A Very Sad Day in North America

[sharon sanders]

Today, as most of you probably know, was a day of violence in the United States.

A gun man shot several people in Arizona. One of them is an elected member of Congress.

It does not matter what party this person is from. Or if this person is a man or woman, black, brown, or white.

She is a human being. Evidently 1 of those killed is a child.

We have never allowed violence discussion at FT. We are a public health site and violence is inherently anti-public health.

We wish that violence everywhere would stop this very second.

Study War - No More.

We hope for a speedy recovery for all those wounded and our hearts go to all who are involved in this tragedy.

Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords says it best earlier this week:


<object width="480" height="385">


<embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/vZ6XMfL3pvs?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></object>

[Pathfinder]

Re: A Very Sad Day in the United States

The President Speaks on the Shootings in Tucson: "We Are Going to Get to the Bottom of This, and We?re Going to Get Through This"

Posted by Jesse Lee on January 08, 2011 at 05:58 PM EST

The President speaks from the White House on the shootings in Arizona and on Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords. Full transcript below:

THE PRESIDENT: As many of you are aware, earlier today a number of people were shot in Tucson, Arizona, including several who were meeting at a supermarket with their congresswoman, Gabrielle Giffords. We are still assembling all the facts, but we know that Representative Giffords was one of the victims. She is currently at a hospital in the area, and she is battling for her life.

We also know that at least five people lost their lives in this tragedy. Among them were a federal judge, John Roll, who has served America?s legal system for almost 40 years; and a young girl who was barely nine years old.

I?ve spoken to Arizona governor Jan Brewer and offered the full resources of the federal government. A suspect is currently in custody, but we don?t yet know what provoked this unspeakable act. A comprehensive investigation is currently underway, and at my direction, Director Bob Mueller is en route to Arizona to help coordinate these efforts. I?ve also spoken to the Democratic and Republican leaders in the House.

Gabby Giffords was a friend of mine. She is not only an extraordinary public servant, but she is also somebody who is warm and caring. She is well liked by her colleagues and well liked by her constituents. Her husband, Mark Kelly, is a Navy captain and one of America?s valiant astronauts.

It?s not surprising that today Gabby was doing what she always does -- listening to the hopes and concerns of her neighbors. That is the essence of what our democracy is all about. That is why this is more than a tragedy for those involved. It is a tragedy for Arizona and a tragedy for our entire country.

What Americans do at times of tragedy is to come together and support each other. So at this time I ask all Americans to join me and Michelle in keeping all the victims and their families, including Gabby, in our thoughts and prayers. Those who have been injured, we are rooting for them. And I know Gabby is as tough as they come, and I am hopeful that she?s going to pull through.

Obviously our hearts go out to the family members of those who have been slain. We are going to get to the bottom of this, and we?re going to get through this. But in the meantime, I think all of us need to make sure that we?re offering our thoughts and prayers to those concerned.

Thank you.

Video:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2011/01/08/president-speaks-shootings-tucson-we-are-going-get-bottom-and-we-re-going-get-throug

[Pathfinder]

Re: A Very Sad Day in the United States

Statement from U.S. Navy Captain Mark Kelly

"On behalf of Gabby and our entire family, I want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the people of Arizona and this great nation for their unbelievable outpouring of support. Gabby was doing what she loved most ? hearing from her constituents ? when this tragedy occurred. Serving Southern Arizonans is her passion, and nothing makes her more proud than representing them in Congress.

"Like all Americans, we mourn the loss of Gabe Zimmerman, a fine man and beloved member of Gabby?s team, Judge John M. Roll, Christina Taylor Green, Dorothy Morris, Phyllis Schneck, and Dorwan Stoddard. We must never forget them, and our prayers are with their families. Our hearts go out to everyone injured yesterday; we hope and pray for their quick recovery. We also extend our thanks and appreciation to all of the first responders, medical personnel, law enforcement, and Arizona citizens who acted swiftly yesterday and continue to assist our community through this tragedy. Many stories of heroism are emerging, and they are a source of strength for us during this difficult time. We are forever grateful.

