Massachusetts Alert
May 2008
On Mother's Day, our thoughts are with the mothers and other women serving harsh sentences for drug offenses. FAMM sent cards and warm wishes to all our women members who are incarcerated in Massachusetts. We also want to acknowledge the mothers of those who are incarcerated, who stand by their sons and daughters and work to change our mandatory drug sentencing laws. Four of those remarkable women are described below. We know there are many more and we wish all of you a blessed Mother's Day.
Don't forget our upcoming membership meetings! See information at end of newsletter.
MARIE RUSSO
It is only fitting that our Mother's Day tribute begins with Marie Russo, our long-time Massachusetts Volunteer Co-Coordinator. Marie’s son is serving a 15-year mandatory minimum sentence. He told her about FAMM shortly after he was incarcerated and she has been active in the struggle ever since.
"I had never heard of mandatory minimum sentences until it happened to our family," recalls Marie. “I said to myself, "This is insane! It's unbelievable!' I knew I had to get involved. You never give up when it’s your child. You just keep going."
Marie has helped organize people to testify before the legislature, sent letters and made an untold number of phone calls. She is also a source of support and inspiration to many others. "When I hear about another family’s case, I try to explain that I know what they are going through. When your child is involved, it goes right to your heart. You do everything you can to change these ungodly laws," said Marie.
DOROTHY "DEE" SORDILLO
Dee Sordillo knows that her family is blessed to have a good support network to help them through this difficult time. The stress of her son's 7-year sentence (which includes a 5-year mandatory minimum) has affected her health. Yet she still finds time to help others, especially other mothers of incarcerated children. "We women have support systems because we talk to one another. We'd do anything for our kids because they are worthy of it," said Dee.
Dee was devastated when her son was incarcerated. But she describes herself as "one of those people who don't like to see inequities anywhere. I believe that even one person can make a difference. That's why I speak up." She drafts sample letters that people can send to their legislators and spreads the word about FAMM's mission whenever she can. Not surprisingly, her son takes after her. He helps other prisoners who need assistance with tasks such as reading materials and filling out forms.
"Whenever I visit my son, no matter what is happening with him, he always tries to make me feel better," says Dee. "And when it’s time to leave, I know that he is doing the best he can under the circumstances. We are all going to get through this together. We will be closer and more appreciative of the time we have together."
DONNA KING
Donna King finds it difficult to celebrate any holiday, let alone Mother's Day, while her son is incarcerated. He is serving a 10-year mandatory minimum sentence as his two young daughters grow up without him. "It’s hard to find the words to describe how I feel. There is an emptiness, a void in my heart," she explains. "I think of my son when I get up every morning and when I go to bed every night. I have to keep going for him."
For Donna, her son's incarceration is especially painful. An older son died when he was only 12, after being critically ill for many years. Yet she manages to be an active FAMM member. Just this spring, she wrote to the Governor about the need to repeal mandatory minimum drug laws.
Donna offers this advice for other mothers of incarcerated sons and daughters. "All we can do is hope and pray. We need to keep our strength up for them so they will be strong and make it through. We are doing the best we can but we all need encouragement."
ROSEMARIE HICKS
It is hard to imagine being in Rosemarie Hicks' shoes. Three of her sons are serving federal mandatory minimum drug sentences – for 11, 15 and 30 years. All were incarcerated within the past few years and have been transferred repeatedly to correctional facilities in other states. She is no longer able to visit any of them. But she still feels close to them. Rosemarie says, "We keep in touch. They are my sons and my love for them is unconditional. That will never change, no matter where they are."
Rosemarie considered starting an organization for the mothers of incarcerated children after several of them spoke to her about the harsh federal sentences their sons and daughters were serving. "These crazy sentences for 10 and 20 years are so unfair. I don't understand – 30 years? Did my son kill somebody? Did I miss something?" Fortunately, she learned about FAMM when someone referred her to Marie Russo.
Like Donna King, Rosemarie has also lost children; two died from illness. "Birthdays, Mother's Day, even every day – I get through them by the grace of God." She believes this has given her perspective. "I know something deeper than absence," Rosemarie explains. "I know the difference between a child who is away and a child who is gone forever." Her advice to other mothers? "Keep the faith. Laws change. Laws are meant to be changed. Nothing is etched in stone."
Happy Mother's Day, Marie, Dorothy, Donna and Rosemarie! We thank you for your grace and dignity.
Membership meetings
We hope to see you at one of our upcoming membership meetings. Please RSVP to Barb Dougan at bdougan@famm.org or (617) 543-0878.
Saturday, May 24, 2008 at 10 a.m.
Suffolk University Law School
120 Tremont Street (half block from Park Street T station)
Boston, MA
Saturday, June 7, 2008 at 10 a.m.
Worcester Public Library
3 Salem Square (close to I-290 and Union Station)
Worcester, MA
Saturday, June 21, 2008 at 10 a.m.
Days Inn
450 Memorial Drive (I-90, Exit 5)
Chicopee, MA