Update on Shari Rodriguez

[Miulang]

Shari (http://www.mauinews.com/story.aspx?id=19622) is the little girl from Maui who was severely beaten up by her mother's boyfriend in a homeless shelter where they were living earlier this year. For awhile, it was touch and go, but miraculously, after 2 months, she recovered enough to make it back to Maui under the care of her Tutu Cheryl.

A fund was set up to help cover some of the expenses for Shari. My hunny Panzo wrote something about Shari on another website and got some of our friends on the Mainland to contribute to that fund. Cheryl just wrote back to Panzo to express her aloha and mahalo and to give the following report on Shari's progress:

"my attorney has instructed me not to use any of the money in the account. I believe we will go through the court so people will know where their money is spent...I think thats a good idea. Shari and I have gotten support from my family and some great people here on Maui. That she survived alone is a miracle. She has extensive brain damage but is defying the odds stacked against her, she had 50% of her pancreas removed, her spleen is dead, she will be on antiboitics for life, and there seems to be some visual imparement that she corrects by tilting her head, she is also partially paralized in her right hand. To look at her you would never imagine that the inside of her tiny body and brain are so damaged. GOD IS GOOD and HIS GRACE shines everytime I look at Shari's face. Her attacker may have been able to break her tiny body into pieces but her could not take away her will to survive. At this point she is doing very well but the future medically is unknown and we will have to deal with any problems that arise. I am going to send you some pics so you can see my precious Shari. The hospital photo is gruesome but it is the reality of what was done to this little girl. Again many thanks for letting people know about Shari...for now I am forced to be silent by the state....I will NEVER let what happened to Shari be swept under the rug...there are more of or Kekei being abused everyday...laws must be changed to protect the ones who cannot protect themselves...our Kekei.
Aloha,
Cheryl"

Mahalo ke Akua for the resilience of young bodies and medical science! Although Shari will be physically and emotionally challenged for the rest of her life, her Tutu is determined to make sure she still lives a good life. The picture below was taken of Shari earlier this month. What a little angel.

Miulang

[1stwahine]

Mahalo Tita Muilang for sharing Shari's story with us. :( I will pray for her and Tutu...........

Lynn

[manoasurfer123]

I hope the suspect in this case get's life in prison...

This young princess will have to live a life's worth of repercussions because of his wrong doing.

Child abusers are on the very bottom of my $#!t list... right next to Men who abuse women!

I will keep Shari in my thoughts and prayers as my son is about the same age.

[tutusue]

Unbelievable. Where are Lorena Bobbitt and Ted Bundy when you need 'em? Even those punishments would be too good for Shari's abuser. :mad:

[manoasurfer123]

Let me correct myself...

I hope the suspect gets a life term in prison...(with a cell mate that has a young daughter) :mad:

[kimo55]

Let me correct myself...

I hope the suspect gets a life term in prison...(with a cell mate that has a young daughter) :mad:
yes. a slow death lasting.. oh I'd say 40 years. constant daily punishment. and after that, the universe will still be imbalanced.

[nachodaddy]

Francisco "puto soon to be joto" Ramirez. Has a nice ring to it..............

[Miulang]

More information from Tutu Cheryl on Shari and what she likes to do now that she's on the road to recovery. If you want to send her books and other toys, etc. Shari's address is on the end of this. Cheryl isn't asking for money.

"Thank you for the e-mail. It means so much to know that people care. I am so not a person that accepts gifts easily but for Shari it is a different story. She loves books...we read 5 to 7 books before bed. She could benefit from toys that will encourage her to use both hands and anything that will help strenghten her right arm and grip. She loves to pretend to cook. She is learning shapes, colors, ABC's and matching the same objects.

I have a card from a family member taped to my frig that says "The Lord always finds the most wonderful ways to bring strenght and comfort to our hardest days." How true this is! He has provided unbelievable strength for both Shari and I along with comfort and compassion through wonderful people like you. Thank you and God Bless.

Aloha,
Cheryl Luker & Shari
969A Konia Place
Kihei, HI 96753"

Miulang

This is a picture of Shari when she was in the hospital in Honolulu in April. :(

[Miulang]

Me and Panzo and a couple of our Mainland expat friends got together and shipped 2 boxes of goodies off to Shari earlier this week. The smile on her face when she started playing with her new toys is amazing. If we could just figure out a way to bottle that smile and sell it on eBay, we'd be rich!

I'm so thankful for people who care about people who can't defend themselves.

[Miulang]

Shari's grandmother Cheryl reports that Shari now weighs 23 lbs, a vast improvement over the 19 lbs she weighed when she was released from the hospital in April. She's still about 6 lbs below average weight for her age and height, but Grandma Cheryl's love and care is helping her thrive. Even better news...Cheryl has started adoption proceedings! :cool:

Miulang

[tutusue]

Thanks for the updates, Miulang. This has become such a heart warming story...vs the initial heart wrenching story.

[legal_secretary_in_mtl]

BETTER YET, A CELLMATE NAMED BUBBA lol

Let me correct myself...

I hope the suspect gets a life term in prison...(with a cell mate that has a young daughter) :mad:

[cherla42]

Shari has been losing weight and not eating well. We went to 3 doctors last week and had several tests done all came out normal...Thank God. Pray for her appeitite to return. She is feeling better this week. Another major concern is that Shari also has an 11 month old 1/2 brother from her mother and her boyfriend. Not only is the state allowing visitation with the mother (who is suppose to be charged...I have proof she was a part of Shari's abuse)the state has put a "reunification" plan in place for them along with visits at the jail for the baby and his child abusive father...if they can do this what is to keep them from visiting Shari! ARE THESE PEOPLE CRAZY.....I have gone as far as the District Attorneys office with phone calls letting them know "THIS IS NOT OK"! I was told I was distraught and traumatised....YOU BET I AM... and I was also told that all these visits are supervised....Shari was suppose to be supervised too by the state and she was nearly beaten to death. I am getting the word out on this...I will probably get in trouble for exposing what is going on but I don't care. There is another childs life on the line here.
God Bless,
Cheryl & Shari

[1stwahine]

Cheryl, You came to an excellent place to get your Story out!!! We have many Bloggers. I know I will feature your story on mine. ;) I will keep you and the children in my prayers.

Love and Aloha

Auntie Lynn

Tita Muilang, I going take your story and put it up on my Blog then add Cheyl's. Moa powerful!!! http://www.auntiepupule.com/blog/index.php?id=792

Auntie Lynn

P.S. We have many "friends" in the media here on HT. Pleazzzzzzzzz get this story out. It needs attention asap.

[Miulang]

Aloha, Cheryl:
It was soooo nice to meet you and Shari in person the other week! She truly is a miracle child and you are a saint for taking care of her. When I read all the documentation you showed me about Shari's injuries and her previous living situation, I really got very angry at the State for their cavalier attitude about what is "right" for Shari. In her particular case, it appears that her birth mom really has no business giving birth to children, nevermind trying to take care of them. Raising children to become good, productive adults is a very hard task, and it's made even more difficult when the children have been physically and emotionally scarred by their birth parents.

