St. Maarten Private Eye

Crime hurts in many ways - Ryan Smith update - 6th July 2006

It's not only physical pain that hurts in a violent crime, it has a multitude of ripple affects that influence the life of the victim and those around them, family and friends. Survivng the crime is one thing, recovering from it another which takes months and even years. Some victims never fully recover, I'm not sure if any violent crime victim ever does.

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Our thanks to Flipper for maintaining this website. It has enabled both our family and the international community to read and monitor the current enviroment on St. Maarten. I, on behalf of Ryan Smith's family, appreciate his efforts and support his intentions to make St. Maarten a safer place to live and visit. I have made a donation to his site to show my appreciation and support of his goals.

Regarding Ryan's current status, he has been back at his apartment in NYC since his discharge from the hospital in Miami, though currently at home in Sandusky, OH, recovering and visiting with family for the holiday. He had his third and, hopefully,
final surgery last month to cover the hole left in is skull, in order to protect his brain. He is recovering well from that surgery, though, unfortunately, has still not fully recovered from the massive brain injury he sustained. He is making steady progress with the help of his doctors and therapists and the support of his family and friends.

Sitting with my sister at Ryan's bedside in Miami for eight days just broke my heart. It was hard to watch Ryan, who normally is never at a loss for words, struggle to say or read simple words. He has come a long way since then. Ryan is one determined and motivated young man. He is determined to make a full recovery. He is determined to return to work and he is determined that those who attacked he, Dick and Justin are prosecuted.

Unfortunately, this whole horrible incident has not only had a mental and physcial impact on Ryan but has also affected him financially. He has not been able to work since he was attacked and probably won't be able to for the next several months. He has little income to cover his living and medical expenses. He does have health insurance but it does not cover all the bills, leaving him with much debt. It's another added worry he doesn't need in his recovery process. Neither Ryan nor his parents would ask for any help, but I will. It is hard for me to sit back and watch him struggle. Many people have expressed concern for what happened. Many have offered to help in any way they can. At this time, his greatest need is financial support. So, to those of you who would like to help Ryan I will give you an address where you can send either a check or money order. Please send it to: Ryan Smith, c/o Patricia Smith, P.O. Box 94, Castalia, OH, 44824 (USA).

On behalf of our family, thanks to all those who have expressed support and concern for Ryan through this horrific ordeal.

Flory Miller

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