?Many of you have offered help. There is little that we can do but pray for those who are struggling. If you are inspired to make a positive gesture, consider two organizations that Gabby has long valued and supported: Tucson?s Community Food Bank and the American Red Cross.?

Community Food Bank
3003 S Country Club Rd # 221
Tucson, AZ 85713-4084
(520) 622-0525

American Red Cross, Southern Arizona Chapter
2916 East Broadway Boulevard
Tucson, AZ 85716
(520) 318-6740
<!-- -->

http://giffords.house.gov/

<!-- -->

[Pathfinder]

Re: A Very Sad Day in the United States

The White House
Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release
January 09, 2011


Presidential Proclamation--Honoring the Victims of the Tragedy in Tucson, Arizona

As a mark of respect for the victims of the senseless acts of violence perpetrated on Saturday, January 8, 2011, in Tucson, Arizona, by the authority vested in me as President of the United States by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, I hereby order that the flag of the United States shall be flown at half-staff at the White House and upon all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions until sunset, January 14, 2011. I also direct that the flag shall be flown at half-staff for the same length of time at all United States embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and stations.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
ninth day of January, in the year of our Lord two thousand eleven, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fifth.

BARACK OBAMA

http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2011/01/09/presidential-proclamation-honoring-victims-tragedy-tucson-arizona

[Pathfinder]

Re: A Very Sad Day in the United States


9-year-old Christina Greene (Family photo)

Christina's mother Roxanna spoke about her daughter's death on MSNBC Sunday morning.

"...She's a face of hope, a face of change, face of ... us coming together as a country to stop the violence and hatred and the evil wars," Green added. "We have to protect our government officials and our innocent young children."

[...]

http://www.ktla.com/news/landing/ktla-christina-greene-arizona-victim,0,5105433.story

[Pathfinder]

Re: A Very Sad Day in the United States

Canada Offers Condolences After Tragedy in Arizona

(No. 11 - January 8, 2011 - 11:30 p.m. ET)

The Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today issued the following statement on the shooting that took place this afternoon in Arizona:

?On behalf of the government and all Canadians, I offer my condolences to the family and friends of federal judge John Roll and the other innocent victims of this senseless act of violence. In particular, I offer sympathy to the family of the young girl among the victims, whose entire life was ahead of her.

?I would also like to wish a quick recovery to Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords and to all others who were injured.

?Canada stands with the people of the United States, our valued friend and neighbour, in this time of grief.

?Regardless of where they occur, attacks against democratically elected officials affect and undermine the safety of us all.?

http://www.international.gc.ca/media/aff/news-communiques/2011/011.aspx?lang=eng

[sharon sanders]

Re: A Very Sad Day in the United States

I have to admit. This hit me really hard.

Such a senseless act.

Congresswoman Giffords was personally reaching out, at the front of a neighborhood grocery store, to her constituents. What better representation is there? Other citizens, in the wrong place, at the wrong time, became victims too.

They were exercising their constitutional rights to speak to their fairly elected federal government representative.

This is what "government of the people, by the people, for the people" means in practice.

I went to a meeting like that once. It was really interesting. Our local congressman was casually walking around answering questions. There were only about 15 citizens in attendance. While I did not agree with some of his ideas, it was really great to be able to talk to him "up close and personal". There were no security people there. I think he was actually alone. I do not remember seeing anyone who looked like a staff person.

Do we want this to change?

When will people realize that "free speech" is not a license to incite violence. When will people use common sense - that having a voice comes with responsibilities?

Thank you to everyone who has supported our firm policy against violence talk. In the early days we were the target of much internet bashing and stalking due to this stance. For some reason people felt they should be able to tell us how to communicate public health, and that violence was a part of that communication.

We did not capitulate despite online and offline harassment.

All the best wishes to all the near ones of the victims who are touched by this tragic event.