How can the State say that Shari's mother and crazy boyfriend have any rights to see Shari or her half brother? What makes them think that this boyfriend will treat the boy any differently than he treated Shari? Will Shari's half brother have to become another child abuse statistic? With Shari's birth mother's track record (several children already taken away from her because of neglect on top of Shari, her half brother and another child soon to be born), why do they think she will suddenly see the light and start to make better choices for herself and her keikis?

I'm praying that Shari will start eating again soon (I know that small kids sometimes stop eating right before a growth spurt) and that your next trip to Honolulu to see the specialists turns out well. I also hope you and your husband can become Shari's official guardians soon and that God will find a way to get N. out of the predicament he will be in if he is returned to his parents. I know that Shari survived because there is something very important she needs to do on this earth, and that she is blessed to have Nani and Papa to help get her strong enough again so that she may do her work.

Malama pono,
Miulang

[shaveice]

cheryl, i hope you don't buy their bs for a second! distraught and traumatised? hell yes! who wouldn't be?!? ugh. the stupidity of the system is beyond belief. hang in there and fight tooth and nail. with any luck, maybe this story can be told in the local papers and tv news?

[cherla42]

Thank you all for your comments. It makes me stronger and more determined reading them. I knew from the time Shari was in PICU that I would become an advocate to change existing laws and fight for rights for children. The only reason mom cant see Shari is because Shari's Doctor forbids it, if not for him Shari would be subjected to visitation. I have been told that the baby was not abused but "Frankie" was pulled over and arrested on March 1st 2006 for drunk driving...the baby was in the car with him. I consider that endangerment, neglect, and abuse. He was, obviously, released even though he is a 4 time violent felon on parole till 2011 only to beat Shari to near death 14 days later. The shelter they were living in at the time is suppose to be for Women and Children only. Shari's mother is standing behind "Frankie" 100%...tells alot about what kind of mother she truely is. I have no doubt that when this info (and this info is the tip of the iceburg) gets beyond the "coconut line" I will be slapped with a gag order and my life will be even more difficult. I am ready to start my fight beginning with Shari's 1/2 brother. Please pray for strenght for Shari and I. Thanks for getting the message out too!!!
God Bless,
Cheryl & Shari

[LocoBoy]

God Bless You Shari and Cheryl, our thoughts and prayers are with you.

[tutusue]

Cheryl...is there a group you might be able to align yourself with (or they with you!) for the purpose of advocacy and support? One idea is Mothers Against Drunk Drivers (MADD (http://www.maddhawaii.org/)) and/or Prevent Child Abuse Hawaii (http://search.volunteerhawaii.org/org/2697334.html). I'm sure there are others.

I'm absolutely stunned at your and Shari's story. I really hope the media takes it and runs with it.

You're still in my prayers. I'm a tutu, too! God help anyone who would lay a hand on any of my mo`opuna. Actually, God wouldn't even come in to play in this situation. The perp would go down a windy, bumpy road to hell and I'd be the one with the map.

[cherla42]

I am going to e-mail Lila at the Maui News to let her know what is going on. I have stayed silent so that I would not "compromise" any investagation in progress. The investagation is over and all evidence has been turned into the prosecuting attorneys office. My feelings at this point are not on the case but the "compromising" situation Shari's brother is being put in and the possibility of yet another cycle of child abuse set in motion. We need many, many voices from the public. I have found that contacting agency's, if you do get a reply, will take weeks and months. I have contacted Lillian Koller's office, she is the director of the Department of Human Services for Hawaii. Her phone number is (808)586-4994. She is the top of the ladder in matters reguarding Child Welfare Services. I am begging all of you and everyone you can get this message to to call Lillians office with your concerns and feelings. Also a quick e-mail to Linda Lingle (Hawaii Governor) at www.hawaii.gov/gov from all of us just might force her to take a good hard look at this situation. I have e-mailed Gov. Lingle and never got a word back. There IS strenght in numbers and I am asking you all to get in line with me.
God Bless,
Cheryl & Shari

[shaveice]

I am going to e-mail Lila at the Maui News to let her know what is going on. I have stayed silent so that I would not "compromise" any investagation in progress. The investagation is over and all evidence has been turned into the prosecuting attorneys office. My feelings at this point are not on the case but the "compromising" situation Shari's brother is being put in and the possibility of yet another cycle of child abuse set in motion. We need many, many voices from the public. I have found that contacting agency's, if you do get a reply, will take weeks and months. I have contacted Lillian Koller's office, she is the director of the Department of Human Services for Hawaii. Her phone number is (808)586-4994. She is the top of the ladder in matters reguarding Child Welfare Services. I am begging all of you and everyone you can get this message to to call Lillians office with your concerns and feelings. Also a quick e-mail to Linda Lingle (Hawaii Governor) at www.hawaii.gov/gov from all of us just might force her to take a good hard look at this situation. I have e-mailed Gov. Lingle and never got a word back. There IS strenght in numbers and I am asking you all to get in line with me.
God Bless,
Cheryl & Shari

to send an email to the govenor and the lt. gov, go to this page: http://www.hawaii.gov/gov/contact/email/index_html

yup, a lot of people have to make some noise in order to keep this in the press... it's when no one's looking that they can get away with... murder.

[1stwahine]

Here's mine!

Aloha Governor Linda Lingle, Child Abuse has no room in our beautiful State. Laws needs to be changed so children like Shari, her brother "N", Peter boy, and Rueben will never be abused again. http://www.auntiepupule.com/blog/index.php?id=792

Aloha and Love
Lynn Vasquez aka
Auntie Pupule

[cherla42]

I have not heard anything in return for my e-mail to the Maui News. I do have some up lifting info. I have been looking for Shari's 6yr old 1/2 sister and her father who has custody of her. We found each other and Dad and sister came over to our place. It was a few weeks before Shari was beaten that they saw each other. Shari didnt recognize her sister (part of the brain damage) but the natural bond of sisterhood kicked in and they played for 2 hours. Joy was flooding my heart and we all want the girls to remain in contact and be "sisters". Now I will go in search of the oldest sister and I will continue the FIGHT for Baby Brother.
God Bless You All,
Cheryl & Shari

[cherla42]

Here's mine!

Aloha Governor Linda Lingle, Child Abuse has no room in our beautiful State. Laws needs to be changed so children like Shari, her brother "N", Peter boy, and Rueben will never be abused again. http://www.auntiepupule.com/blog/index.php?id=792

Aloha and Love
Lynn Vasquez aka
Auntie Pupule
Thank You Lynn for getting up to bat for abused children. I have contacted all family and friends and they are ALL e-mailing Gov. Lingle. I am praying it will make a difference. I have sent 2 e-mails personally...still no reply. Its campain time and I wish she would take a "real" moment to look into this matter or better yet, come to my house and look at Shari's scars and huge patches of hair missing from the back of her head, read the documentation on the Hell this little girl suffered for 6 months. REALITY! I picked up more medical records today....Shari's x-rays showed not 2 rib fractures but 5. 3 from the trauma she went through on March 15th and 2 prior, 1 that appears to me to have happened from being kicked in the back. I cant even begin to tell you how hard it is to read medical reports. It is the most heart wrenching emotion I have ever felt. Shari's story is not just Shari's, it is for any child who went to bed tonight in pain from abuse, feeling helpless, alone, and afraid.
God Bless,
Cheryl & Shari

[cherla42]

I correct myself...there were 4 rib fractures, not 5

[Miulang]

I'm sure Cheryl and Shari wouldn't mind my posting this information that was on another message board about Shari's progress (she is thriving, in large part due to her Nani Cheryl!):

Being dedicated to Shari and her horrific story means being dedicated to all children who went to bed last night in pain, afraid, and hopeless from abuse. It takes 8 YEARS to pass a law....unless it is something like "Ambers" law. Shari's surgeon's wife told me at Kapiolani that there needs to be a "Shari's" law. I dont know where to start but I guarentee I will figure it out! As extreme as Shari's case is it proves MAJOR flaws in a system put in place to protect children. During the 6 months Shari was abused I tried in vein to get the appropriate people to listen. NONE of my concerns were ever even noted in her case. OUTRAGEOUS!

