Open forum: Ali did not ignore call for help

Wednesday, July 18, 2007

Open forum: Ali did not ignore call for help

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I have been unemployed for about six months, uninsured for much longer. Many years ago, as a teenager, my left leg was amputated due to cancer. I suffer from scoliosis and arthritis.

I need a new prosthetic leg, as my present prosthetic leg is not functioning properly. I was beginning to work with the Maryland State Department of Rehabilitation Services.

About three months ago, my younger brother got the idea to write to several elected officials on my behalf. I received a few very nice letters but no real help.

State Del. Saqib Ali (D-Dist. 39) of Gaithersburg was among the ones to whom my brother wrote. I received a response in the form of a phone call from a member of Delegate Ali’s staff, who made a genuine attempt to help.

I was already pursuing the lead he gave me. I told him I was attempting to get my resume updated and to get a new prosthetic funded through DORS. I received help from both from Delegate Ali and his staff.

After getting me help with my resume, he then assisted Department of Rehabilitation Services in getting the funding for a new prosthetic (Cost: just over $35,000). It has been ordered and is being built as I write this.

I am extremely grateful to DORS, and especially Delegate Ali, who answered a call he could have ignored like every one else did. He listened, researched and acted.

Robert Longo, Germantown