Reunite a family after 25 yrs apart
Donation protected
After spending 25 years separated by prison walls, the Virgil family can finally be reunited!
Glenda Virgil, was the victim of physical, mental and emotional abuse by her boyfriend over a period of four years before getting the courage to leave the relationship. When her boyfriend learned of her plans to leave him, he beat her for several hours and threatened to kill both her, himself and their dog with a gun. Virgil believing that her life would end if she did not act, shot and killed her abuser.
Despite two expert evaluators' conclusion that Virgil's history of abuse contributed to her crime and her fear of the victim, no evidence of her abuse was admitted at her trial and has never been given serious consideration by the parole panels that have considered her for parole.
Virgil, now 65 years old and in a wheelchair, has served 25 years for her crime. Shortly after her 8th hearing before the Parole Board in August 2012 (where she was again denied parole), Virgil was diagnosed with Stage 3 lung cancer and given less than a year to live. She has been treated with five rounds of radiation per week, Monday - Friday, each time driven in an ambulance accompanied by 3 full-time salaried correctional officers. For nearly a year, Virgil and her attorneys have been working to reverse the Parole Board's recent decision and petitioned the Governor to grant her another hearing based on the new, significant circumstances.
On May 10, 2013 the California Parole Board found Glenda Virgil suitable for release and her family can soon reunite after 25 years of being a part. This brings the opportunity for Virgil to hold her daughter, Nida, in her arms and finally meet her granddaughter, Dixie, for the first time. Yet, this will not happen without your help! Upon release, Virgil will not be permitted to travel and her family does not have the funds to fly from Illinois to California for the reunion.
The $1200 goal will be for Virgil's family to fly to California and be there when Glenda takes her first steps as a free woman. This will cover their flights, expenses, and for them to spend a few days together helping Virgil re-adjust back to society. Every dollar raised above this total, will help cover necessities for Virgil as she begins her life as a free woman in her last few months - clothing, toiletries, food, etc.
Glenda Virgil, was the victim of physical, mental and emotional abuse by her boyfriend over a period of four years before getting the courage to leave the relationship. When her boyfriend learned of her plans to leave him, he beat her for several hours and threatened to kill both her, himself and their dog with a gun. Virgil believing that her life would end if she did not act, shot and killed her abuser.
Despite two expert evaluators' conclusion that Virgil's history of abuse contributed to her crime and her fear of the victim, no evidence of her abuse was admitted at her trial and has never been given serious consideration by the parole panels that have considered her for parole.
Virgil, now 65 years old and in a wheelchair, has served 25 years for her crime. Shortly after her 8th hearing before the Parole Board in August 2012 (where she was again denied parole), Virgil was diagnosed with Stage 3 lung cancer and given less than a year to live. She has been treated with five rounds of radiation per week, Monday - Friday, each time driven in an ambulance accompanied by 3 full-time salaried correctional officers. For nearly a year, Virgil and her attorneys have been working to reverse the Parole Board's recent decision and petitioned the Governor to grant her another hearing based on the new, significant circumstances.
On May 10, 2013 the California Parole Board found Glenda Virgil suitable for release and her family can soon reunite after 25 years of being a part. This brings the opportunity for Virgil to hold her daughter, Nida, in her arms and finally meet her granddaughter, Dixie, for the first time. Yet, this will not happen without your help! Upon release, Virgil will not be permitted to travel and her family does not have the funds to fly from Illinois to California for the reunion.
The $1200 goal will be for Virgil's family to fly to California and be there when Glenda takes her first steps as a free woman. This will cover their flights, expenses, and for them to spend a few days together helping Virgil re-adjust back to society. Every dollar raised above this total, will help cover necessities for Virgil as she begins her life as a free woman in her last few months - clothing, toiletries, food, etc.
Organizer
Olivia Klaus Moro
Organizer
Costa Mesa, CA