HAPPY news. Miss Shari is eating like a horse! Last Thursday she tipped the scales at a whopping 22lbs 9ozs. Mentally and verbally she is as smart as a whip. She knows all her books by name and can say words from memory as I read to her. I can't wait to show her off to her neurologist in November. We are going to Oahu Oct 25th-26th for tests. We will be seeing her GI Doc, Surgeon, and also her Optomologist. Our trips to Kapiolani are draining but it is nice to visit the wonderful staff who helped so much in Shari's recovery.

Aloha & God Bless,
Cheryl & Shari

Below are pics taken of Shari at the Maui County Fair last week.

Miulang

[MadAzza]

Precious little tyke.

Thanks for the update, Miulang.

[shaveice]

saw a bio on john walsh (i think that's his name), the guy who hosts america's most wanted. as you may know, he got into the field cuz of his own tragic experience: his son was kidnapped and days later, only his head was found. his body has never been found. at that time, we were in the dark ages when it comes to an integrated system for anything related to missing or kidnapped kids and he faced insurmountable odds. somehow, things fell into place and real laws were passed but not without a great deal of effort and struggle.

i do hope you'll be able to endure all the hurdles that are in your way and protect that precious little girl...

[1stwahine]

Cheryl and Shari, Next time you come to Honolulu to visit doctor at Kapiolani Hospital let me know. Plzzzzzzzzzz. Antonio and I would like to meet you both.:D

Auntie Lynn

[cherla42]

saw a bio on john walsh (i think that's his name), the guy who hosts america's most wanted. as you may know, he got into the field cuz of his own tragic experience: his son was kidnapped and days later, only his head was found. his body has never been found. at that time, we were in the dark ages when it comes to an integrated system for anything related to missing or kidnapped kids and he faced insurmountable odds. somehow, things fell into place and real laws were passed but not without a great deal of effort and struggle.

i do hope you'll be able to endure all the hurdles that are in your way and protect that precious little girl...

John Walsh is amazing...had Shari died I know I would have curled up myself died. Insurmountable odds combined with some BIG hurdles have become away of life for us. Every day I give her antibiotics (she will take for life), everytime I look at her scared up tiny body, everytime her hand balls up from the paralysis, everytime I comb her beautiful hair with huge patches missing from the trauma, and everytime I watch her tip her head so she can see, I am reminded of what this precious little girl went through. I am also reminded of how Blessed we are at the amazing recovery she has made this far. These two bitter/sweet reminders combined have provided unbeliveable strenght to get through the struggles along with what will be relentless determination to change laws to protect children.

[cherla42]

Cheryl and Shari, Next time you come to Honolulu to visit doctor at Kapiolani Hospital let me know. Plzzzzzzzzzz. Antonio and I would like to meet you both.:D

Auntie Lynn

We are flying over Oct 25th-26th. Would LOVE to meet you too! I will send you an e-mail with details.

[cherla42]

It amazes me with the amount of family and friends that have e-mailed Gov. Lingle not one word has been returned. How do these people sleep at night? Many of Gov. Lingles ads on TV are aimed at children and education...guess that looks better than standing up for an abused child and her little brother. The sad part is while our polititians hide behind "rainbow colored" ads nothing is being done to protect "little brother". Even though visitation is supervised has anyone though of what this could do this this little boy emotionally. Anyone have any ideas where to go with this next????

[cherla42]

It amazes me with the amount of family and friends that have e-mailed Gov. Lingle not one word has been returned. How do these people sleep at night? Many of Gov. Lingles ads on TV are aimed at children and education...guess that looks better than standing up for an abused child and her little brother. The sad part is while our polititians hide behind "rainbow colored" ads nothing is being done to protect "little brother". Even though visitation is supervised has anyone though of what this could do this this little boy emotionally. Anyone have any ideas where to go with this next????

[shaveice]

i don't know how helpful this is but have you contacted the two major dailies? the honolulu weekly?

i also wonder if someone at olelo would be interested in documenting your story and putting it on air?

[1stwahine]

Update: A little tiny birdie told me in my ear dat Shari's Tutu was ordered by the Court not to Speak, use the Internet or contact anyone regarding Shari or her brother's cases.:mad:

Apparently, the phone calls, and emails are working and overwhelmed their offices. They may have silenced Cheryl but they can not silence the rest of us.

Shari's story needs to be told. There needs to be a Law to save and protect other children like Shari. Please continue to call, write and email so that our voices can be heard.

It is imperative that we save our children from animals who have no right to hurt our little Angels. Let us shout in unison for them ~ for they can not speak for themselves.:(

To send an email to the govenor and the lt. gov, go to this page: http://www.hawaii.gov/gov/contact/email/index_html

Auntie Lynn

[808shooter]

This story makes me very sad.

I wrote to the gov and lt gov tonight.

Congratulations Gov Lingle and Lt Gov Aiona on your reelection yesterday.

My email is directed to the both of you in an effort to get the both of you to direct your attentions to the Child Protective Services division of the State of Hawaii Department of Human Services. An alarming story of Shari Rodriguez has come to my attention and I am dumbfounded by the second hand unsubstantiated stories I am hearing.

http://www.mauinews.com/story.aspx?id=19622

This individual case bears closer scrutiny and the entire process needs to be assessed as it’s performance or lack of performance has been source of shame to a state that is known for Aloha.

[808shooter]

It amazes me with the amount of family and friends that have e-mailed Gov. Lingle not one word has been returned. How do these people sleep at night? Many of Gov. Lingles ads on TV are aimed at children and education...guess that looks better than standing up for an abused child and her little brother. The sad part is while our polititians hide behind "rainbow colored" ads nothing is being done to protect "little brother". Even though visitation is supervised has anyone though of what this could do this this little boy emotionally. Anyone have any ideas where to go with this next????

well for what it's worth, the governer's office sent me this reply first thing this morning.


Aloha and we will look into this matter.

Office of Governor Linda Lingle

[1stwahine]

well for what it's worth, the governer's office sent me this reply first thing this morning.

On behalf of Shari, her brother, Cheryl and the many other children who continue to be abused daily in our islands...Mahalo!

Auntie Lynn

[Miulang]

I couldn't resist posting this picture of one little angel who lives on Maui. I'm sure if she knew how to write, she would be writing to wish you all Mele Kalikimaka and Hauoli Makahiki Hou!

Miulang

[1stwahine]

You just made my day!:D

Mahalo Tita Miulang!