[AlaskaDenise]

Re: A Very Sad Day in the United States

Sharon:

I've always been so proud of FT for discouraging inapproriate and unproductive posts. Not only can word-violence lead to physical violence, but uncivil rhetoric never accomplishes anything good. I believe it's detrimental to people's mental health, since they're led to believe that an acceptable response to problems is ranting rather than a healthy civil exchange of ideas.

Perhaps, given that the world's problems are so large and complex, ordinary people feel they cannot wrap their minds around any solutions. But we need to double our efforts to approach issues with our highest standard of discourse. It can be done - FT is proof.

.

[Emily]

Re: A Very Sad Day in the United States

http://www.bellinghamherald.com/2011...1-percent.html

POSTED: Tuesday, Jan. 11, 2011
Surgeon: Giffords has '101 percent' chance of survival
By SAM STANTON - McClatchy Newspapers

Read more: http://www.bellinghamherald.com/2011...#ixzz1AnIFVGJ8

"She has a 101 percent chance of surviving," said Dr. Peter Rhee, trauma chief at the University of Arizona Medical Center and a former combat surgeon who worked in Iraq and Afghanistan. "She will not die."

Read more: http://www.bellinghamherald.com/2011...#ixzz1AnI9fWUW

[mickey]

Re: A Very Sad Day in the United States

I just finished watching President Obama's speech in Arizona. His call for us to create a country that lives up to Christina's idea of our country made me weep. (Christina was the beautiful nine year old who died in the shooting.)

Great idea, it could be called Christina's World. Andrew Wyeth probably wouldn't mind.

[Pathfinder]

Re: A Very Sad Day in the United States

The White House
Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release
January 12, 2011

Remarks by the President at a Memorial Service for the Victims of the Shooting in Tucson, Arizona

McKale Memorial Center
University of Arizona
Tucson, Arizona
6:43 P.M. MST

THE PRESIDENT: Thank you. (Applause.) Thank you very much. Please, please be seated. (Applause.)

To the families of those we?ve lost; to all who called them friends; to the students of this university, the public servants who are gathered here, the people of Tucson and the people of Arizona: I have come here tonight as an American who, like all Americans, kneels to pray with you today and will stand by you tomorrow. (Applause.)

There is nothing I can say that will fill the sudden hole torn in your hearts. But know this: The hopes of a nation are here tonight. We mourn with you for the fallen. We join you in your grief. And we add our faith to yours that Representative Gabrielle Giffords and the other living victims of this tragedy will pull through. (Applause.)

Scripture tells us:

There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
the holy place where the Most High dwells.
God is within her, she will not fall;
God will help her at break of day.

On Saturday morning, Gabby, her staff and many of her constituents gathered outside a supermarket to exercise their right to peaceful assembly and free speech. (Applause.) They were fulfilling a central tenet of the democracy envisioned by our founders ?- representatives of the people answering questions to their constituents, so as to carry their concerns back to our nation?s capital. Gabby called it ?Congress on Your Corner? -? just an updated version of government of and by and for the people. (Applause.)

And that quintessentially American scene, that was the scene that was shattered by a gunman?s bullets. And the six people who lost their lives on Saturday ?- they, too, represented what is best in us, what is best in America. (Applause.)

Judge John Roll served our legal system for nearly 40 years. (Applause.) A graduate of this university and a graduate of this law school -- (applause) -- Judge Roll was recommended for the federal bench by John McCain 20 years ago -- (applause) -- appointed by President George H.W. Bush and rose to become Arizona?s chief federal judge. (Applause.)

His colleagues described him as the hardest-working judge within the Ninth Circuit. He was on his way back from attending Mass, as he did every day, when he decided to stop by and say hi to his representative. John is survived by his loving wife, Maureen, his three sons and his five beautiful grandchildren. (Applause.)

George and Dorothy Morris -? ?Dot? to her friends -? were high school sweethearts who got married and had two daughters. They did everything together -- traveling the open road in their RV, enjoying what their friends called a 50-year honeymoon. Saturday morning, they went by the Safeway to hear what their congresswoman had to say. When gunfire rang out, George, a former Marine, instinctively tried to shield his wife. (Applause.) Both were shot. Dot passed away.

