tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6815867650533403423.post8131031192630945018..comments2023-11-02T11:00:31.919-05:00Comments on Mended Wings: Day 225 - Jan 11, 2009Lesliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04099407836145699943noreply@blogger.comBlogger41125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6815867650533403423.post-34508058103739099242009-01-13T09:15:00.000-06:002009-01-13T09:15:00.000-06:00Hey Les, just wanted to say HEY and sending big hu...Hey Les, just wanted to say HEY and sending big hugs your way! Love ya!Catherinehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14954372980892654970noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6815867650533403423.post-18212028010438399872009-01-12T22:03:00.000-06:002009-01-12T22:03:00.000-06:00Dear Leslie; I've contacted two Senators and two C...Dear Leslie;<BR/> I've contacted two Senators and two Congressmen, I made sure their offices had your blog. They promised that they would look into your case.<BR/> You need the Cavalry right now. We all are pulling for you.<BR/> Give 'em hell Leslie<BR/><BR/> (Don't look Kevin, she's FIERCE MOM) SA AnnieAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6815867650533403423.post-23949763460802647722009-01-12T21:40:00.000-06:002009-01-12T21:40:00.000-06:00hey there les, i am so sorry you are going through...hey there les, <BR/>i am so sorry you are going through this leslie....<BR/>i will try to help you any way i can... if you need someone to search for lawyers or google search and send you links.... just post it on your blog or give an email and i am sure you would have tons of us helping you.....<BR/>i'm thinking of you and hoping things will go better tomorrow.... here are a few links i found- i don't know if they will help you with any info right now.<BR/>i wish i didn't feel so far away from you, and i'm in florida! i'm sorry for that!<BR/>take care of yourself and sending you a hug!!!<BR/>mikki<BR/><BR/><BR/>VETERANS' LAW OVERVIEW<BR/>http://florida.lawinfo.com/attorney/veterans-law.html<BR/><BR/>medical malpractice at VA hospitals:<BR/>http://injury-law.freeadvice.com/malpractice_law/veterans-medical-malpractice-lawyer.htm<BR/><BR/>"Free Advice: What shouldn’t a person do if they have been a victim of malpractice with the VA?<BR/>Jeff Milman: They shouldn’t put a lot of nasty things in writing. They shouldn’t meet with the claims administrators for the VA and let themselves give recorded statements. They shouldn’t rush off and start marching in front of the facility or contact the press. What they need to do is the three C’s – cool, calm and collected. They shouldn’t put anything in writing that may come back to haunt them, because federal cases come before a judge, not a jury. "<BR/><BR/>http://www.nvo.org/attorneys.html<BR/>attorneys that represent veterans<BR/><BR/>http://www.nvo.org/medpersonnel.html<BR/><BR/>http://www.bmhm.com/Florida/Tampa/Military_&_Veterans_Law_Lawyers.html<BR/><BR/>http://www.bmhm.com/Florida/Military_&_Veterans_Law_Lawyers.htmlAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6815867650533403423.post-84114394978648001612009-01-12T21:14:00.000-06:002009-01-12T21:14:00.000-06:00I'm so sorry for the ordeal that you and your son ...I'm so sorry for the ordeal that you and your son are suffering through. I wish there was something I could do to help. Just know that you and your son are in my prayers.<BR/><BR/>Be well.<BR/><BR/>-Brian in Columbus, OHbrianhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06171102398337313529noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6815867650533403423.post-68472956830086257442009-01-12T21:09:00.000-06:002009-01-12T21:09:00.000-06:00Dear Leslie,Please know that my wife and I are bot...Dear Leslie,<BR/><BR/>Please know that my wife and I are both praying for you, your son, and the rest of the caring individuals that surround you. We can't pretend to know the difficulty of what you are going through, but please know that we are thinking of you, no matter what. God bless you and yours.<BR/><BR/>Eric OlsonAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6815867650533403423.post-85559671404735589072009-01-12T21:08:00.000-06:002009-01-12T21:08:00.000-06:00Still reading all the time and thinking of you and...Still reading all the time and thinking of you and Kevin (and Breezy). I am sorry things are so tough right now.