[808shooter]

well here is the text of a signed PDF letter I got from DHS on their department letterhead.

Oh and I replaced my real last name with "zilla" - not that I'm shy. I'm just shy.


Dear Mr. Zilla:

Thank you for your November 8, 2006 e-mail expressing your concerns for Shari Rodriguez. The Governor forwarded your e-mail to the Department of Human Services (DHS) for follow-up.

I share your concerns for her safety and well-being and for all of Hawaii’s keikis. Shari is under the foster custody of DHS; however, we are unable to share case-specific information with you unless you obtain consent from her parents. Please note that her Family Court case is regularly reviewed by a Family Court judge and she has a guardian-ad-litem appointed by the Family Court to make independent assessments and recommendations.

I appreciate your e-mail and thank you for bringing your concerns to my attention.

Sincerely,



Amy Tsark, Administrator (Acting)
Social Services Division

[1stwahine]

Yesterday, Cheryl adopted Shari!
http://www.auntiepupule.com/blog/index.php?id=1082

"The struggle, the order to keep silent is now all PAU!"

http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w161/1stwahine2/cherla1-1.jpg

Auntie Lynn

[cherla42]

Aloha our friends. I am trying to post a slide show of Shari while she was in the hospital. My daughter made it for Frankie's court sentencing on Oct 3 but it will NOT be allowed. Maybe I can e-mail it to one of you to post here.

[Miulang]

Aloha our friends. I am trying to post a slide show of Shari while she was in the hospital. My daughter made it for Frankie's court sentencing on Oct 3 but it will NOT be allowed. Maybe I can e-mail it to one of you to post here.
Why won't it be allowed in court? Seems that if the judge (and if there's a jury) could see pictures of how gravely injured Shari was and how far she has come since then, that it would be a slam dunk to keep that sucka in jail for a long long time.:mad: (I wanted to post this when I first got it, but I didn't know whether it would be used as evidence in court at the time. Now that I know it won't be allowed, here it is):

Shari's slide show (http://www.slide.com/r/EeX3xD6N4D_59wAWc13TgzzZG3E8DIlP?referrer=emci&view=original)

Miulang

[1stwahine]

I would have posted it too.;)

Lynn

[cherla42]

Thanks for posting the slide show ;) I'll let you know why I was told it couldn't be in court after I go to Frankie's sentencing on the 3rd of Oct.

Miss Shari is doing good. Trying to get her anti-seizure meds at the right dose for her....not easy. We are flying to Oahu Tues to see an endocrinologist for her symptoms of diabetes insipidis (rare form of diabetes). Other than the medical issues Shari is doing good. Shes doing great in her special-ed pre-school. She is really smart! Thank God!

I am looking forward to giving Shari's impact statement along with mine at the sentencing. Sadly they rarely change the judges mind on the sentence. Will go into all of that after Oct 3rd also.

God Bless,
Cheryl & Shari

[Miulang]

YEEHA! The scumbag (http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/article/2007/Oct/03/br/br6509183472.html) is going to be spending at least the next 13 years in OCCC for what he did to Shari!

Ramirez said he accepts full responsibility for his actions, and would use his time in prison to take classes that would teach him to "never let my anger, frustration and stress get the better of me again." Before levying the prison term, Maui Circuit Judge Joel August questioned the defendant's characterization of the crime.

"This was not a question of anger management, which is a euphemism for the extremely violent acts that people do. This particular incident takes on the ramifications of something that is sociopathic in nature, or psychopathic in nature. It's something certainly beyond anger management," August said



OK, Cheryl, now the truth can finally be told.:cool:

Miulang

[Miulang]

A more complete story (http://www.mauinews.com/news/2007/10/4/01punch1004.html)of what happened at Frankie's trial yesterday. The scumbag had not just abused Shari once "by accident", there was evidence that it had occurred previously. Such a sad story, but a miracle that Shari is still alive and wearing that million dollar smile of hers.

Miulang

[1stwahine]

Only tears of joy for Cheryl & Shari!

Mahalo to everyone who emailed and called to help them.

Auntie Lynn

[cherla42]

MAHALO to our friends who have supported Shari and I on Hawaii Threads! God Bless You ALL! Shari sharing with me her prior incidents of abuse at the hands of Frankie and her mother allowing me to bring HER impact statement into court yesterday was a powerful Blessing. It was finally her turn to be heard(she was not in court...I read her statement for her)! I am so PROUD of her. We are praying at the Parole Board hearing in the next 4 to 6 months they will decide to give Frankie 20 yrs without the posibility of parole. Time for me to re-group and get to working on changing laws and policies. I was happy to be informed that the homeless shelters will no longer let felons in. It is great to hear that at least one agency has made a positive change since Shari's near death beating.

God Bless,
Cheryl & Shari

[cherla42]

OK, Cheryl, now the truth can finally be told.
Miulang


OK here we go! Let's start with Shari's Impact Statement. This was exactly what was read in court.



These are Shari’s statements told to me in the comfort and security of our home. It is finally her turn to be heard.

April 28, 2007: Shari was trying to hold a bag of Cheerio’s with her partially paralyzed hand the bag spilled and she yelled at her hand for spilling the Cheerio’s.
May 02, 2007: When asked to use her right hand during home therapy she said “No it’s sick”.
May 08, 2007: Shari became very agitated with the surgical scar on her stomach. She tried to scratch it off then cried begging me to “take it off”.
June 25, 2007: “Daddy tried to cut my fingers off”. When I asked with what she said “a knife and it hurt”. I asked her why he did that and she said “because I was mad”.
July 04, 2007: “Daddy put tape on my mouth (she wipes her hand across her mouth), and my head (she wipes her hand over her head) and my nose (she wipes her hand across her nose). Mommy laughed. I barfed on my bed (puts her hand to her face gagging)”. “Mommy got a towel to clean it up”.
July 28, 2007: Shari said “I ran away up stairs”. “Mommy kicked me in the tummy cause I locked the door”.
July 29, 2007: “I hide under my toys”. “Daddy was going to stab me with a knife”.
Aug 03, 2007: “Mommy hurt me”. “She threw toys at me then cracked my head with a toy”.
Aug 06, 2007: “Mommy and Daddy hurt me”. “Daddy punched my tummy”. “He said f**k, f**k, f**k”.
Aug 19, 2007: “Daddy told me get in the car seat”. “He said f**k it”. “Mommy punched me and I barfed”

Shari’s statements combined with skeletal x-rays of her tiny body showing several fractures in different stages of healing prior to March 15, 2006 are proof in my mind that this was not a one time incident of abuse brought on by “stress”.

March 15, 2006 was not the first time this precious little girl was abused. March 15, 2006 was the day Francisco Ramirez could no longer hide the horrific abuse he inflicted time and time again upon a helpless 2 year old child.

[cherla42]

Here is my statement.

You’re Honor;

There were two things Francisco Ramirez could not brutally beat out of Shari on March 15, 2006, her will to survive and her undying desire to love and be loved in return. She was left with little else that day. Shari will NEVER recover mentally or physically. Her young life along with mine was violently and needlessly changed forever.

There is not enough time today to express the totality of the medical, financial, and emotional impact this senseless crime has caused for both Shari and I, therefore I will be brief and to the point on these issues.

