Rich was my step-dad a true Dad in every sense of the word, he was with me throughout my transplant and for 19 years before. He was ALWAYS there for me in good times and bad, always a word of encouragement, wonderful advice or a shoulder when needed. The VA has no idea nor does it care what they took from my life not to mention my Mom's. I only feel blessed I received my kidney in Tampa and he could be a part of my experience, if not I would have never been able to spend time with him, time I will now treasure for the rest of my life. I will miss him every day and always will, he was truly a Great Man and Father. Donate To Life Improving and Saving Lives The Life link Legacy Fund Life link Legacy Fund www.LifelinkFound.org

Dear Mary All vetrans diserve the best care because what they go through while proudly serving wheter in combat or just serving. the va does have a lot of good people working there its just a few that dont care and give the vets a hard time the good ones they could go to privet sector and make twice as much but they stay to help the vets but most of them will tell you there hands are tied the few that dont care about the vets it would be great if some one in charge send them packing they dont belong . UNITED STATES SACRED TREASURES IS THE VETERAN GOD BLESS ALL OF OUR VETS AND KEEP THEM SAFE. stephen

DEAR MARY.iam saddened to hear how you lost RICH.I will keep you all in my prayers. Iam also a veteran i served in the us navy 7-72 to 7-77 on 12-25-72 i was in a severe hellicopter crash where i split my flight helmet in half i never felt the impact i was knocked out after my crash i was never given the real help i needed I have been going to the tampa va sinse 94 been misdiones i suffer from ptsd,cptsd ,cronic tramatic pain my head.neck .lower back ,hips iam in need of a left knee replacement,i got hepititus in line of duty tb gastoral problems my cptsd came from being mentaly and physically abused and medical neglect after my crash in the navy i was in the tampa va under the care of dr.cutolo,dr.barnett and adr.g i have to look it up in 97-98 i was bleeding rectal,stomach pain for the 3days all was done was blood work on the 3 day i was dionesed with beeeding hemroids and thronen out of tampa va no one checked me i went to a out side dr. who admetted me to uvhc i was given a colonospicy i was having intrrnal hemmerging no hemroids problems when the dr. scoped from the mought down he found that medication wasburning into my panceras ive been put on somuch medication after 97 i was told i have tbi but never got check until feb 2008 iwas dionested with mild tbi as a result of my hello crash 12-272 YESTHERE IS SOME THING WRONG GOINON IN THE TAMPA VA WE AS VETRANS SEEKING HELP FOR A SERVICE CONDITION OR JUST HEALTH CARE ARE TREATED AS LAB RATS AND GUNNIEPIGS SHAME!!!! but dont worry JESUS SAID WHAT YOU DO TO THE LEAST OF US YOU DO ON TO HIM. keep the FAITH and PRAYING I AM A SURVIVOR stephen cunningham

Hi Mary, I found your article in the Veterans Post today after visiting my grandpa in the hospital. He has been there since June 26, 2008. He was going to an appointment at the VA that day and fell at the front entrance of the hospital and broke his hip. He had surgery the following night after many delays. I remember sitting in the waiting room while he was having surgery and there was a woman crying. I remember thinking I hope everything is ok, I hope it's not going to be us crying soon. As he was only given a 50/50 chance of surviving the surgery due to many health problems. Anyways, after reading the article today I wondered is this the woman i saw in the waiting room, I visited your site and found your picture. It was you. I am so sorry for your loss. I have seen first hand that the VA is capable of excellent care. The CICU, and MICU have wonderful caring nurses/ doctors. However, if you are in any other section of that hospital you may as well sign your death warrant. I hope for you to continue in life and find happiness again. May God bless you and give you strength.

Mary, I read about Rich's lack of treatment and subsequent death at the hands of the VA from vet sites as hadit.com and watchdog.org. I went through a variety of emotions, sad, tearful, grief, anger and dispair for their disregard to life. You were fortunate to have shared a love with Rich, that others could only dream of. I applaud you for sticking to your convictions and making them responsible for your man's death. The picture of him in May with the grandkids evidence his decline in his health status. His color looks grey/ashen, his face is drawn, and his abdomen is very much edematous. He must have endured pain and tried to stay strong and put his faith in a system that failed him clear to his death. Mary, in your quest for some sort of justice, be careful not to become bitter, as it will wear you down and cause health problems for you. I send you courage to stay stong, stay focused and seek refuge in knowing others have your back. Rich was not just a number. He represented the core of our country, a veteran. Maybe a good lawyer can find a loop-hole to make the VA responsible financially just to help you financially, exist. May you be blessed.