Posted on 09/05/2006 4:45:45 AM PDT by 8mmMauser
Boston, MA (LifeNews.com) -- Haleigh Poutre was the victim of child abuse and was nearly killed via euthanasia when Massachusetts officials gave up on her after she entered a coma. Now Poutre, once termed "brain dead" by doctors, continues to improve and is speaking a few words, her grandmother says.
Sandra Sudyka, the girl's biological grandmother, is no longer allowed to visit her granddaughter and now says she is ready to speak to the media about Poutre's condition.
She told The Republican newspaper that she last saw Poutre on July 18 but indicated she was "doing well."
"She was bright-eyed and smiling. She is always responsive to us," Sudyka explained.
Department of Social Services had asked Sudyka not to talk with reporters about Haleigh, but since they will no longer allow her and Haleigh's biological mother, Allison Avrett, to visit the 12 year-old, she said she's going to talk to the media.
"I decided since they broke the deal, I am going to talk. People should know how well she is doing," Sudyka told the newspaper.
"They don't want people to know how she is doing after they wanted to pull the plug," Sudyka said.
DSS spokeswoman Denise Monteiro declined an interview with The Republican but said that the visiting privileges have been suspended, not terminated.
Haleigh first began speaking in June, her grandmother told the newspaper.
"I was saying to her 'I love you,' and she was trying to say 'love' and it came out as a vibration...'ove,'" Sudyka said.
Sudyka, who is working with an attorney to adopt the girl, said she has said hello, responds to comments and questions, speaks nonverbally and is able to write her name. Haleigh can't walk and is confined to a wheelchair.
Avrett, Poutre's biological mother, lost custody of her daughter after physically abusing her. Poutre was put into a foster home where her adoptive parents also abused her. Her adopted mother committed suicide after abusing Poutre so much she had to be hospitalized.
DSS took Poutre into custody and when she appeared to slip into a coma, the agency asked the state Supreme Court for permission to take her life. That's when Poutre began responding.
Poutre has been receiving physical, speech and occupational therapy since January 26 at Franciscan Hospital for Children in Brighton.
Gov. Mitt Romney appointed a commission to look into how the state failed to properly handle the girl's case.
Gee, thanks. I am whelmed.
I think her problem was that her husband did not allow her to breath for a couple of minutes or more. 80 bucks on a hairdo makes Judges look the the other way.
I didn't see that movie. These guys look sinister, all right. But if they drink beer out of long-necked brown bottles, they can't be all bad.
You need to see the movie my friend if you think that. Yaw!
Doesn't he sound more like Forest Gump or Pee Wee Herman than a strong leader? All his happy heart talk is quite unprofessional imo. He was repetitive too. I hope you can watch tonight. There's nothing on the Fla boards. I need to find a debate thread and see if they proclaim that happy heart won. IMO = Not!
"Florida families just can't afford to follow Charlie's advice to stay the course," said Davis. "I have a plan to bring changes that are important to Florida families like lowering property taxes, reducing insurance rates and overhauling the FCAT. By making these changes, we can keep our promise to Florida's families."
During the debate, Davis hammered away at what is emerging as the most significant difference between him and Crist. Davis has a plan to reduce hurricane insurance rates by 40 percent next year. Crist, on the other hand, has what Gov. Bush has described as "sounds good, but...won't work." Many observers have attributed Davis's surge in the polls to his ability to win the support of Floridians in both parties, particularly those who are concerned about rising insurance rates in Florida.
"Charlie Crist was silent while the insurance companies raised rates and denied claims," said Davis. "As governor, I will stand up to the insurance industry and reduce insurance rates by as much as 40 percent for many Floridians."
Only if Mikey left the toilet seat up.
We really need to keep the U.S. Senate majority, so that the Republicans will keep the judiciary committee, and President Bush's nominees make it to the floor for an up or down vote.
So many close elections - it's all about TURN OUT!
governor happy heart!
Here's a thread that I started, a Voter Guide put together by Priests for Life.
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-religion/1728823/posts
I watched Frankenstein tonight with DeNiro. That was a case of poor casting when there's a real frankenstein out there who luvs the spotlight.
Now, be nice, Forrest Gump would be a great improvement over either candidate for governor.
Davis gave Jeb a D in education but an A in security. Davis gave the prez an F.
speech pattern of Forrest Gump. Run, Forrest, run.
Thanks, sun.
Where did you find that report on the debate?
That was all that was available. I googled it. Not even Bay News 9 has anything on the debate yet.
Thanks. Do you know anything about the other guy? Max Linn?
http://blogs.tampabay.com/buzz/debates/index.html
While they were debating, there was a suicide and two murders in St. Petersburg, Crist's hometown. Murder's up 30% in the past six months.
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