A New Jersey native, Phyllis Schneck retired to Tucson to beat the snow. But in the summer, she would return East, where her world revolved around her three children, her seven grandchildren and 2-year-old great-granddaughter. A gifted quilter, she?d often work under a favorite tree, or sometimes she'd sew aprons with the logos of the Jets and the Giants -- (laughter) -- to give out at the church where she volunteered. A Republican, she took a liking to Gabby, and wanted to get to know her better. (Applause.)

Dorwan and Mavy Stoddard grew up in Tucson together -? about 70 years ago. They moved apart and started their own respective families. But after both were widowed they found their way back here, to, as one of Mavy?s daughters put it, ?be boyfriend and girlfriend again.? (Laughter.)

When they weren?t out on the road in their motor home, you could find them just up the road, helping folks in need at the Mountain Avenue Church of Christ. A retired construction worker, Dorwan spent his spare time fixing up the church along with his dog, Tux. His final act of selflessness was to dive on top of his wife, sacrificing his life for hers. (Applause.)

Everything -- everything -- Gabe Zimmerman did, he did with passion. (Applause.) But his true passion was helping people. As Gabby?s outreach director, he made the cares of thousands of her constituents his own, seeing to it that seniors got the Medicare benefits that they had earned, that veterans got the medals and the care that they deserved, that government was working for ordinary folks. He died doing what he loved -? talking with people and seeing how he could help. And Gabe is survived by his parents, Ross and Emily, his brother, Ben, and his fianc?e, Kelly, who he planned to marry next year. (Applause.)

And then there is nine-year-old Christina Taylor Green. Christina was an A student; she was a dancer; she was a gymnast; she was a swimmer. She decided that she wanted to be the first woman to play in the Major Leagues, and as the only girl on her Little League team, no one put it past her. (Applause.)

She showed an appreciation for life uncommon for a girl her age. She?d remind her mother, ?We are so blessed. We have the best life.? And she?d pay those blessings back by participating in a charity that helped children who were less fortunate.

Our hearts are broken by their sudden passing. Our hearts are broken -? and yet, our hearts also have reason for fullness.

Our hearts are full of hope and thanks for the 13 Americans who survived the shooting, including the congresswoman many of them went to see on Saturday.

I have just come from the University Medical Center, just a mile from here, where our friend Gabby courageously fights to recover even as we speak.
And I want to tell you -- her husband Mark is here and he allows me to share this with you -- right after we went to visit, a few minutes after we left her room and some of her colleagues in Congress were in the room, Gabby opened her eyes for the first time. (Applause.) Gabby opened her eyes for the first time. (Applause.)

Gabby opened her eyes. Gabby opened her eyes, so I can tell you she knows we are here. She knows we love her. And she knows that we are rooting for her through what is undoubtedly going to be a difficult journey. We are there for her. (Applause.)

Our hearts are full of thanks for that good news, and our hearts are full of gratitude for those who saved others. We are grateful to Daniel Hernandez -- (applause) -- a volunteer in Gabby?s office. (Applause.)

And, Daniel, I?m sorry, you may deny it, but we?ve decided you are a hero because -- (applause) -- you ran through the chaos to minister to your boss, and tended to her wounds and helped keep her alive. (Applause.)
We are grateful to the men who tackled the gunman as he stopped to reload. (Applause.) Right over there. (Applause.) We are grateful for petite Patricia Maisch, who wrestled away the killer?s ammunition, and undoubtedly saved some lives. (Applause.) And we are grateful for the doctors and nurses and first responders who worked wonders to heal those who?d been hurt. We are grateful to them. (Applause.)

These men and women remind us that heroism is found not only on the fields of battle. They remind us that heroism does not require special training or physical strength. Heroism is here, in the hearts of so many of our fellow citizens, all around us, just waiting to be summoned -? as it was on Saturday morning. Their actions, their selflessness poses a challenge to each of us. It raises a question of what, beyond prayers and expressions of concern, is required of us going forward. How can we honor the fallen? How can we be true to their memory?