It has taken a pediatrician and 5 pediatric specialists to take care of endless medical problems Shari suffers due to her near death beating at the hands of Francisco Ramirez. It takes 4 doses of 2 medications daily to hopefully control her seizures and inhibit the infections her tiny body can no longer normally fight. Flights to Oahu to see specialists are continuous. A simple cold or fever can and has caused re-manifestation of paralysis in her right side. During one such infection she was reduced to crawling, her right leg dragging behind her. She is at risk for pancreatitis, pneumonia, dehydration, sinusitis, urinary tract infections, brain bleeds, and diabetes which she is currently being tested for as she shows symptoms. Many of these risk factors could cause death.

The financial impact seems so menial compared to Shari’s life. I was unable to work for months due to Shari’s frail state combined with daily therapy, meetings, evaluations, and flights back and forth to Kapiolani Hospital for follow up visits and medical testing. My marriage, like most when faced with extreme injuries to a child, ended in divorce. More than half of our household income was lost in that divorce. I have since returned to work but can only work half the hours I used to in order to care for Shari’s medical and emotional needs. They are my first priority.

The emotional part of this journey has by far been the hardest. The broad scope of medical procedures and surgeries this little girl has had to endure would knock and adult to their knees begging “no more”. Shari no longer plays “mommy” with her dolls. She now imitates the endless medical procedures she has gone through on them. She tells me her right hand is sick and broken. She asks me to take the scar off her stomach. I thank God at this point she is unaware of the huge patch of hair missing from the back of her head. She has shared with me the stories of torturous abuse she suffered prior to March 15, 2006. She has no recollection of that day so far. It is through God’s grace I have been able to be open and honest with her about the abuse she endured but I can not answer the one question she always asks….”Why did he hurt me?”

My days and the days of those who spend time with Shari are spent in a constant vigil watching for a multitude of symptoms that would require immediate emergency medical treatment. Respite for me is little to none due to Shari’s injuries. Always looming in my mind the pseudo cyst that could become infected requiring another pancreatic surgery, will she have a seizure today, will she accidentally hit her head causing a brain bleed that could kill her, the list goes on and on.

Above all else I ask you to consider these truths before you sentence Francisco Ramirez.

Extensive portions of Shari’s brain, murdered.
Half of her pancreas, murdered.
Her spleen, murdered.
The ability to ever use her right hand normally, murdered.
The chance of this beautiful child living a normal life, murdered.


Thank You,
Cheryl Oelrich

[Miulang]

Cheryl and Shari sent along another slideshow, this one is of happy pictures instead of sad ones. I am so grateful that Shari has so many people who love and care for her. She shouldn't have survived the abuse she suffered, so that means she was spared for a reason. She now has many years ahead of her to figure out what that reason is.

Shari's happy slide show (http://www.slide.com/r/Q1a_bk0j4z9_jvSb89ppufsKDzUkrFgF?previous_view=msc d_embedded_url&view=original)

Miulang

[cherla42]

Asking for more prayers for Shari. Blood work on her thyroid is not normal.

[Miulang]

Asking for more prayers for Shari. Blood work on her thyroid is not normal.
You got it.:( I wonder if it's related to her messed up pancreas?

Miulang

[tutusue]

Asking for more prayers for Shari. Blood work on her thyroid is not normal.
Count me in, Cheryl. Sorry to hear that there's another worry for you and Shari.

[cherla42]

Doc is sure it is connected to the extensive brain damage. She also has diabetes insipidus (rare form) also from the brain damage. Putting all the medical issues aside she is such a beautiful inspiration and example of what life should be about. She is full of LOVE, JOY, & HAPPINESS. So another lemon came our way.....we'll make more lemonade!!!!

[Miulang]

Doc is sure it is connected to the extensive brain damage. She also has diabetes insipidus (rare form) also from the brain damage. Putting all the medical issues aside she is such a beautiful inspiration and example of what life should be about. She is full of LOVE, JOY, & HAPPINESS. So another lemon came our way.....we'll make more lemonade!!!!
Yes, if there was a way we could bottle up her joy and that million dollar smile of hers and send it all over the world, this world would definitely be a better place!:)

Miulang

[cherla42]

This was in the Maui This was in the Maui News Letters to the Editor last Sunday:


Maui News
Sunday, November 04, 2007


Letters to Editor


Maui Child Welfare Services ranked among best in the nation
VIEWPOINT by LILLIAN KOLLER

Maui residents remain shocked by the plight of young Shari Rodrigues, who suffered brain damage and other life-changing injuries when she was beaten by her mother’s boyfriend, Francisco “Frankie” Ramirez (“Man gets prison for punching tot,” The Maui News, Oct. 4). Shari was just 2? years old at the time of the brutal attack.

During the sentencing, 2nd Circuit Court Judge Joel August unfortunately used the occasion to criticize Maui employees in the Child Welfare Services branch of the Department of Human Services. The judge cast doubt on their professionalism by citing an unrelated child abuse case involving CWS.

Your readers should know that the case the judge referred to is on appeal and therefore unresolved. Therefore it is inappropriate to conclude anything, right or wrong, about Child Welfare Services’ actions in the unrelated case cited during the Ramirez sentencing.

Also, in the Ramirez case, it is important to understand that the family was under close supervision before the attack occurred. Everyone involved in supervising the family was surprised by the attack, including CWS workers and the Family Court itself, as well as the child’s court-appointed guardian ad litem. Whatever occurred during this family’s supervision was a shared responsibility.

The undisputed facts about the performance of Maui CWS workers reveal that they have an exemplary record of service to Hawaii’s at-risk families. When a statewide sampling of child abuse and neglect cases was conducted in 2002 as part of the U.S. government’s nationwide Child and Family Services Review, Maui led the way for Hawaii in meeting or exceeding federal standards.

Then again in 2006, the federal government formally recognized Maui and the state’s other CWS units for achieving an ambitious series of required goals that significantly improved the safety, well-being and stability of children in the child welfare system.

Today, as the Department of Human Services prepares for another major federal review in 2009, Maui CWS workers continue to meet or exceed rigorous national standards. These achievements include:

Reducing the risk of harm to children.

Initiating investigations more quickly into reports of child maltreatment.

Providing enhanced services to children, their parents and foster parents.

? Increasing social worker visits with children and involving children and their families to a greater extent in case planning.

I am heartened that Ramirez will serve a lengthy prison term for beating a defenseless toddler. However, it is a shame that the judge used the Ramirez sentencing to take an unwarranted swipe at Maui CWS employees. They do not deserve that kind of treatment.

Lillian Koller is director of the state Department of Human Services.

ANY COMMENTS?????

[tutusue]

[...]Lillian Koller is director of the state Department of Human Services.

ANY COMMENTS?????
<picking self up off the floor...>

Yep...I have a comment. Sounds like someone is jockeying for position to SAVE HER EFFING JOB by creating the proverbial "paper trail".

Unbelievable...:mad:

[Miulang]

Another sad and sorry tale of, as TutuSue put it, a department head in big trouble trying to save her okole. The very least that wahine could have done would have been to ask for permission from Shari's ohana to be included in an op ed piece like that. There have been enough other instances where the CPS has botched up that she could have talked about things generically. But maybe she was using Shari because Shari is one of the few instances where the person who was abused actually survived.

