To The Editor:
Yes, my partner Jo Waldron and I, along with my daughter Michelle had a dream to bring the betterment of life to millions throughout the world. That dream was HATIS, (hearing aid telephone interconnect system) which provides access to the freedom of communications for the deaf and hard of hearing. Brick walls were placed everywhere we turned, until we proved time and time again that people that are deaf and hard of hearing could access the world with the right products.
For years this company has assisted in educating the industry, the government and the general population as to what could and has been a breakthrough for accessibility. HATIS was tested over and over again, and it did exactly what we said it would do. HATIS helped people become participants instead of spectators. We sat on boards, we helped where we could, because we believed in our product and the dream of telecommunications for all people.
This has been a terrible year for Phoenix Management Inc. and I am now coming to you all for help. On March 14, 1998, my daughter Michelle was taken from me very unexpectedly. Michelle had worked with Jo and I at Phoenix Management since 1988. She was very much a part of the dream and worked very hard at seeing that our dream became a reality. She traveled with Jo and I promoting and doing everything she could to make people hear her regarding HATIS. She met with the people at the Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association, the Federal Communications Commission and worked a client base of her own. She believed strongly that all people deserved to be a part of the mainstream of life. At 28, she had more compassion for others than most people find in a lifetime.
It’s very difficult for me to think of my life without Michelle and I wanted to just run away. However, that became difficult to do and I was pushed forward. On July 4, 1998, my partner Jo Waldron was placed in the intensive care unit with what the doctors call Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome. She remained on full life support for over six weeks with none of us knowing if she would make it or not. Jo being a fighter, as many of you know, fought her way back from death eight times. After numerous surgeries we thought she was on the road to recovery. This was not the case; she was placed back in ICU for several more weeks. She again fought back and is now starting her mending process. Even though I have lost Michelle and almost Jo, our dream has still surged forward.
I am the partner of Phoenix Management that many have not heard much about, but I am the partner that is now asking for help from all the readers of this publication. Help us like we have tried to help others. Help this company with the ability to continue providing accessibility to the millions that will benefit worldwide. Let the bridges that have been set aflame be put out for the betterment of those that have the right to be a participant in telecommunication. I am asking for your orders, your thoughts, support and compassion. Do this for the right reason, not only to help this company, but also to bring communication to those that have been denied. Please allow the dream and the efforts of three people to continue to bring happiness and freedom into the lives of others.
Sincerely,
Shirley Crouch,
Co-owner
Phoenix Management Inc.