<BR/>MeganAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6815867650533403423.post-25711797282026261552009-01-12T20:30:00.000-06:002009-01-12T20:30:00.000-06:00I HAVE FELT ALL ALONG THAT THE HOUSE IDEAS WERE JU...I HAVE FELT ALL ALONG THAT THE HOUSE IDEAS WERE JUST HANGING BECAUSE KEVIN WILL BE SOMEWHERE ELSE ... I LIVED MOST MY LIFE IN UTAH AND THE UOU HOSPITAL HANDLES LOTS OF TOUGH MEDICAL ISSUES ... IT IS VERY COLD IN THE WINTER FOR ABOUT 6 WEEKS ... BUT IT IS A GLORIOUS STATE AFTER THAT ... YOU CAN KEEP KEVIN WARM AND ONE DAY HE WILL BE LAUGHUNG AND SKIING DOWN THOSE MOUNTAINS ~ <BR/><BR/>ONLY YOU REALLY KNOWS WHAT YOU WANT FOR YOUR SON ... YOUR HEAD MUST SURELY BE SPINNING ... I AM SURE YOU ARE NOT UP FOR ANY OF OUR ADVISE OR WELL MEANT WISDON ... BUT YOU KNOW THAT YOU "MUST" SET ONE FOOT IN FRONT OF THE OTHER TO GET ANYWHERE ... YOU AND KEVIN HAVE FOUGHT A TOUGH FIGHT AND YOU STILL HAVE AWAYS TO GO ... BUT I KNOW YOU CAN DO IT !!!! KEVIN IS ONE OF OUR HEROES AND YOU ARE THIS HEROES MOM AND REALLY HIS ONLY ADVOCATE ~ YOU WILL MAKE THE BEST DECISION YOU KNOW OF AT THIS MOMENT AND WE WILL ALL HONOR IT ~<BR/>I AGREE WITH EVERYTHING EVERYONE HAS SAID ... ESPECIALLY "MISS EM" ... I DO FEAR THAT THE AIRLINES WILL NOT FLY KEVIN AT THIS TIME BECAUSE OF HIS CONDITION AND PRESSURE BUILD UP ON HIS BRAIN ~ BUT THE RIGHT ANSWER WILL COME AND YOU WILL MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO SEE THAT YOUR DEAR SON, OUR HERO GETS THE BEST TREATMENT YOU CAN GET HIM ... MOMS NEVER GIVE UP ... AND KEVIN IS IMPORTANT TO SO MANY PEOPLE ... KEEP TELLING HIM HOW MUCH HE MEANS TO AMERICA ... YOU WILL DO THE RIGHT THING LESLIE ...Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6815867650533403423.post-75573652464668064672009-01-12T19:35:00.000-06:002009-01-12T19:35:00.000-06:00I've been thinking about Kevin all day praying tha...I've been thinking about Kevin all day praying that his situation has improved. I started an email to the Tampa Tribune newspaper to tell them about Kevin's situation, but then decided to hold off until I found out how today went. As the other Jessica said earlier today, I want to help, but don't really know how. I'm not sure if a newspaper could or would help you and whether it's something you'd want anyway. So I'll wait for your direction.<BR/>I hope you're encouraged by all the support you're getting from all the comments today. There are a lot of people who care about Kevin and are praying for him, like my mom's Sunday school class. Stay strong and God bless.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6815867650533403423.post-65431328698439074592009-01-12T19:25:00.000-06:002009-01-12T19:25:00.000-06:00Leslie,Regarding the post from "Sue" who left her ...Leslie,<BR/><BR/>Regarding the post from "Sue" who left her phone number and recommended you look at private care, she's very knowledgeable about VA care. She has run the same gauntlet as you, knows how the system works. I encourage you to contact her. I realize you are getting advice from all over the country and it's very overwhelming. Sue is a wonderful source, and in fact her son and my son and Kevin all served in the same ABCT. We've followed your story very closely, and feel a kinship with you and Kevin, given our sons service together.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6815867650533403423.post-18154986166742469112009-01-12T18:00:00.000-06:002009-01-12T18:00:00.000-06:00Leslie, I spoke with Bill Hutton from the Military...Leslie, I spoke with Bill Hutton from the Military Order of the Purple Heart and he asked me to give you his email address. He may be able to assist you. His email address is<BR/>lasd.ret1 @ yahoo.com<BR/>(take out the spaces)<BR/>Give Kev a hug for me.<BR/>(another) LeslieAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6815867650533403423.post-84431113366179169282009-01-12T17:41:00.000-06:002009-01-12T17:41:00.000-06:00Praying for healing and strentgh for you and Kevin...Praying for healing and strentgh for you and Kevin.Lori Peoriahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02230296401116036306noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6815867650533403423.post-36542696993959790702009-01-12T17:23:00.000-06:002009-01-12T17:23:00.000-06:00I've read all these comments and seems to me there...I've read all these comments and seems to me there is alot of good advice here. First and foremost call the local news and they can do alot of this work for you so that you can concentrate on being with Kevin. I know it's hard to be strong right now and your faith is dwindling, but keep the faith. I truly believe GOD is with you!!!!