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NRL News
Terri’s Family and Her Foundation Continue the
Fight against Euthanasia It has been two and a half years since the death of Terri Schindler Schiavo in what was one of the grossest violations of human rights ever perpetrated in our nation. We watched with horror as her family tried desperately to save her life, only to be turned away by the courts, betrayed by judges, and targeted by well-funded proponents of euthanasia. We would have understood if, after her tragic death, her family had chosen to wrap themselves in their grief and retreat from the issue. But that’s just not how this family works. Awakened to the horrific realities of euthanasia, they have dedicated their lives to fighting the evil that robbed them of their daughter and sister. The Terri Schindler Schiavo Foundation, initially formed in an effort to save Terri’s life, has now become a vehicle for educating the public to the dangers of the euthanasia movement. Equally importantly, the foundation helps families protect the lives of their medically vulnerable loved ones who are in danger. Terri’s foundation, housed in a humble office in sunny St. Petersburg, Florida, has become one of the leading voices against euthanasia in the United States. The staff, consisting only of Terri’s family for the first two years, has now grown to include a director of development who is working diligently to help fund this critical organization. Plans are underway to hire additional staff in the near future. The foundation continues to be at the forefront of news surrounding the issue of euthanasia as Terri’s family keeps her memory alive through their advocacy. As executive director of the foundation, Terri’s brother, Bobby Schindler, spends a great deal of his time traveling around the world to educate people regarding the facts of Terri’s case and the looming danger of euthanasia worldwide. Recent venues have included Mexico City, Mexico; Linz, Austria (speaking in Castle Hartheim, a killing center during the Nazi T4 euthanasia program and now a memorial site for its victims); and visits to nearly all 50 states. The day after his family received NRLC’s Proudly Pro-Life Award, Bobby was featured, along with former U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft, at a forum hosted by Regent University Law School. Soon afterward Bobby spoke at Georgetown University, at a talk titled “Remembering Terri Schiavo: The Legal and Legislative Battle to Save My Sister’s Life.” When he isn’t traveling, Bobby can be found at the home office dealing with media, giving interviews, writing op-eds, and generally overseeing the foundation’s direction. Terri’s sister, Suzanne Vitadamo, handles much of the day-to-day operation of the foundation, from answering phones to assisting families who contact the foundation in fear for the lives of a medically vulnerable loved one. Terri’s foundation has been actively involved in a number of well-publicized cases including those of Andrea Clark, Emilio Gonzales, and Haleigh Poutre. Most recently, they were contacted by the family of Jesse Ramirez regarding a case frighteningly similar to the one the Schindlers faced with Terri. Fortunately for Jesse and his family, the outcome was different—a judge ruled that his feeding tube could not be removed and he is now receiving rehabilitative therapy and doing well. Terri’s parents, Bob and Mary Schindler, provide guidance, wisdom, and direction for the organization as it continues to find its footing and fulfill its mission. At the center of their shared advocacy is the ache of losing Terri. In some ways this will never go away, but the friendships they have made, the lessons they have learned, and the difference they continue to make on behalf of the disabled and medically vulnerable gives them comfort, along with the knowledge that they will one day be reunited with their beloved Terri. The pro-life movement owes the Schindler family a great debt—as was expressed over and over again at the recent Proudly Pro-Life Awards Dinner. By sharing their pain and fighting for Terri with every ounce of strength and every resource they had, they put a face on the horror of euthanasia—a face none who watched the ordeal unfold will ever be able to forget. Our feelings for the Schindlers can, perhaps, be best expressed in the words of pro-life champion Congressman Chris Smith who, while addressing this year’s dinner, said the following: “To the Schindlers, may God continue to bless, encourage, and strengthen you. “As you defend the sanctity of every human life, know that the hopes—and dreams—of a generation of disabled people will benefit enormously from your witness and your work.” For more information about Terri’s foundation, or to invite a family member to speak at your event, please visit their web site at www.terrisfight.org or call (727) 490-7603. |