You see, when a tragedy like this strikes, it is part of our nature to demand explanations ?- to try and pose some order on the chaos and make sense out of that which seems senseless. Already we?ve seen a national conversation commence, not only about the motivations behind these killings, but about everything from the merits of gun safety laws to the adequacy of our mental health system. And much of this process, of debating what might be done to prevent such tragedies in the future, is an essential ingredient in our exercise of self-government.

But at a time when our discourse has become so sharply polarized -? at a time when we are far too eager to lay the blame for all that ails the world at the feet of those who happen to think differently than we do -? it?s important for us to pause for a moment and make sure that we?re talking with each other in a way that heals, not in a way that wounds. (Applause.)

Scripture tells us that there is evil in the world, and that terrible things happen for reasons that defy human understanding. In the words of Job, ?When I looked for light, then came darkness.? Bad things happen, and we have to guard against simple explanations in the aftermath.

For the truth is none of us can know exactly what triggered this vicious attack. None of us can know with any certainty what might have stopped these shots from being fired, or what thoughts lurked in the inner recesses of a violent man?s mind. Yes, we have to examine all the facts behind this tragedy. We cannot and will not be passive in the face of such violence. We should be willing to challenge old assumptions in order to lessen the prospects of such violence in the future. (Applause.) But what we cannot do is use this tragedy as one more occasion to turn on each other. (Applause.) That we cannot do. (Applause.) That we cannot do.

As we discuss these issues, let each of us do so with a good dose of humility. Rather than pointing fingers or assigning blame, let?s use this occasion to expand our moral imaginations, to listen to each other more carefully, to sharpen our instincts for empathy and remind ourselves of all the ways that our hopes and dreams are bound together. (Applause.)
After all, that?s what most of us do when we lose somebody in our family -? especially if the loss is unexpected. We?re shaken out of our routines.

We?re forced to look inward. We reflect on the past: Did we spend enough time with an aging parent, we wonder. Did we express our gratitude for all the sacrifices that they made for us? Did we tell a spouse just how desperately we loved them, not just once in a while but every single day?
So sudden loss causes us to look backward -? but it also forces us to look forward; to reflect on the present and the future, on the manner in which we live our lives and nurture our relationships with those who are still with us. (Applause.)

We may ask ourselves if we?ve shown enough kindness and generosity and compassion to the people in our lives. Perhaps we question whether we're doing right by our children, or our community, whether our priorities are in order.

We recognize our own mortality, and we are reminded that in the fleeting time we have on this Earth, what matters is not wealth, or status, or power, or fame -? but rather, how well we have loved -- (applause)-- and what small part we have played in making the lives of other people better. (Applause.)

And that process -- that process of reflection, of making sure we align our values with our actions ?- that, I believe, is what a tragedy like this requires.

For those who were harmed, those who were killed ?- they are part of our family, an American family 300 million strong. (Applause.) We may not have known them personally, but surely we see ourselves in them. In George and Dot, in Dorwan and Mavy, we sense the abiding love we have for our own husbands, our own wives, our own life partners. Phyllis ?- she?s our mom or our grandma; Gabe our brother or son. (Applause.) In Judge Roll, we recognize not only a man who prized his family and doing his job well, but also a man who embodied America?s fidelity to the law. (Applause.)

And in Gabby -- in Gabby, we see a reflection of our public-spiritedness; that desire to participate in that sometimes frustrating, sometimes contentious, but always necessary and never-ending process to form a more perfect union. (Applause.)

And in Christina -- in Christina we see all of our children. So curious, so trusting, so energetic, so full of magic. So deserving of our love. And so deserving of our good example.

If this tragedy prompts reflection and debate -- as it should -- let?s make sure it?s worthy of those we have lost. (Applause.) Let?s make sure it?s not on the usual plane of politics and point-scoring and pettiness that drifts away in the next news cycle.

