- Yesterday family and supporters from the across the country
gathered outside of Hospice Woodside to celebrate Terri Schindler-Schiavo's
40th birthday. The party, which was organized by Terri's many supporters
in the St. Petersburg area, was complete with cake, presents, hundreds
of cards, and the requesite singing of "Happy Birthday to You"
-- twice.
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- However, like so many things in Terri's life, her birthday
was not without controversy.
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- Earlier in the day, Terri's mother, Mary Schindler displayed
more than a dozen handmade birthday cards that were sent from disabled
children in Panama City, Florida. Click here
to see the related story from WMBB television in Panama City) When Mrs.
Schindler returned later that day, the cards had been taken down and set
on a shelf out of the way. More cards were put on display and were once
again taken down and set aside.
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- "I don't understand why they wouldn't allow us to
display her birthday cards," said Mary Schindler. "It seems so
outrageous that someone would be scared of having something as simple as
a card or a kind note reach Terri."
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- This is not the first time that Terri has been refused
cards or gifts. On previous occasions, florists attempted to deliver flowers
from Terri's supporters, only to have the flowers removed from her room.
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- Though the family was permitted to bring a piece of cake
as they sang "Happy Birthday" to Terri, they were chastised by
the officer on duty when they attempted to apply lip gloss, that had been
given to Terri as a gift, to Terri's lips.
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- "All of these little indignities add up to one great,
giant indignity, namely treating Terri as though she were dead," said
Pat Anderson, attorney for the Schindler family. "However, Terri was
under a death sentence this time last year, so this was a birthday Terri
was never supposed to have, and it's encouraging to know so many people
from all around the world are pulling for her."
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- For more information on the Terri Schindler-Schiavo,
visit www.terrisfight.org.
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- Terri Schindler-Schiavo Foundation
- 4615 Gulf Boulevard, #104-103
- St. Petersburg Beach, Florida 33706
- www.terrisfight.org
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- Terri's Links
- http://heavenlyhands.net/terrislinks.html
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