Schiavo's family, supporters ask for action by both Bushes
By Associated Press
Published October 19, 2003
PINELLAS PARK - The family of a brain-damaged woman still has a "glimmer of hope" even though her feeding tube was disconnected after a yearslong legal fight, her brother said Saturday.
Relatives and others who oppose a decision by Terri Schiavo's husband to cut off her nourishment are holding a vigil outside the hospice where the tube was disconnected Wednesday.
"We still have a glimmer of hope. I'm okay, a little punchy, but I'm hanging in there," said Schiavo's brother Bob Schindler Jr.
Her sister Suzanne Carr renewed a call for help from Gov. Jeb Bush, saying, "You have the power to intervene on Terri's behalf. This is more important and beyond politics and bad press."
Diane Coleman, founder of Not Dead Yet, said the disabilities rights group was organizing a White House protest today to call for help from President Bush.
Feedings have been keeping Schiavo alive since 1990, when she suffered brain damage after a heart attack. Doctors have said she is in a vegetative state with no hope of recovery. Her parents believe she can be rehabilitated.
Family members say they are no longer visiting because of the emotional toll.
"I don't know how she's doing. It's too much to have to go in and see her any more," said her father, Bob Schindler.