Shari should not be used as the poster child for a department that is so badly mismanaged and understaffed that a thorough housecleaning needs to be done. A department that's supposed to be protecting the welfare of children that uses those same children as a defense to support their activities is reprehensible.

[Ms_Aloha_Nui]

TRYING TO SAVE THEIR F***ING jobs?????? That's what this all boils down to!!!!! All these 'social service' people who in some SMALL way were connected to this little girl, in my opinion, should be made to sit down at the next hearing regarding this Ramirez and look at this ANIMAL! I hope they are reading all these posts about this little angel named Shari. I hope they or someone in their ohana never has to feel all her pain and Cheryl's pain. I have been blessed with just 2 sons - no daughters.....and to read about Shari just breaks my heart. I hope when it's time for this ANIMAL to go before the parole board or the next board of 'Powers that Be' that someone tells us so that we can send letters to the Board to ensure that this ANIMAL stays caged up for the rest of his life because this angel Shari will be suffering for the rest of her life........my prayers and blessing to her and Cheryl. May the wings of angels be there for them for all time. Aloha......

[tutusue]

And one, last comment...then I'll shut the **c* up...

May Karma swoop down and b!+¢h slap Ms. Koller upside the head in such a way as to surprise the $h!+ out of her and her family.

Me? Angry? Naaaaht! :mad:

[cherla42]

<Also, in the Ramirez case, it is important to understand that the family was under close supervision before the attack occurred. Everyone involved in supervising the family was surprised by the attack, including CWS workers and the Family Court itself, as well as the child’s court-appointed guardian ad litem. Whatever occurred during this family’s supervision was a shared responsibility>


It is important to know that during the 6 months Shari was being "closely" supervised she suffered several fractures to her body. Two rib fractures consistant with "squeeze and twist" type of abuse. There were 2 separate head injuries and facial injuries during this time that are medically documented. Amazingly this info is no where to be found according to CWS in Shari's case file. SUPRISE...there is also no CWS documentation of my reports of suspected child abuse. Also Frankie was arrested in Dec. of 2005 for drunk driving with the children in the car and released. Isn't that a parole violation????? Isn't that child endagerment???? He was never charged for that crime (swept under that rug)....why bother he gets to serve all crimes committed concurently anyway. CLOSELY MONITERED

[tutusue]

I stand by my post #63. Bless you, Cheryl, for taking all the ¢r@p that's been flung at and around you. Are you planning to refute Ms. Koller's statements with what you wrote above? Or, have you done that already?

[cherla42]

I have been planning my letter since Lillian's letter was brought to my attention. I was fully planning on rebutting at first. Something in my gut is telling me "not now". I am still baffeled that such a letter was sent in the first place. Here is a link where you can read the Federal Report mentioned by Ms. Koller as to the wonders of Maui's CWS Department.

http://www.hawaii.gov/dhs/protection/social_services/child_welfare/child_and_family/Hawaii%20CFSR%20Final%2011-3-03.pdf

ANY COMMENTS???

[tutusue]

[...]http://www.hawaii.gov/dhs/protection/social_services/child_welfare/child_and_family/Hawaii%20CFSR%20Final%2011-3-03.pdf

ANY COMMENTS???
Wowee...that report is 84 pages! It'll be quite awhile before I have the time to peruse it, unfortunately.

Cheryl, I hope you have copies of the "missing" CWS documentation. That is, of course, if you were allowed to have copies. Amazing how documentation just goes...POOOOOFFFF...isn't it?

[Miulang]

I have been planning my letter since Lillian's letter was brought to my attention. I was fully planning on rebutting at first. Something in my gut is telling me "not now". I am still baffeled that such a letter was sent in the first place. Here is a link where you can read the Federal Report mentioned by Ms. Koller as to the wonders of Maui's CWS Department.

http://www.hawaii.gov/dhs/protection/social_services/child_welfare/child_and_family/Hawaii%20CFSR%20Final%2011-3-03.pdf

ANY COMMENTS???
I think it was sent because the dept. is going to be audited again soon by the feds for compliance with the same outcomes that were measured in that 2003 report you cited. I only had a chance to glance briefly at some of the comments in that report, but where Ms. Koller indicated that Maui County was graded favorably on certain outcomes, the outcomes for the State as a whole, which she is responsible for, mostly comes up with inadequate rankings. I did notice that the Maui branch is doing way better than the Oahu branch, and the Hilo branch really has serious problems with compliance. Perhaps that's why there have been more cases like Peter Boy Kema reported from the Hilo office than either Maui or Oahu.

Remembering "Peter Boy" Kema (http://starbulletin.com/2005/06/01/news/story1.html).

Miulang

[cherla42]

Wowee...that report is 84 pages! It'll be quite awhile before I have the time to peruse it, unfortunately.

Cheryl, I hope you have copies of the "missing" CWS documentation. That is, of course, if you were allowed to have copies. Amazing how documentation just goes...POOOOOFFFF...isn't it?


According to CWS...not missing just not any info there. Shari had 2 case workers. The latest worker was new and only on the case for maybe 4 weeks before Shari was almost beaten to death. In answer to you're question...I have kept detailed notes. And yes I have extensive documentation from the time Shari was born.

[tutusue]

According to CWS...not missing just not any info there. Shari had 2 case workers. The latest worker was new and only on the case for maybe 4 weeks before Shari was almost beaten to death. In answer to you're question...I have kept detailed notes. And yes I have extensive documentation from the time Shari was born.
Good for you! Paper trails are necessary.

[Cnecki]

Funny how god works!

I was already to moan and groan about my husband being a kidney match out of 6 chicken brothers who NEVER got tested, and here is this story about a little precious baby who was abused by a fu......... fu.......... COWARD!!!!!!!!! Oh I thought I was angry before, OKAY TAKING A DEEP BREATH! All I can say is GOD BLESS and KISS that baby. Coward that Rodriguez, You know I think I would borrow the money to fly over to sit in court and scowel at that man. Ya, I hope he comes to prison on the mainland, HE WONT LAST!

GOD BLESS YOU SHARI and THAT BABY GIRL

I am a mother of 4, I think I am going to throw up now!!!!!!!!!!!

Cnecki

[cherla42]

:) God Blesses us every minute of everyday! We had a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner at my daughters house....Shari had a great time playing with her cousins. So much to be Thankful for always. Shari continues to do amazingly well. She has not had a seizure since September. She continues to take anti-seizure medication 2 times a day along with antibiotics and a nose spray for diabetes insipidus. She has mastered all but buttoning in special ed pre-school. The paralysis in her right hand makes it very difficult at this point.I am going to buy her one of those dolls with the big buttons on it. I know Shari....she will work on those buttons until she finds her own way of getting the job done. Educationally she has far surpassed any expectations. It looks like Miss Shari will be in regular classes before we know it....Thank You God!

I will be flying to Oahu in Feb. for Frankie's first parole hearing . It will be decided there if he will do a mandatory 20yrs without parole instead of the 13.4 yrs at his sentencing. I have been told I will be in a room with him and I will be able at that point to say anything I want to him. I am taking the pictures of Shari after surgery and I want him to look good and hard at what he did to her. I hope he see's those pics over and over in his head daily for the rest of his life. I am going to write up a petition in reguards to his sentence and get as many signatures as I can to bring to the hearing....hopefully it will make a difference.

