She had earned a full scholarship to attend the University of Florida, and celebrated her 18th birthday on April 22. Two nights later, the East Bay High School senior swung by the Bloomingdale Regional Library to drop off books at the night drop. She was on her cell phone with a friend when someone brutally attacked her:
She told the friend there was a weird-looking man sitting on the bench near the depository. Then she screamed, there was a bell-like sound, and the phone went dead.
Friends and family rushed over, someone called 911, and the young lady was found unconscious and badly injured. Detectives found blood everywhere – on the driveway, on a sidewalk, on a signpost, and on the west wall of the library. She had been raped and beaten. She suffered multiple strokes during the attack, and lost her sight.
She was airlifted to Tampa General Hospital, and remained in critical condition for weeks. By June, she had not had the ability to speak, and although doctors still did not know the extent of her injuries, social workers were attempting to push her out of the hospital, to a nursing home.
As of late July, the young girl was undergoing physical therapy at a rehab center, while friends and family prayed. She cannot see, she cannot talk, and she cannot swallow, but her friends helped to celebrate her graduation from high school this week.
Meanwhile, her family is nearly bankrupt. All of their insurance has been used up, went to Medicaid, and were told recently that Medicaid would no longer pay for her care, because she is not making sufficient progress. The family is happy with the care at the rehab center, but just staying there costs about $30,000 a month.
Clark recently told you that SunTrust Bank has established a “Bloomingdale Library Assault Victim Fund” to help with expenses, and lots of people have given a bit of money to help out. But it’s just not enough.
That’s why you will hear about various fundraisers around the community from your friends at the newspapers and television stations, including an effort by the guys in my band. Yesterday, I spoke with Sarina Fazan from ABC Action News. She has been covering the various fundraisers for the young girl, and on yesterday’s 6pm newscast, she talked about what the JGLB has planned.
This Saturday night, my band – JGLB – is playing a fundraiser at the L.A. Hangout. For a small donation, we will take requests for all sorts of songs, and 100% all the tip money we collect will go to the Bloomingdale Library Assault Victim Fund.
If you don’t have the chance to make it to a SunTrust Bank to leave a donation, please come by the LA Hangout on Saturday night, listen to some great local music, and help a neighbor that truly needs it.
Thanks
Tommy
