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Offers Pour In To Help Rape Victim

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By D'ANN LAWRENCE WHITE

dlwhite@tampatrib.com

Published: October 24, 2008

RUSKIN - The family of the 18-year-old woman who was raped and beaten in April at the Bloomingdale Regional Public Library didn't have to look much farther than their backyard to find good Samaritans.

After a plea for therapy services and help renovating the victim's home to accommodate her medical needs and wheelchair when she leaves a Sarasota rehabilitation center soon, family friend Cheryl Zemina was flooded with offers of help.

"It's really been overwhelming," Zemina said Thursday. She said she received hundreds of e-mails in response to news the family was in need. "In fact, I can't possibly respond to all of them. I had to take half a day off of work."

The East Bay High School senior was attacked while dropping off books at the library April 24. Her injuries left her almost blind, brain-damaged and unable to walk or speak.

She has spent five months at the rehabilitation center but has not made significant progress in the facility, which costs $60,000 a month. Her doctors and relatives agreed she may do better in more familiar surroundings at home in south Hillsborough County.

Medicaid, the state's health care provider, does not pay for renovations needed to accommodate someone in her medical condition, including widened doorways to accommodate a wheelchair, a modified shower and ramps.

In addition, Zemina said, Medicaid likely will not cover all the physical, occupational and speech therapy her friend will need.

So the family turned to the community for help.

Zemina's husband, John, a general contractor, has volunteered to serve as the general contractor for the renovation.

The family has received two offers from health care agencies to provide therapy services for the victim.

In addition, Jonathan Greaves, chairman of the Remodelers Council of the Tampa Bay Builders Association, has offered the services of his 60-member council of contractors and subcontractors to help remodel the home.

The Rev. Sabrina Tu of St. John's United Methodist Church in Tampa said she has an army of carpenters, plumbers and tilers prepared to volunteer. And Jim Brate of Bratebuilt Construction in Ruskin said his company is willing to offer assistance.

Catrina Miller doesn't know anything about plumbing or physical therapy, but the president of the 300-member Bloomingdale High School PTSA said she can raise money through a Nov. 1 fundraiser.

"We've all been thinking about this young woman at the high school," she said. "It's so sad that this perfectly healthy girl has had her whole life taken away."

Bloomingdale High student Kendrick Morris has been charged in the attack and remains at Orient Road Jail without bail.

FUNDRAISERS SET

BUY A BRACELET: Pink and red latex bracelets with the inscription, "Everyone's Daughter, Everyone's Friend," will go on sale at the Ruskin Chamber of Commerce for a $5 donation.

The bracelets will be available at the chamber, 315 S. Tamiami Trail, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, and at the office of Child Protection Education of America, 3439 Brook Crossing Drive, Brandon, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday.

SHOW WITH A CAUSE: On Nov. 1, an entertainment extravaganza takes place at the International Independent Showman's Association, 6915 Riverview Drive, Riverview, from noon to 6 p.m. Tickets are $25 and will be sold at the door.

The concert, spearheaded by St. Petersburg resident Jim Brady, will feature doo-wop, country and Latin entertainers.

WALK/RUN TO SHOW SUPPORT: Bloomingdale High School's PTSA is hosting a 5-kilometer run/walk fundraiser Nov. 1 and giving part of the proceeds to the victim.

Reporter D'Ann Lawrence White can be reached at (813) 657-4524.

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