Take care all.....time to set up all the Christmas decorations....Shari Loves them.

God Bless,
Cheryl & Shari

[Leo Lakio]

I have been told I will be in a room with him and I will be able at that point to say anything I want to him. I am taking the pictures of Shari after surgery and I want him to look good and hard at what he did to her. I hope he see's those pics over and over in his head daily for the rest of his life.Just steel yourself for the possibility that he won't show the level of remorse that you desire - don't let him dent your armor in any way.

And THANK YOU for sharing the news with us, both good and bad - it's especially great to read the latest good news. Shari's got some special purpose in this world, and I hope we'll all be able to learn about it as she grows.

[cherla42]

It was so obivious in court he was more concerned about not being painted a "monster" than showing remorse. I do understand that my questions will probably never be answered. Shari has told me of so many abusive insidents prior to her final beating. It was when she asked "why did they hurt me" I was completely stumped. I can't answer that:confused:

At least I have a few months to emotionally prepare myself before going face to face with one of the "monsters" who tortured this beautiful little girl for 6 months.

[tutusue]

[...]At least I have a few months to emotionally prepare myself before going face to face with one of the "monsters" who tortured this beautiful little girl for 6 months.
During your statement, Cheryl, I hope you use the word "monster" over and over and over again. Drive that word right thru that monster's soul. Oh wait, any monster who beats a child doesn't possess a soul so drive that word right thru the judge's soul. Even 20 years is too light a sentence for that monster.

[Leo Lakio]

At least I have a few months to emotionally prepare myself before going face to face with one of the "monsters" who tortured this beautiful little girl for 6 months.He may not show it, but deep down, I hope he now fears facing you. That's how it should be, since you've proven to be the stronger one.

[cherla42]

Thanks Leo & Tutu....support gives me strength in the things I still must still face and also makes me a stronger "MOM" for Shari!

I don't know how to put a picture on here...would love to share Shari's new pre-school pic. I can e-mail it to anyone who knows the ropes:D

[Miulang]

Here you go!1107

[cherla42]

MAHALO Muilang for posting Shari's pic

[Cnecki]

I second, third and 4th THAT!!!

[cherla42]

Great Big Mahalo to Tutu Sue. Miss Shari got a "special" Christmas package from her. She was so excited! Wonderful books, videos, even a Christmas mug! God Bless you Tutu Sue for thinking of Shari.

I had to take Shari to the doctor yesterday. She has been having headaches for the last month....more and more frequent. He is fairly sure she is having migrain headaches. I have to admit the addition of yet another medical condition yesterday for the first time had me saying "Why Lord". It was a short lived feeling and completely left my mind when I looked at Shari's beautiful smile. She is God's child and I am so Blessed that he has placed this beautiful Little Miracle in my care. I must never forget that. Extra prayers would be wonderful!

God Bless & Mele Kalikimaka To All,
Cheryl & Shari

[shen]

Hi Cheryl... how's Shari doing?

I hope she's doing well!

[cherla42]

Aloha! It has been a long winter break from school for Shari. She got the flu and I had to take her to the ER. Doc's also wanted anti-seizure medication doses upped. It has taken 6 weeks for her to adjust but HAPPY to report she has finally adjusted to meds and just has a small cough left. She also has right side weakness when she is ill due to the paralysis on her right side. There is a definate deficet when she tries to use her right side vision and hand to do anything. It's like her brain just can't connect there. Her migraine headaches seem to have gone with the increase of meds. Thank God! Mentally she is amazing considering the amount of brain damage. We are working on letter sounds and she is able to sound out most three letter words. We are also working on number recognition 11 through 20. I work alot with her at home and she has wonderful "special education" teachers. We are flying back to Oahu to see her neurologist and opthamalogist in Feb. Due to the multiple injuries Shari suffered and the risks that go with those injuries life can be a bit more complicated but be assured that at the end of each day we count our Blessings not Obstacles.

There were only two people who senselessly beat this precious little life BUT there are thousands of people who care about Shari and have helped with her recovery, whether it be hands on with her or a prayer for her from far away. Each one of those people are "Our Hero's". Thank's Hawaii Threads for being a "Hero" for Shari!

God Bless & Much ALOHA,
Cheryl & Shari
PS: Will be sending a few Christmas and Birthday Pics soon

[Peshkwe]

Cheryl...talk to Shari's neurologist about the possibility of putting her on Clobazam:

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/58108.php

http://www.epilepsy.com/medications/i_clobazam_intro

My oldest girl (14 yrs) has 'intractable epilepsy', has had brain surgery and even with the meds still had aura and seizure activity...and was working back up to the tonic colonics (grand mals). Her doc, Harry Chugani, put her on 5mg of clobazam and they've totally stopped even to the auras. She hasn't had a seizure since 11-27-07 so so far so good.

If you want contact information for Shari's doc to get more info, PM me.

[Peshkwe]

Ooops..just re-read...the 5mg should be 10mg per day. She gets two doses of 5mg one am and one pm.

[cherla42]

http://kgmb9.com/main/content/view/3465/40/

I don't know if you have heard the news from Oahu. Little Cyrus Belt was to turn 2 years old on Feb 7th. He was thrown from a freeway overpass and killed by his mothers neighbor this week. The first common denominator between Shari and Cyrus? Yesterday Lillian Koller from Hawaii DHS released 180+ pages of documents reguarding his mother complete with calls of neglect and abuse. Alot of what I read was exactly what Shari had been through. Hours before Cyrus died a police officer found him unattended outside and returned him to mothers boyfriend. That officer notified CPS of the incident. Apparently after that he was left with his sleeping Grandfather and somehow the "ice head" neighbor got a hold of him.

Through this almost two year journey since Shari's near death I have been around many medical professionals and many educational professionals. They all say the same thing. Reports of abuse are made...the child is taken for a short period and then placed right back in the abusive home.

For a long time I thought what needed to change was the reporting method between authorities. Now, with Cyrus' death, it is completely apparent that reporting abuse to CPS has little to no consequences for most parents. What the CPS records do show is the child neglect and abuse on their part by throwing these innocent and defenceless children right back in the "lion's cage" while they glance every so often into that cage and take notes!

My quest begins!

[tutusue]

[...]I don't know if you have heard the news from Oahu. Little Cyrus Belt was to turn 2 years old on Feb 7th.[...]
Cheryl...we're discussing the Cyrus Belt case HERE (http://www.hawaiithreads.com/showthread.php?t=14404). I'm sure you can contribute a lot to that thread. However, it must bring back such painful memories for you. I look forward to your contributions.

[cherla42]

I can't believe that this coming Saturday will be 2 years since Shari was nearly beaten to death. I can vividly recall standing next to her PICU bed just hours after she arrived at Kapiolani Hospital begging God to let her live. I promised to take care of her know matter how she came out of this medically or mentally. Watching her go from blind and with only grunts to communicate to the active, happy, loving, little chatter box she is today has been no less than a miracle. She is completely aware that her right hand doesn't function as her left but given her own time and space ( and encouragement) she finds her own unique ways to adapt the right hand to most circumstances. The area of her brain that suffered the worst damage should have limited her ability to comprehend alphabet letters and reading ability. She has not only mastered her alphabet she also knows the sounds of each letter. She is now starting to sound out 3 letter words and is very close to writing her name without guidance. Her medical issues are always a concern and will be the rest of her life. We deal with them...we don't dwell on them. She weighed in today at a whopping 30.8 lbs. It is awesome to watch her continue to climb on the growth chart.