The loss of these wonderful people should make every one of us strive to be better. To be better in our private lives, to be better friends and neighbors and coworkers and parents. And if, as has been discussed in recent days, their death helps usher in more civility in our public discourse, let us remember it is not because a simple lack of civility caused this tragedy -- it did not -- but rather because only a more civil and honest public discourse can help us face up to the challenges of our nation in a way that would make them proud. (Applause.)

We should be civil because we want to live up to the example of public servants like John Roll and Gabby Giffords, who knew first and foremost that we are all Americans, and that we can question each other?s ideas without questioning each other?s love of country and that our task, working together, is to constantly widen the circle of our concern so that we bequeath the American Dream to future generations. (Applause.)

They believed -- they believed, and I believe that we can be better. Those who died here, those who saved life here ?- they help me believe. We may not be able to stop all evil in the world, but I know that how we treat one another, that?s entirely up to us. (Applause.)

And I believe that for all our imperfections, we are full of decency and goodness, and that the forces that divide us are not as strong as those that unite us. (Applause.)

That?s what I believe, in part because that?s what a child like Christina Taylor Green believed. (Applause.)

Imagine -- imagine for a moment, here was a young girl who was just becoming aware of our democracy; just beginning to understand the obligations of citizenship; just starting to glimpse the fact that some day she, too, might play a part in shaping her nation?s future. She had been elected to her student council. She saw public service as something exciting and hopeful. She was off to meet her congresswoman, someone she was sure was good and important and might be a role model. She saw all this through the eyes of a child, undimmed by the cynicism or vitriol that we adults all too often just take for granted.

I want to live up to her expectations. (Applause.) I want our democracy to be as good as Christina imagined it. I want America to be as good as she imagined it. (Applause.) All of us -? we should do everything we can to make sure this country lives up to our children?s expectations. (Applause.)

As has already been mentioned, Christina was given to us on September 11th, 2001, one of 50 babies born that day to be pictured in a book called ?Faces of Hope.? On either side of her photo in that book were simple wishes for a child?s life. ?I hope you help those in need,? read one. ?I hope you know all the words to the National Anthem and sing it with your hand over your heart." (Applause.) "I hope you jump in rain puddles.?

If there are rain puddles in Heaven, Christina is jumping in them today. (Applause.) And here on this Earth -- here on this Earth, we place our hands over our hearts, and we commit ourselves as Americans to forging a country that is forever worthy of her gentle, happy spirit.
May God bless and keep those we?ve lost in restful and eternal peace. May He love and watch over the survivors. And may He bless the United States of America. (Applause.)

END 7:17 P.M. MST

http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2011/01/12/remarks-president-barack-obama-memorial-service-victims-shooting-tucson

Video:

http://www.whitehouse.gov/photos-and-video/video/2011/01/12/president-obama-memorial-arizona

[Pathfinder]

Re: A Very Sad Day in the United States

University Medical Center - Tucson, AZ - Incident Command Site

U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords in serious condition; underwent surgical procedures Saturday, Jan. 15; two other patients remain in good condition.

Contact: Office of Public Affairs, (520) 694-6000, pager 7332 ( http://opa.ahsc.arizona.edu )

Jan. 17, 2011, 4:00 p.m.

U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords remains in serious condition at University Medical Center. On Saturday, Jan. 15, a trauma team led by G. Michael Lemole Jr., MD, division chief of neurosurgery at the UA Department of Surgery, with Tucson oculoplastic surgeon Lynn Polonski, MD, assisting, performed a repair of orbital fracture of the congresswoman?s right eye, releasing the pressure of bone fragments.

Also on Saturday, surgeons Randall Friese, MD, associate medical director, UMC Trauma Center, and UA associate professor of surgery, and Peter Rhee, MD, MPH, medical director of UMC?s Trauma and Critical Care and UA professor of surgery, replaced the breathing tube that ran through the congresswoman?s mouth and throat with a tracheostomy tube, inserted through her windpipe, and inserted a feeding tube to provide nutritional support.

