Let's Help Linzey

A young, central Pennsylania woman is in need of our help.


Born with spinal muscular atrophy, she relies on trained nurses to keep her healthy and breathing properly. I saw this story on television the other night and was unable to find a link to share this with you all until today.

Linzey needs home healthcare in her home when she sleeps because someone has to monitor the machines that help her breath when she lays down. On September 20th she turned 21 and the state of Pennsylvania says she is no longer eligible for help from the Department of Welfare to help pay for her nurses. They have instructed her to live in a nursing home. Linzey is an independent 21 year old girl who worked a job and tried her best to help herself. Local nursing homes are denying her residency because they say a 21 year-old doesn't belong in a nursing home with 80 year-olds. I agree.

A home healthcare agency agreed to give her another month of free service, but are unable to help her after October 30th.

Please help Linzey by going here and telling Governor Ed Rendell that we, as Americans, will not stand for this type of treatment of our disabled citizens. Trust me, he'll recognize the name Linzey Zoccola and he needs to have that name placed before his eyes and ringing in his ears until he does something to help this young lady.

Feel free to copy and paste the letter below, or write to him from your heart. It only takes a moment of your time and every moment counts for Linzey.

Dear Governor Rendell,

As a citizen of the United States, I simply cannot stand by and witness the neglect and abuse of our disabled citizens by way of denying necessary medical care to them based on age requirements. A citizen of your state, Linzey Zoccola, needs your help if she is to continue to live as an independent member of our society. Linzey is being denied Department of Welfare medical benefits because she has turned 21 and, according to your department of health and welfare, is no longer eligible.

You, as Governor, do a disservice to your state and to the American public by not stepping in and intervening on Linzey’s behalf. As head of the state departments, it is your job to protect those who live in your state.

I am asking that you take the necessary steps immediately; to see that Linzey receives the care she needs to survive.

Sincerely,