter whenever she came in here," said Annie Kordesh of the Fine Line Creative Arts Center in St. Charles, where Betty Whitten frequently attended classes in knitting and other crafts.
She also was active in her community, organizing a knit-a-thon at Pheasant Run Resort in St. Charles to benefit the Snug Hug for Kids clothing drive. The hats, mittens and scarves go to the Children's Home & Aid Society of Illinois.
"She never seemed out of sorts or expressed anything negative about her [daughter] or anything like that," Kordesh said.
Earstin Whitten said he learned of trouble in his home Monday morning from a frantic telephone call made by his 24-year-old daughter who was home with her mother and sister.
"She was in fear for her life when she ran from the house. She flagged down somebody and called from their cell phone," Whitten said. She also called police.
Sheriff's deputies responded to the 911 call and found blood at the home. By the time Earstin Whitten arrived from his job in Northbrook, police had cordoned off his house and refused to let him inside, he said.
While sheriff's police were at the well-kept raised ranch house in a cul-de-sac of similar homes on large lots, a St. Charles police officer happened upon the Whitten family car stopped on Prairie Street just west of the bridge over the Fox River.
The officer thought the car had stalled, police said. He turned on his emergency lights and tried to approach the driver, but Betty Whitten put her car into gear and sped off the side of Prairie Street, police said.
The officer radioed for help, and rescue workers took Betty Whitten and her daughter to Delnor-Community Hospital in Geneva.
Nyakiambi Whitten was pronounced dead in the hospital. An autopsy Monday determined she had died of stab wounds, but found no defensive or self-inflicted wounds on her body, said Kane County Coroner Charles West.
Her mother was released from the hospital Monday afternoon, a spokesman said.
----------
jkimberly@tribune.com
arozas@tribune.com
Copyright © 2006, Chicago Tribune
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
