Aaron’s Holiday Hope

Just off Main Street in Canon City at Susies Grooming, there’s a 14-year-old boy who hasn’t lost his hope and wish for a better life. Aaron Edwards and his mom, Mitzi Roden are waiting for the Florida State Legislature to make good on a jury award for $30 million.

Mitzi Roden sued a Fort Myers hospital because of a medicine mix-up during her pregnancy with Aaron. He suffered oxygen loss and is in a wheelchair, barely able to speak. The money is being held up in the Florida State Legislature. It’s because the hospital is a government entity and by Florida law, lawmakers have to approve the money.

Aaron sent a letter to lawmakers which included his plea for help. He types on a computer to vocalize his words. He told lawmakers in part, “My mom can’t give me anything for Christmas because we are pinching pennies literally. If Dean Cannon (Florida House Speaker), can grant my Christmas wish list, it would make me happy and give me relief to my mom. We are counting on you. I don’t want to be halfway forever. Please, Please Help me.”

Just months ago, a Florida Senate Committee approved the full $30 million for Aaron. A bill didn’t make it’s way out of the Florida House committee. That means Aaron and his mom have to start all over again with his claim in 2012.

I spoke with Mitzi and Aaron’s attorney about this latest hurdle for the family. Chris Searcy said in this statement, “Aaron Edwards and his family were victims of serious medical malpractice due to misconduct by the Lee Memorial Health System. When the family put their faith in the U.S. legal system, a jury agreed and rendered a unanimous verdict. But justice has been denied because certain members of the Florida Legislature have relied on legal road blocks to prevent justice from being served. This Christmas, we are putting our faith in the hands of the Florida Legislature. We hope that they will grant him a fair hearing and vote, so that he will finally be able to receive the necessary 24-hour care he needs to live a more productive life.”