Letters of Support January 2004
Dear Susan,
I am writing this letter to comment upon Taggie's current function and treatment. When I first treated Taggie in 1994-1998 he was having much greater difficulty in controlling his aggressive impulses -- putting those around him (& himself) in danger and significantly limiting what he could do or where he could go.
Currently he is doing much better. It appears clear that the current consistent, predictable, and caring approach that is skillfully practiced by his care providers as well as a stable and familiar home environment has been a critical foundation for this improvement. This has not only kept others and himself safe but allowed for a much higher quality of life and interpersonal interaction. This basic foundation of home and care will provide the ongoing future stability necessary for Taggie. I do not envision that he will be able to have a reasonable quality of life with anything less in the future.
Sincerely,Craig Van Tuinen, M.D.
Psychiatrist
Northeast Kingdom Human Services
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Dear Susan,
I'm writing to express some of my thoughts and observations about Taggie that I mentioned to you when we met to discuss his eligibility for state support to maintain his current living and care situation. You and your community have done an excellent job in providing Taggie with the consistency, structure and support that he needs to maintain his current level of good health. I hope this helps others to understand how good he seems to me in comparison to when I first met him. As I told you, I saw Taggie for the first time in many years just a few months before we met. He was walking through the parking lot of a local grocery store with one of his caretakers. I was immediately struck with how healthy he looked -- at a good weight, calm and smiling. What a difference from the last time I'd seen him!
I became Taggie's social worker in the early 1990's when he was living at the Dayspring group home of those with Developmental Delays. He was agitated most of the time and as a consequence frequently refused to eat, had disturbed sleep and often was moved to violence. His heightened sensitivity to the agitation of the others with autism and/or MR became increasingly intolerable for him.
Herb Elsky, a member of the Buddhist Church, petitioned the state for and was granted guardianship for Taggie. He moved him into a private residence. I remained involved for a period of time during the transition.
It was very difficult over the next few years for those good hearted people to know exactly what to do to provide an appropriate environment for Taggie. They persevered and much to their credit, a care plan has evolved that provides the secure boundaries within which Taggie can relax and be happy. It is because of this that I worked hard on Taggie's behalf to get the maximum amount allowed by the state to help to provide what is needed to maintain what he has in place.
I am happy to announce that Taggie has been approved for full Medicaid as well as a waiver of the Medicaid statutes which will allow the State of Vermont to contribute approximately $40,000.00 per year to continue to provide for his Developmental Home. It should be understood that Taggie will require this level of support and care for the rest of his life.
Sincerely,
Jeanine Hawkins, BS
Developmental Services Supervisor
Intake/Eligibility Coordinator
Northeast Kingdom Human Services
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My name is Fatima Terzic. I am the Pharmacy Technician at Gauthiers Pharmacy
in St. Johnsbury, Vermont.
I have known Tagtrug Mukpo since 1992 when Chris and Bob Chandler were his caretakers. They would bring him into the store when they came to pick up his prescriptions for his seizures. He was having a lot of seizures then despite the medicine. He was so thin, frail and anxious despite the good care I knew he was getting.
I am so happy now that the new medications have almost completely stopped his seizures. He is healthy looking and so much calmer. Now when I offer him a piece of chocolate he can look me in the eyes and say thank you. He could never do that even a few years ago.
The plan for his care and the environment provided over the years by his caretakers is so good for him. I look forward to seeing Taggie and the members of his care team whenever they stop in the store.
Fatima Terzic
Pharmacy Technician
Gauthiers Pharmacy
St. Johnbury, VT
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Susan,
When Fatima and I heard about the financial difficulties you are encountering for Taggie we wanted to do more than sign the letter. Please find a check from each of us.We hope that helps!
Best wishes and good luck,
Carol Novick, R.Ph.
President, Gauthier's Pharmacy