?Within a few hours of the surgery she was waking up,? Dr. Lemole said, ?and throughout the weekend she came back to ? that same level of interaction she?s been having with us. That?s all very good.?

Dr. Friese said the two remaining patients are very close to being discharged. ?It could be within days.?

Video of the media briefing can be viewed at http://streaming.biocom.arizona.edu/event/?id=23239

PLEASE NOTE: At this time, no media briefing is scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 18. Daily updates will be provided here.

http://www.umcarizona.org/

[Pathfinder]

Re: A Very Sad Day in the United States

University Medical Center - Tucson, AZ - Incident Command Site

Contact: Office of Public Affairs, (520) 694-6000, pager 7332 ( http://opa.ahsc.arizona.edu )

Jan. 18, 2011, 4:00 p.m.

Two patients from the tragic Jan. 8 shooting remain at University Medical Center in Tucson. One patient is listed in good condition and U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords remains in serious condition.

The Congresswoman continues to improve physically and neurologically, according to doctors.

http://www.umcarizona.org/

[Pathfinder]

Re: A Very Sad Day in the United States

Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords to begin next phase of recovery at Memorial Hermann in Houston

HOUSTON- Arizona Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords is expected to begin the next phase of her recovery on Friday, January 21, at Memorial Hermann?s level one trauma center in Houston where she will be evaluated prior to being transferred to nearby TIRR Memorial Hermann. The exact date may change depending on her health.

Memorial Hermann?s level one trauma center is affiliated with The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth). TIRR Memorial Hermann has been ranked one of the top-five rehabilitation hospitals in the country by U.S. News & World Report for 21 years.

'?One of the nation?s busiest trauma centers, Memorial Hermann frequently treats victims of penetrating and blunt trauma to the brain,? said President and CEO Dan Wolterman. ?Our rehabilitation hospital, TIRR Memorial Hermann, has a well-deserved reputation for excellence in the treatment of traumatic brain injury as well as diseases and disorders of the brain and spinal cord.

?Like so many others across the country, we have watched Congresswoman Giffords? progress with great interest,? Wolterman said. ?We are honored that her family and medical team have entrusted her ongoing care to Memorial Hermann.?


More...

http://www.memorialhermann.org/newsroom/content.aspx?id=10189

----------------------------------------------------------

News Conference Rep. Gabrielle Giffords? arrives in Houston to Begin the Next Phase of Recovery


Video:

http://www.memorialhermann.org/newsroom/contentv.aspx?id=10207

[Pathfinder]

Re: A Very Sad Day in the United States

CONGRESSWOMAN GIFFORDS LEAVES MEMORIAL HERMANN-TMC

Will Begin Full Course of Rehab at TIRR Memorial Hermann

HOUSTON - Arizona Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords continues on her journey to recovery with her transfer today to TIRR Memorial Hermann, ranked one of the top-five rehabilitation hospitals in the country by U.S. News & World Report for 21 years.

After being cleared for transfer by her physicians this morning at Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center, Giffords was taken by ambulance to TIRR Memorial Hermann shortly after 9 a.m. She and her family, including husband Mark Kelly, were greeted there by hospital CEO Carl Josehart and Dr. Gerard Francisco, chief medical officer, TIRR Memorial Hermann and chair, department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) Medical School.
...

Added Dr. Dong Kim, director of Mischer Neuroscience Institute at Memorial Hermann and professor and chair, department of Neurosurgery, UTHealth Medical School: ?The drain that had been placed in Tucson was removed and her condition continued to improve, clearing the way for her move to TIRR Memorial Hermann,? said Dr. Dong Kim, ?I will continue to follow her during rehabilitation and anticipate she?ll do very well.?
...

?We knew from the team in Tucson that her condition was better than expected,? said Colonel (Retired, U.S. Army) John Holcomb, M.D., a trauma surgeon at Memorial Hermann-TMC and assistant professor of Neurotrauma, UTHealth. ?The congresswoman has continued to make remarkable progress.?

Full text:

http://www.memorialhermann.org/newsroom/content.aspx?id=10286