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Date CreatedApril 11, 2024
First NameLiza
Email OR Phone Number773.425.8487
Zip Code (we want to match where you live with your members of Congress)60616
Tell us a little about yourself or your loved one:
Q1: What was your situation when you or your loved one first started experiencing elder abuse, neglect, and/or fraud? (What was your/their living situation like, were you/they struggling with any health issues, etc.?)

My beloved friend/grandmother was isolated from friends, family and church members. She suffered from uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, and constant UTI's due to neglect. I was 2000 miles away and was blocked from calling and visiting.

Q2: What would you like to share about your story?

I witnessed my beloved friend, whom I considered a grandmother, suffer from elder abuse, neglect, and isolation by relatives. It's my hope that in the future, doctors and geriatric specialists will request to meet with elders alone, without relatives present, to ensure their safety and well-being. I also advocate for state laws requiring regular meetings with geriatric specialists, both at the doctor's office and in the elder's home, to thoroughly assess their condition and ensure they receive proper care.
My beloved Margie passed early Christmas morning. Christmas day will never be the same.

A Eulogy for my Queen Margie🌷
In the tapestry of my life, there was a woman who stood out like a vibrant thread, weaving joy and peace into every moment we shared. She wasn't just a grandmother figure; she was a dear friend, a mentor, and a guiding light—a person who meant more to me than words could ever express.

Our bond, however, faced a daunting challenge when her health declined. It was a dark and painful time, filled with sadness and confusion. The realization that our relationship was fragile, and we were coming to the end of the road, was a bitter pill to swallow.

Yet, through the darkness emerged a newfound strength and determination. I became passionately driven to raise awareness about the silent epidemic that the elderly endure. I understood, more than ever before, the profound importance of close friendships and the transformative power they hold, especially in times of adversity.

My grandmother figure was not just a relative; she was my rock, my confidante, and my unwavering support. Her love was a shelter from life's storms, her words of encouragement a beacon of hope. Her prayers, filled with wisdom and compassion, lifted me up when I was down. Her peaceful temperament was a constant reminder of the beauty of a calm and loving soul. To know her was to love her.

Despite the age gap between us, our relationship felt like that of sisters or relatives in another lifetime. Her impact on me was profound, shaping my character and influencing my dreams and goals.

The heartbreak I experienced has only served to strengthen my resolve. It has given me a clear sense of purpose and a deep understanding of the legacy my grandmother figure has left behind. Her love and wisdom continue to guide me, inspiring me to be the best version of myself and to never give up, no matter the challenges I may face.

In honoring her memory, I strive to embody the qualities she cherished most—love, compassion, and resilience. Her legacy lives on in me, a testament to the enduring power of love and the profound impact one life can have on another.

Dearest Margie, You were one of a kind. Thank you for being an excellent example of a human being, wife, mother, grandmother, friend, and beauty. We loved hard, so even in death, our bond is unbreakable. Continue to visit me in my dreams.

In conclusion, I only wish and pray that the pure and genuine love Margie possessed will someday be instilled in the hearts and actions of others to keep Margie's Legacy of Love Alive. We should all ask ourselves... What are you doing to better the condition of others? Thank you for listening. Humbly submitted by Liza Hicks, Loved as a daughter of Margie L. Smith 🩷🌷

Q3: What do you wish people knew about elder abuse, neglect, and fraud?

Elderly abuse is more common than you could imagine. Please take action now to help put an end to our vulnerable Elderly enduring abuse. They have made their contribution to society and deserve to be treated with the up most respect and dignity. Make changes now, if you look the other way it will happen to you if live long enough.

Q4: What are your hopes for the future?

It's important to treat all elders with respect, love, and dignity. I believe every state should implement Margie's law, requiring a gerontologist and geriatric doctor to monitor seniors' care quarterly.

Can our staff follow up with you about your story?Yes
Are you interested in sharing your story further? (We can contact you about speaking with local media, elected officials, or recording your story for a video or podcast)Yes
Can we use your name in telling your story?Yes
Is there anything else you would like to add?

Please do the right thing. Just do it!!!

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