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6815867650533403423.post-24497644447887806192009-01-12T14:47:00.000-06:002009-01-12T14:47:00.000-06:00Leslie, I know that you have said before that we r...Leslie, I know that you have said before that we respond to what you post and maybe sometimes get the wrong idea. I can't imagine how hard this is for you, but I agree with one of the other posts..start a list of what you "need" and we can all decide what we can help with. I speak for myself and I am sure some others here...I WANT TO HELP, I JUST DON'T KNOW HOW. I am not sure with everything you have going on right now that you know what we can help with, but maybe if you start a list and we can go from there. I feel so useless just reading and typing. :-( <BR/><BR/><BR/>God Bless, <BR/><BR/>JessicaJessicahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14547012645677596510noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6815867650533403423.post-40825346352328638172009-01-12T13:00:00.000-06:002009-01-12T13:00:00.000-06:00I mentioned this before. The VA hospital at Durham...I mentioned this before. The VA hospital at Durham, NC is next to and associated with Duke University Hospital. They specialize in Neurosurgery. <BR/><BR/>Kennedy chose Duke as the hospital to operate on his brain turmor. He's doing well and many with a like tumor are dead weeks after the surgery.<BR/><BR/>I'd contact Kennedy..someway, somehow, even through the news media and request Kevin be seen there and evaluated. <BR/><BR/>This doesn't mean you have to live there. It means getting the best possible care for Kevin now that they totally messed up in Fl. <BR/><BR/>Put your stuff in storage or at your cousins house in FL. Many people travel to hospitals for the best care and return home. <BR/><BR/>I wouldn't want Kevin in ICU there. It looks like the floor nurses care more since they are the ones who got the blood transfusions for him.Holeehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13724824435789407791noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6815867650533403423.post-15437220051491819632009-01-12T12:52:00.000-06:002009-01-12T12:52:00.000-06:00Leslie,Back again.WOW..so many people so eager to ...Leslie,<BR/><BR/>Back again.<BR/><BR/>WOW..so many people so eager to help. The problem is..you need help FAST. Kevin is not doing well and no one knows it better than you do.<BR/><BR/>I would still contact a GOOD legal team and someone who can help you NOW...State to them this is an EMERGENCY, which it truly is.<BR/><BR/>Right now you need POSITIVE energy and I personally feel that if you make a lot of negative noise..sometimes that doesn't help at all.<BR/><BR/>Kevin getting out of this urgent crisis that he is presently in is top priority right now.<BR/><BR/>Is there anything that Moe, Tracy, etc...someone very close to you can do to help you right now to help ? I'm sure that has already been thought of.<BR/><BR/>You state you feel "trapped" where you are right now...SO..on your next post, why don't you put how you would like ANY of us to try to help.<BR/><BR/>What you would like any of your bloggers TO DO or what you would prefer any of your bloggers NOT to do ?<BR/><BR/>I, for one, have done nothing but make suggestions to try and come to the aid of you and Kevin.<BR/><BR/>It seems a lot of your bloggers are always thinking the same thoughts...regarding Kevin's road to recovery being top priority.<BR/><BR/>You are the only one who can make these decisions, but it sounds like right now...you need all the help you can get.<BR/><BR/>I pray today went better and that Kevin is not suffering since the botched surgery.<BR/><BR/>I would not let ANYONE touch him again as far as surgery is concerned until you speak with the team going to do the work, until you briefly find out these things...What happens to him before the procedure, during the procedure and after the procedure and if the surgical team has completely done ALL of their research BEFORE they touch your child.