Dr. Rami Rodriguez -- another Terri Schiavo ?

Rami (RAH-ME) is a retired American Veteran who served in the United States Army for many years, was an honored civic leader and has made his home in sunny California.

Rami is a married and successful businessman, and has recently been diagnosed with a syndrome called Aphasia, making it difficult for him to communicate effectively.

In October 2003, Rami approached his family for help, stating the physical, financial and mental abuse inflicted on him by his wife, Robin, of three years, that he was afraid of her and desperately wanted a divorce - she is 20 years his junior. Rami's family immediately took him to the emergency room where he was diagnosed with malnutrition, dehydration and Vitamin B12 deficiency. He remained hospitalized for approximately two weeks. It was learned that Robin had been giving Rami approximately 17 unnecessary drugs, which he stopped taking while living with family, and his health improved significantly. Robin filed for Conservatorship over Rami, and although Rami did not want a conservator, he asked his niece to act in that capacity. Rami's niece and family have helped Rami for over a year - Rami was independent and happy.

During the Conservatorship trial, Judge Joseph Kalin disallowed evidence to prove Rami's allegations against Robin, and instead found that Rami was delusional. Judge Kalin appointed Conservator Daniel Stubbs, who was suggested by Robin's attorneys. Judge Kalin also gave dementia powers to the conservator. Robin has and continues to use Rami's money to employ a large firm and control Rami and his assets. Rami's strong desire for independence and divorce have gone unheard.

On January 8, 2005, Conservator Stubbs removed Rami from his sister's home under false pretenses, and took him to his wife, the very person Rami wanted to be away from. Rami has been confined to his home, and despite attempts by family and friends to visit him, he is not permitted to receive visitors. Rami's attorney had to petition the court to see her client. She was allowed to visit him once after he was taken, where Rami advised her that Robin and Stubbs had him sign various unknown papers. Rami's attorney has since been removed by the court.

We believe Rami is living in silence and has no control of his life. He told both his attorney and a visiting detective that he doesn't want to be with Robin and that he's afraid of her and Stubbs. Because Rami has trouble communicating doesn't mean he doesn't feel, have desires or know what's happening to him . Rami can communicate using various methods, such as hand gestures, facial expressions, and sometimes he does form a complete sentence.

Join us in our mission to protect the health, well-being and personal interests of this great American.

I am going to say this just one time. Michael Schiavo had nothing to do with the original heart attack of his wife. That was from her own doing. He worked tirelessly for years to try to help her. Only when he realized there was no hope did he put into motion what he believed to be her wishes. That case has nothing to do with this case. I take that back, it only has something to do with this case in your sick and twisted head.

You say that Rami's adult children have very little contact with the family and they don't seem interested. I have known his daughter Debbie for seven years and know this to be false, and so do you. They have been denied access to their dad by people on both sides of this mess. It is as if both sides want his children and grandchildren out of the picture unless they are willing to sign documents to side with one viewpoint or another. All Debbie wants is the chance to see her dad without ridiculous rules attached when she has made the trip from TX to CA to see him; she wants to be able to talk to him freely when she calls him. Both sides of this mess have imposed this crap on her! She has always been concerned about her dad's situation and for anyone--especially a relative--to suggest otherwise is disgusting. She has just learned that she has suffered a relapse of her leukemia (she is facing a bone marrow transplant) and would like, along with her children and her brother, to have an open, unmonitored, NORMAL visit with her dad--like they enjoyed prior to all the interlopers coming into the picture. She welcomes help and support for her dad from those who truly care about the man, not those with vested interests. All the opportunists on both sides of this mess need to step back and let Rami have personal, private time with his children and grandchildren, while there is still time.
Dorrie, your posts come across as if your family is the only family Rami has. His children and grandchildren are his family before yours is. One note of clarification. On the Rami's Rangers site it could be construed that Debbie and Rami Jr are Rami's children with Robin. They are his children by his previous marriage to Erlinda Sarabia (whom I also know).

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.