Simply put, Monica Yepez wants answers.
She wants to know the details of what became of her dentistry practice after she was paralyzed. She wants an accounting of the sale of her $600,000 home in the Los Miradores neighborhood that went on the market while she was incapacitated. Now that she can speak again, she wants to know where her monthly $11,000 disability check is, and she wants to make sure no one is taking advantage of her.
Most of all, she wants to be in control of her life.
"I lost everything once," she said during a recent interview while sitting on a wheelchair. "Why take it away from me again? I'm not asking for miracles. Just give me what is mine."
Since June 2006, Yepez, who was a pediatric dentist for 13 years, has been a ward of the state. A medical procedure at Del Sol Medical Center in 2006 left her paralyzed. According to court records, she went to the hospital because she was dehydrated. Fluids that were supposed to help her instead caused her brain to swell, resulting in paraplegia.
Yepez lost not only her mobility but also her ability to speak.
For the past six months, Yepez's condition has been improving. She has regained the use of her hands, she can talk again and she can easily recall every detail of her life.
A year ago, she was not prepared to make decisions on her own. Now she is.
Full Article and Source:
Former dentist questions handling of estate
She wants to know the details of what became of her dentistry practice after she was paralyzed. She wants an accounting of the sale of her $600,000 home in the Los Miradores neighborhood that went on the market while she was incapacitated. Now that she can speak again, she wants to know where her monthly $11,000 disability check is, and she wants to make sure no one is taking advantage of her.
Most of all, she wants to be in control of her life.
"I lost everything once," she said during a recent interview while sitting on a wheelchair. "Why take it away from me again? I'm not asking for miracles. Just give me what is mine."
Since June 2006, Yepez, who was a pediatric dentist for 13 years, has been a ward of the state. A medical procedure at Del Sol Medical Center in 2006 left her paralyzed. According to court records, she went to the hospital because she was dehydrated. Fluids that were supposed to help her instead caused her brain to swell, resulting in paraplegia.
Yepez lost not only her mobility but also her ability to speak.
For the past six months, Yepez's condition has been improving. She has regained the use of her hands, she can talk again and she can easily recall every detail of her life.
A year ago, she was not prepared to make decisions on her own. Now she is.
Full Article and Source:
Former dentist questions handling of estate
Once you're a ward of the state, it's almost impossible to gain your capacity back --- until the funds are all gone of course.
ReplyDeleteYes, yes, yes! Monica Yepez deserves answers to all of her questions.
ReplyDeleteMs. Yepez is the guardianship systems worst nightmare. Why? She did not remain a ward of the state; she improved and now she wants out of the system and she is asking questions.
The guardianship system is in a corner now, they must answer and I bet they are scrambling now to figure out how to get out of this mess - good!
Thank God Ms. Yepez is doing well, that is the very best news.
I am also very grateful for the reporter who listened, who cared enough to pursue this story to expose the dirty secrets about what is going on in one case with court approval.
The truth is this is an example of one story that could be applied to all 50 states, in every county and I hope and pray more and more dedicated reporters follow up on cases that must be exposed.
Thank you NASGA.
They certainly don't count on a person being able to regain strength and a voice.
ReplyDeleteGo get 'em, Monica Yepez!
Congratulations on your remarkable recovery, Ms. Yepez.
ReplyDeleteI hope you get your life and assets back.
Guardians are like hookworms - once they get a hold, they hold on with everything they've got.
See what can happen in the blink of an eye?
ReplyDeletePeople think it won't happen to them, but it does -- and everything a person works a lifetime to attain is gone.
Monica Yepez was taken advantage of by the guardianship.
And now, can she recover her life?
I doubt it.
I hope she turns into an advocate though. We could use someone with her spunk and spirit.
Wow! A real double whammy!
ReplyDeleteFirst, she's a victim of medical malpractice; then she's a victim of the sick guardianship system!
Hope she gets repaid - well and quickly!
I agree, Monica Yepez has survived against all odds and is truly remarkable.
ReplyDeleteShe wants answers -- she deserves them. Just like all guardianship victims.
Go girl!
ReplyDeleteA double whammy indeed!
ReplyDeleteShe's a true survivor and I wish her luck. I have a feeling she won't give up until she gets justice!
Maybe the vultures will need to answer for their deeds.
ReplyDeleteThe same thing is happening to my mother Mary Lou Shaw in El Paso Texas. The same court of Judge Eduardo Gamboa. Gamboa has appointd Karen Carson an accountant to audit Monica Yepez's estate,the same accountant who took advantage of my mother's assests'. Why her?
ReplyDeleteWhen is this going to stop?
Why do they let this continue?
My mother is still being victimized by this court system.
I was refused to be heard by Judge Gamboa because I did not have the funds to hire an attorney. Is this justice? Monica Yepez, please keep fighting for the rest of us. Don't trust Karen Carson, don't trust whom Judge Gamboa appoints. Look what happened to my mother. On her birthday, they had an estate sale and sold all her belonings in her house. They sold my deceased sister's belongings (things that can not be replaced) as well as some of my clothing and the grandchildrens' christmas gifts. Please help stop this elderly financial abuse NOW!
The daughter of Mary Lou Shaw
of El Paso Texas
Teresa Shaw