<BR/><BR/>It sounds as though time is of the essence in this dire situation.<BR/><BR/>God Bless you and keep doing as you've been doing. You've got to stay tough. I know it is so easy to give advise..when we are not in your shoes. Please know EVERYONE means well and is trying to do their best to give any help they can. <BR/><BR/>There are a lot of compassionate people here with hearts who care so deeply about Kevin getting well.<BR/><BR/>Sometimes I think I should just read your blog daily, sit back and not say a word. Then my heart takes over and realizes that if I DON'T share what I feel...what if what I post could have helped you and I did nothing. It is very hard for me to know what to do.<BR/><BR/>I don't know how you are doing this..but you MUST keep going for Kevin's sake. You've got him to where he is today..<BR/><BR/>STAY STRONG.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6815867650533403423.post-31669141003456738952009-01-12T12:18:00.000-06:002009-01-12T12:18:00.000-06:00Leslie,I have never posted before, but followed yo...Leslie,<BR/>I have never posted before, but followed you here from ScrapMuse. You reached out to welcome me from my first day and that stuck with me. I agree with everyone else. It is time to start raising hell. Use us. Give the okay and we will all be behind you as much as possible to get any/all attention brought to this horrible situation. Noone should have to fight this large of a battle by themselves. I am sure anyone who has followed your blog would be more than happy to send some emails, make some phone calls, and anything else possible to get these situations put in the spotlight so that the people causing them cannot continue to hide. Doctors, nurses, and product manufactures do not want negative attention and if they start getting as much of it as they deserve for this situation (and the many other we know must also be happening) their tune should change quickly when they have to be publically accountable. Please let us help you. It would be our pleasure.<BR/>MichelleShawnsgirl315https://www.blogger.com/profile/05819956636797785221noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6815867650533403423.post-68397071499625375522009-01-12T11:34:00.000-06:002009-01-12T11:34:00.000-06:00I'm another from DKos, and anything i can do...wel...I'm another from DKos, and anything i can do...well, yea. my biggest asset is i've got a big mouth, so directing any and all traffic i can to here, figuring the more pple, the more ideas/donations/help, the better.<BR/>if on good days, TV and movies are ok, what about an audio file of somesorts where us random strangers can tell Kevin Hi, and we're pulling for you? anyone on this comment spot got the tech-savvy to set something like that up? i know id be willing, for one, to recite every limerick, knockknock joke and groaningly bad pun in existence if it'd give you a moments rest and Kev a 2 second smile....Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6815867650533403423.post-63131198965667402242009-01-12T11:02:00.000-06:002009-01-12T11:02:00.000-06:00I am BESIDE myself so if I transpose some numbers ...I am BESIDE myself so if I transpose some numbers or letters, I apologize. I did some reasearch and here are some possible contacts. I know you don't have much time to contact these numbers but I thought I would at least try to offer some help:<BR/>Dr. Sigford and Harriet Zeiner (if you can get a hold of them)at VA Polytrauma Center in Palo Alto 1-800-999-5021; Susan Conners, Pres of Brain Injury Assoc of America www.biausa.org, 1-800-444-6443; Rehab. Institute of Chicago; Defense and Vet. Brain Injury Ctr. www.dvbic.org, 1-800-870-9244; thehomefrontcares.org;Cognogenesis BRRAIN (Brain Injury Resource) 1259 Lake Plaza Dr. #130, Colorado Springs, CA 80906; Subtle brain injury (seach), Brain Injury Law Group 1-800-992-9447; Military Attorney www.gs/attorneys.com/military 1-877-TOP-JAGS <BR/><BR/>Sanjay Gupta? Gary Sinese?<BR/><BR/>Thinking of you and Kevin....<BR/><BR/>Cathy MAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6815867650533403423.post-24234012186543293762009-01-12T10:53:00.000-06:002009-01-12T10:53:00.000-06:00Hi, I found you through a diary post on Daily Kos....Hi, I found you through a diary post on Daily Kos. I have to say that to give Kevin the best chance, you need to get him transferred to the best neurosurgical trauma unit that you can find. Hospitals in the Northeast are just as warm as hospitals elsewhere. Don't let people there scare you into staying when Kevin needs higher level care.