My oldest daughter and I were scheduled to go to Oahu to testify before the parole board to give Frankie the full 20 years without the possibility of parole on March 7th but it was canceled until May. There is nothing on this earth that can convince me that this "monster" did not commit murder on Shari. So many parts of her body and brain have been murdered and will never function again.

To end on a happy note...the whale count for Maui is over 1,700 whales this year. Shari and I love to go down to the beach at sunset and watch them. Last Saturday we went out on a "whale watch" boat. Shari really enjoyed seeing the whales and we were lucky enough to watch a mother and her calf breaching together. She is very into whales now and is constantly looking for them as we drive by the coast. How Blessed we are to live in paradise!

God Bless,
Cheryl & Shari

I will try to post the pic of us on the boat

[tutusue]

[...]Watching her go from blind and with only grunts to communicate to the active, happy, loving, little chatter box she is today has been no less than a miracle. [...]
Hmmm...I see another miracle. That is, there was a loving tutu standing by to do what it takes to help heal a moopuna...a tutu who put her life on hold. And, not only heal, but adopt.

Just my 2¢. ;)

[cherla42]

After waiting since October to go before the parole board (and face to face with Frankie) I just found out that he has already been transfered from Oahu to a prison in Arizona. The parole board hearing will now be sometime in June and Frankie will be there via TV. I am so disappointed. :(

Shari is doing well. She got her first bike with training wheels...I might take them off when she's 30 (lol). She has also learned how to swing on a swing set all by herself....she glows with pride as her little legs go in and out taking her a bit higher each time. She has brought up the abuse she endured again. She tells me at least once a month "mom don't let nobody take me away". It is amazingly sad how much she remembers. With no counseling available here on Maui I am flying by the seat of my pants during these talks. I am open and honest with her questions and assure her nobody will take her from me.

Hope all is well with or friends on Hawaii Threads!

God Bless,
Cheryl & Shari

[tutusue]

[...]With no counseling available here on Maui I am flying by the seat of my pants during these talks. I am open and honest with her questions and assure her nobody will take her from me.[...]
Cheryl, please explain what you mean by "no counseling available" on Maui. Does Shari need a certain type of specialist that's not available?

So happy to hear Shari is progressing...onward and upward.

[cherla42]

The first time Shari shared the abuse she went through she seemed fine afterward. Last week after sharing more abuse stories she became very angry afterward. I have never seen her so angry. She was griting her teeth at me and talking like her bio-mom used to talk to her. I do at this point feel we need a child psychologist. I have no expertise with abused children. I need the tools to help her through any anger issues she more than likely will have again due to the abuse. Unfortunately either the psychologist here don't take Shari's insurance or they don't deal with children as young as Shari. There is only one place I have not checked into because it would mean throwing us back into "the lion's cage". We will more than likely need to go to Kapiolani for help.

[cherla42]

GOOD NEWS!!!!!

Assault on girl brings minimum of 18 years
By LILA FUJIMOTO, Staff Writer POSTED: July 26, 2008


WAILUKU - A Lahaina man, sentenced last year to a 20-year prison term for inflicting life-threatening injuries on a child, has been ordered to spend at least 18 years behind bars before being eligible for parole.

The Hawaii Paroling Authority set the mandatory-minimum term for 27-year-old Francisco "Frankie" Ramirez after a hearing June 23 on Oahu.

The decision by the parole board means the earliest Ramirez could be released is March 7, 2024.

He was sentenced in 2nd Circuit Court last October after pleading no contest to a reduced charge of attempted manslaughter of his girlfriend's daughter, Shari Rodrigues, on March 15, 2006, when she was 2 years old. The girl was unconscious when she was rushed by ambulance from Hale O Wainee Homeless Resource Center in Lahaina to Maui Memorial Medical Center after paramedics responded to an emergency call for a comatose child that morning.

Kihei resident Cheryl Oelrich, who has been allowed to adopt her granddaughter, said she was "just thrilled" when she learned that Ramirez would be required to serve nearly all of his prison term.

Family members didn't agree with the lower mandatory minimum term of 13 years and four months that was imposed when Ramirez was sentenced, Oelrich said. That minimum term was based on his two prior first-degree burglary convictions, making him a two-time repeat offender.

Accompanied by a victim-witness counselor from the Maui County prosecutor's office, Oelrich and her daughter Jessica McFall, Shari's aunt, attended the parole hearing last month to ask the parole board to increase Ramirez's minimum term.

Oelrich said she went "as a voice for Shari," asking parole board members to require Ramirez to spend all 20 years incarcerated.

"Shari will never have the opportunity of parole from this horrific crime," Oelrich told the board.

Showing photos of a scar on Shari's stomach and other lasting injuries, Oelrich told Ramirez: "While most of her body has healed on the outside, the inside of her body and brain will forever be ravaged by your anger."

Ramirez, who is incarcerated at a maximum-security prison in Arizona, appeared by teleconference at the hearing.

In keeping with a plea agreement, Deputy Prosecutor Robert Rivera recommended that Ramirez's minimum term be set at the 13 years and four months imposed by the court.

Rivera said there were continuing questions about Ramirez's truthfulness in his description of how Shari was so severely injured.

Ramirez had been living in an apartment at the homeless resource center with Shari, her mother and the couple's infant son. Ramirez told police he punched the girl in the abdomen when she gave him a "disrespectful" look.

At Maui Memorial Medical Center, a doctor performed emergency surgery on Shari, who suffered a fractured skull, fractured ribs and bleeding behind her right eye, according to police. Her small intestine was severed from her stomach and her pancreas was cut in half.

She was flown to an Oahu hospital, where she was hospitalized for two months while Oelrich remained at her bedside.

Now 4 1/2 years old, Shari attends pre-kindergarten and special education classes. She still suffers from seizures and sees three pediatric specialists as well as her regular pediatrician, often traveling to Oahu for appointments.

Oelrich said doctors have determined Shari suffered brain damage, but the extent of those injuries might not be known until she is 7 or 8 years old.

"But she's happy," Oelrich said.

One of the hardest things she did was to tell Shari that Ramirez had said he was sorry, Oelrich said. Later, when she asked Shari how she felt about Ramirez's apology, "She said, 'It made me feel better.' "

While attending the parole board hearing was difficult, Oelrich said she felt the family's presence made a difference.

"It was really hard emotionally," she said. "All of it was part of the healing process too."

* Lila Fujimoto can be reached at lfujimoto@mauinews.com.

[Leo Lakio]

GOOD NEWS!!!!!Damn good - thank you!

[1stwahine]

Hoooray!!!

(((Hugs)))

Auntie Lynn

[tutusue]

Doing a major happy dance all around my tiny condo...
ouch <wall>
ouch <desk>
ouch <sofa>
ouch <refrigerator, with Shari's picture!>
It hurts soooooooo goooooood!
Way to go, Cheryl. Way to go...