In a complex case that has drawn the attention of the family of Terri Schiavo, a Vietnam veteran's wife claims a Catholic hospital has tried to end her husband's life by starving him to death, placing him under a "do-not-resuscitate" order and refusing to allow him to return home. Gary Harvey, 60, a Vietnam veteran, fell down a flight of stairs on Jan. 21, 2006 and suffered a traumatic brain injury that put him in a vegetative state. Gary, an only child who is estranged from his two adult children, did not have a living will.
His wife, Sara, had him placed in a nursing home so he would receive care while she returned to her full-time job.
When county authorities took guardianship, Sara was separated from any decision making process for her husband's health and medical welfare. Gary's father is deceased, and his elderly mother has not attempted to obtain guardianship. Sara has been trying to get the judge's guardianship decision overturned.
In a recent interview with WLEA's Kevin Doran, Sara said, "I simply want to bring my husband home so I can care for him for the remainder of his life."
The family of Terri Schiavo has announced its support for Sara. Mary Schindler and Schiavo's brother, Bobby Schindler, visited Gary at St. Joseph's Hospital in December and said they would offer Sara any support they could, the Elmira Star-Gazette reported.
"We're looking out for the best interest of Sara. She wants to bring her husband home," Bobby Schindler said. "She wants guardianship of her husband, and it doesn't make sense to us or her why she's being denied that right, and why they've taken away her visitation rights and won't allow her to visit her husband."
He added, "It's horrible how they're treating this woman when she simply wants to care for her husband."
Full Article and Source:
Woman Battles County for Husband's Life - Another Terri Schiavo? Hospital Refuses to Release Vietnam Veteran
11 comments:
So, let me get this straight. The GUARDIAN... the one who is to GUARD, to PROTECT, to look out for Gary's BEST INTEREST.. tried to starve him to death, to dehydrate Gary, to kill him!! Is that not murder to take one's life?? Now.. this Guardian is the County?? Why in God's name would this be permitted? What do you suppose this County is trying to hide?
One more thing.. a Catholic Hospital, a Priest, an Ethics Committee.. and they think all is OK???
My Bible says that life is God's decision. Has this Catholic Hospital & Company replaced our Lord and Savior??
I certainly hope they ALL get on there knees and BEG His forgiveness because, "Vengenance is Mine says the Lord." On Judgement Day we will ALL be accountable for our actions!
Great article!
Yes, a Catholic hospital - how about that?
What about the santacy of life? What about the santacy of marriage?
Or is that all just talk?
A terrible irony that Mr. Harvey remains under the control of the very people who tried to kill him.
Is the judge asleep?
Well said, Holly!
It's outrageous! How dare they do this to an innocent and helpless man and how dare they harass his wife. Have they no shame?
The hospital apparently is all about making money and big profit. Gary Harvey must have been an inconvenience.
I continue to be amazed that Sara Harvey won't give up. Good for her. He's HER husband. He doesn't belong to them. We're pulling for you, Sara.
How much is this happening in other states? I bet a lot. It's shameful. Every person who has participated in the torture of Gary Harvey will one day face their judgment.
Sounds like the money ran out. Review of cases shows a clear pattern of these legal criminals; exploit and plunder the elder's assets and soon thereafter, the patient dies. Medicare is not as 'profitable' for the facility and of course the legal criminals in the court are busy with new victims.
Holly, these legal criminals of the court are 'slick'. As a Registered Nurse from an outside agency, I'd be called in to care for geriatric patients. It was clear to me that 'wards' of the court/state in these facilities who had doctor's orders to keep 'abusive' family members or 'supervised visits' did seem sketchy. Had I been a full time provider, I'm certain I would have 'investigated'. It wasn't until my own loved one was victimized by this Guardianship racket and my seeking help from NASGA did I learn the truth. This racket is permeated in the entire family court system targeting vulnerable citizens (those that need protection from exploitation): children, elders and the disabled the 'abusive' family members. As a government employee, I was familar with state run facilities and substandard care of 'wards' which I blew the whistle on in 2003 but these LTC facilities were not state run. After investigations, I learned they are in partnership with state government through contracts and affiliations with gov't employees and officials. It is a deep pocketed racket with protected 'trappings of law and governance' to conceal 'dirty dealings' and target anyone who engages in exposing this permeated corruption. It is a National (as well as International) epidemic and disgrace.
This current economic crisis is both bitter and sweet as it has caused these legal criminals to step up their crimes in an attempt to maintain their lavish lifestyles and financial portfolios. We have many more victims with little to no opportunities to rebuild their lost wealth. The new Public Healthcare Plan provides ample loopholes for profiteering as substandard care for the masses. Interestingly enough, this public plan isn't good enough for our illustrious government Leadership and employees. LOL The public is waking up and joining the ranks of activism. The 'label' of whistleblower is no longer a 'dirty word'; rather, it has become a badge of honor.
CT Whistleblower #1137
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