<BR/><BR/>I could tell you stories about what I've seen coming out of military facilities, but that wouldn't be productive. Please consider it!<BR/><BR/>I'm wishing you the best.zoliepuphttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10097164398827729387noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6815867650533403423.post-43809835581862388642009-01-12T10:09:00.000-06:002009-01-12T10:09:00.000-06:00Oh man I wish there were words of wisdom. I wish ...Oh man I wish there were words of wisdom. I wish there were real words of comfort that could be said. More than any of that, I wish there was a way to make all of this go away for you. It's just not fair. I just want you to know that we're all out here praying for you and praying with you. Every step of the way. You've got quite a possie of fans out here, USE US IF YOU NEED TO!! <BR/><BR/>Thoughts, prayers, support, angel hugs and LOADS OF LOVE are coming your way guys. We're all out here praying for you and praying with you. (((((Leslie, Kev, Breezy)))))Krishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09095562211546078329noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6815867650533403423.post-86541246044823326592009-01-12T09:50:00.000-06:002009-01-12T09:50:00.000-06:00I read about Kevin on Daily Kos--have you contacte...I read about Kevin on Daily Kos--have you contacted your congressional reps from Fla.--you have two Senators and 25 Representatives (I don't know which district you are in). Tell them the situation-and then call a lawyer.<BR/><BR/>Senator Bill Nelson (D- FL) 202-224-5274 202-228-2183 http://billnelson.senate.gov/contact/email.cfm<BR/><BR/>Senator Mel Martinez (R- FL) 202-224-3041 202-228-5171 http://martinez.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=ContactInformation.ContactFo<BR/>You can also contact the IAVA-Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America-- http://iava.org/Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6815867650533403423.post-57390991464030069912009-01-12T09:09:00.000-06:002009-01-12T09:09:00.000-06:00Leslie, I forgot to put this on my post....there ...Leslie,<BR/> I forgot to put this on my post....there are also a few law firms handling cases of wounded soldiers and their families pro bono. This is their web address if you would want to read about them: http://www.ptsdsupport.net/lawfirms_fight_for_wounded_warriors.htmlAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6815867650533403423.post-17961054432962719882009-01-12T09:05:00.000-06:002009-01-12T09:05:00.000-06:00Leslie, I hope you don't mind, but I emailed our ...Leslie,<BR/> I hope you don't mind, but I emailed our newly appointed state representative in Clarion County, and gave her your blog spot addy and ask her to read it. And if there was any way she could help, or put you in touch with someone who could...all help would be appreciated. By the sounds of things..need any kind of advice you can get from someone who is in the position to help or could put you in touch with someone who could. Again...hope you don't mind! I just want to help in any way possible to get you and your family thru this terrible ordeal!!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6815867650533403423.post-65104039601778114082009-01-12T08:54:00.000-06:002009-01-12T08:54:00.000-06:00Call the legal department of the shunt manufacture...Call the legal department of the shunt manufacturer--you can probably find the info on their website, or you can call their main corporate HQ and ask to speak to their products liability counsel. They will take action immediately, if only out of self-interest. The reps and salespeople are clearly useless in this situation.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6815867650533403423.post-63816614645609636122009-01-12T08:42:00.000-06:002009-01-12T08:42:00.000-06:00I left you a comment yesterday and wanted to let y...I left you a comment yesterday and wanted to let you know my son is also a 173rd wounded. Again, call if I can help. SueAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com