Q & A - Human rights abuses against people in Serbian institutions

Comments & Feedback

hello laurie ahern
first and most your a wonderful human being. I would like to know how can we help Uros. I was left heart broken ... thanks, i will be sending some monies to Dusica thanks for address...

— francesca-627322

I was moved by the story in ways that made me realize how far we have come in the U.S., and yet we still have far to go. People institutionalized in the U.S. face similar challenges to obtain housing and community supports. We have thousands of people with disabilities locked up in our homeland and many still there because discharge is a long, trying road. Keep up the great work, MDRI. To shed light on the horrific conditions in Serbia and elsewhere, sends a strong message to all of us who live in the U.S. It's time for our public officials to recognize that freedom is not realized behind locked doors. With much respect and admiration. Laura

— A friend and colleague

Hi, I was also broken hearted by what I saw on Dateline... I understand every gift to this organization and mission helps, but I am wondering if anyone else is allowed to visit these institutions? I realize the need is overwhelming....but in the meantime, I would think at least allowing volunteers to go in and spend a few mins and show a little love to these kids & adults could be more help than it appears. I am serious, I would like to find out more information about this if at all possible. Thank you & bless you for the work you are doing.

— Sherry G

I was so saddened by what I saw happening in Serbia. I would really like to help, but not just by sending money, I would really like to do something to make a difference and also promote awareness of this horrible situation. Please let me know what I can do to help and how I can become more involved in the organization trying to help these children, and all of the people suffering in these institutions.
Thank you for promoting awareness of what is going on and being a voice for those who so obviously do not have one.
Thank you - Nazanin

— Nazanin A. Casebier

Conditions in the Serbian institutions were devastating to witness. My heart is just breaking for the individuals existing there, and for the families forced to make such sorrowful choices. My family and I are willing to help in whatever way possible (I'm a Master's level licensed social worker). Please let us know, and please continue your mission to raise awareness for the Serbian disabled. You are making a difference! Many blessings,
Barbara M. O'Keefe

— Barbara O'Keefe

Laurie, I thank you deeply for your honest depiction with Dateline on the Serbian mental institutions travesties. I'd ask that you please search for my comment on this segment and I also ask that you collaborate with Dateline to do a follow up on this horrific "truth" that exists in the 21st century. All the comments, as you will see, ask "how can I help?" I'd like to propose a follow-up segment such as "How We DID help." I'd like to be a part of this. I'd like to help you and your organization. In truth, I have more "heart" to give, than money right now. But I am willing to be there. You know, my husband and I adopted our only child, our son, when he was only 3 months old. (that was 24 years ago.) At that time, I remember my mother seeing him for the first time while he was laying in his bassinet and her crying. Mother cried because her heart broke, as she later told me, because Steven just laid there and never blinked his eyes as she lightly clapped her hands or he never turned his head to follow the sounds of her hands. Laurie, this was because our son was truly deprived LOVE, the basic human need to survive and excel those first few months of his life before we adopted him. I want to point out though, how QUICKLY a human being can turn around and do the basic things such as smile and laugh and even reach for a hand and hold tightly....when love is honestly given. 24 years later, the child that not many thought would excel, is now a Senior Partner in a major Computer firm after graduating from an Honors College in a University 4 weeks before he turned 20 years old. You see? Love and honest caring for the human spirit can turn the world around, one beautiful soul at a time. Even if it does mean, a simple smile and a locked hold of your hand all in thanks and all in love. Thank you and I do hope you seriously consider me a woman who would be truly honored to help you. From my heart.

— Connie-453806

Hello, I am a college student working toward my Physical Therapy Assistant degree. I want to help. Is there a web page for ideas on what I may do to help.

— Lindsey McGregor

I am horrified. As the mother of a healthy daughter, I can't imagine how those children get through their days. What can we do to help you in your fight to get these institutions closed down? Where else can the children go? If the government gives the children back to their parents, is the harm not done and unrepairable?

— Lianne McOuat

Laurie- what can I, as an American, do to help stop this monstrosity happening in Serbia? Is there anyway to connect with these children who are so very neglected? Thank you!

— Jessy-466342

THANK you for showing the world this horrific unbelievable heartless devasting topic- hopefully the people can get help now ~!I cannot beleive this .. my heart is crying .. my brother is downs syndrome and i' can not image going through this !! america please help these people - they need help -- this is devasting

— jennifer christy

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