Politics & Government

Bloomingdale Library Attack Victim Will Continue Her Therapy at Home

Through the efforts of state Sen, Ronda Storms, R-Valrico, the 21-year-old has received a Medicaid waiver, which will allow her to receive health-care services at home.

Thanks to the efforts of Sen. Ronda Storms, R-Valrico, and her staff, the victim of the Bloomingdale Regional Library attack will continue to receive health care and therapy at home under a Medicaid waiver.

According to Storms’ aide, Audi Canney, the victim, who turned 21 years old in April, will receive 90 to 95 percent of the health-care services she has been receiving for the past three years under Children’s Medical Services.

The victim has come a long way from where she was after being attacked and left for dead behind the Bloomingdale Regional Library in Valrico April 2008. She can walk about 20 steps with assistance, has regained limited movement in her arms, can speak a few words and appears to hear, responding to voices with a smile. However, she is blind and depends on a feeding tube for sustenance.

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When she turned 21, she no longer was eligible for health-care services under Children's Medical Services. Instead she fell under the purview of Medicaid. And Medicaid dictates that she be transferred to a nursing facility to continue her existing level of health care.

Her family, however, wanted to continue her care at home, and asked for Storms’ assistance.

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“This issue was very complex,” said Canney. “We were notified of the situation going into the legislative session in March and we knew we needed to get her some kind of waiver when she turned 21 and no longer fell under Children’s Medical Services. I have spent countless hours working on this. And now it looks as if she’s going to receive the majority of the care she requires.”

She said Storms sought help from Senate Appropriations chairman J.D. Alexander, who was able to replenish the depleted Aged and Disabled Adult Waiver fund with $36 million, a portion of which the victim is eligible to receive.

 “Obviously, we’re very appreciative. There was no money in that fund and people have been on the waiting list for years,” said Canney. “But with the $36 million, close to 100 people will now receive help,” said Canney.

The victim had been receiving $160,000 to $170,000 a year in care from Children’s Medical Services. Under this waiver, she will receive about $150,000 a year in health-care services.

“That is tremendous. We’re just elated,” said Canney. “Just two months ago, we were only able to come up with $52,000 in services.”

There’s a catch, however. The victim has been receiving therapeutic services at South Bay Hospital in Sun City Center. But that hospital is not a provider under the Medicaid Waiver.

"Her mother would like her to continue going to South Bay,” said Canney. “She’s developed a relationship with the therapists there. But unless South Bay applies to become a provider, she can’t continue to go there. That’s out of our control. It’s the hospital’s decision. But we’ve got the Agency for Health Care Administration ready to expedite their request if the hospital chooses to become a provider.”

In the meantine, Canney said they can get the victim transferred to the ADA Waiver within the next two weeks. After that, under a program called Consumer-Directed Care, the victim’s family can choose to hire a provider for therapeutic services and serve as a liaison with the Department of Children and Families.  Or the family can elect to hire therapists directly, thereby saving money, which can be used for more therapy services, explained Canney.

Regardless, the waiver won’t fund aquatic therapy, a type of therapy the family feels has greatly benefitted the victim.

“The Medicaid waiver does not cover aquatic therapy,” said Canney. “They believe it’s not medically necessary. But, if an occupational therapist opts to do therapy in a pool, that wouldn’t be a problem.”

The victim’s mother also isn’t satisfied with the speech therapy services her daughter has received. Until she is 22 years old, speech therapy is provided by the Hillsborough County School District. Canney, who majored in speech pathology in college, said the therapy is instrumental in teaching the victim how to swallow so she eventually can accept solid foods. Canney said Storms’ office will ask the school district to step up its speech therapy services for the victim.

“The care she’s receiving is not going away. It’s just going to be different,” said Canney. “If now we’re lacking in aquatic therapy, we’ve come leaps and bounds from where we were a few months ago. It’s not 100 percent but it’s the best she’s going to get from the state. If the family wants more, they will have to focus on fundraising efforts.”

That’s just what the family intends to do.

Aliquity Community Partners, a local fundraising organization, has scheduled a golf tournament for July 10 at Buckhorn Springs Golf and Country Club.

The four-person scramble will start at 1 p.m. The cost of a foursome is $300 and individual players pay $75. To watch the tournament and have lunch, the cost is $15.

The tournament organizers also are seeking sponsors. A Gold sponsorship is $100, a silver $50 and a bronze $25. 

To register for the tournament or become a sponsor, visit www.aliquity.com or call 813-230-4719. 

 In addition, for the second year, there will be a barbecue benefit for the victim at E.G. Simmons Park, 2401 19th Ave. N.W., Ruskin, Saturday, July 30 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets are $8 and there's a $2 park entry fee. Children 12 and under will be admitted for free.

There will be a bake sale, live music and children's activities.

"We are asking for help," said the victim's 24-year-old sister. " We need about $2,500 to help with the cost of food and supplies for the event. Last year we served over 1,200 people. Also, we really need some items for the silent auction and raffle. Last year we had some incredible donations -- gift certificates, art, golf cart, grill, and so much more. We would like to have a successful silent auction this year as well."

She said last year's event raised $25,000, which went toward hyperbaric oxygen chamber therapy.

Tickets can be purchased the day of the event or in advance by calling Edwin Parrish at 813-217-2155 or Sabrina Dennis at 813-481-9235. Or visit www.keepourangelhome.tumblr.com.


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