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Seattle’s Soccer Scoop

Seattle Sounders Soccer Team Logo

Seattle’s sports fans are some of the most dedicated and intense sports fanatics for good reason—Seattle’s teams are amazing. Before the NFL takes over the major news and media platforms with all the latest Seahawks news, let’s not forget to give credit to the city of Seattle’s much-deserved soccer teams.

The Seattle Sounders FC, Seattle’s Major League Soccer (MLS) team, are back on the turf to redeem themselves after their 2017 season MLS Cup runner-up title and maintain their 2017 Western Conference Title. With head coach, Brian Schmetzer, the Sounders began their 2018 season with a strong force of 5 wins, 2 losses in preseason friendlies in January and February. The team’s tenacious efforts didn’t quite show through once regular season matches began. Losing their first 3 matches in March, drawing their 4th and finally a win on their 5th in April, marked a rocky start to the regular season. The team began picking up wins at the end of July and have continued their winning streak including their most recent match on August 26th against the Portland Timbers in Portland, Oregon. The Sounder’s long-time forward player, Clint Dempsey, announced a few days after their Portland match of his retirement from Major League Soccer after this season– including retirement from his 5 years playing for the Seattle Sounders and his 16 years playing for the USMNT. The Sounder’s season regular season continues to the end of October with the Heritage Cup against the San Joe Earthquakes.

Stay up to date on the Seattle Sounders FC stats at: https://www.soundersfc.com/

Seattle Reign FC, Seattle’s National Women’s Soccer League team (the top division of women’s soccer in America) and 3-time FIFA Women’s World Cup Champions, has been absolutely crushing their 2018 regular season. Kicking the season off in March with 2 wins against their friendlies, and their 2018 regular season home opener with a win of 2-1, really set the bar for the rest of Reign FC’s matches. Impressively enough, Seattle’s NWSL team has brought 8 wins, 4 losses, and 8 draws to the table under the coaching of Vlatko Andonovski during their 2018 season. Their regular season ends with a math against the Portland Thorns FC on September 7th in Portland. Seattle Reign FC midfielder/forward, Megan Rapinoe, has played for the USWNT since 2006. In the recent USWNT matches during the Tournament of Nations, the qualifying tournament for the 2019 Women’s World Cup, Rapinoe scored the goal keeping our USWNT undefeated in the tournament. Rapinoe was rewarded NWSL Player of the week twice this 2018 season. 2018 Reign FC players to highlight include first year Reign midfielder, Allie Long, who assisted Rapinoe’s goal in the USWNT game. Reign FC has 7 players who play for the US Women’s National Team as well.

For Seattle Reign FC updates and stats visit: https://www.reignfc.com/

Op-Ed: Tacoma Teachers Strike 2018

Tacoma Public School Strike

My name is Evelyn Cook and I am an 8th grade Language Arts teacher at a south end Tacoma middle school. After my TEA meeting tonight, I felt compelled to share a piece of writing that I intended to share at the Tacoma School Board meeting at the end of last year. I didn’t end up sharing it because I had not leaned into my fear and let nervousness get the best of me; in other words, I chickened out.

Tonight, I take a different stance as I’ve been reflecting deeply on the phrase “persevere in fear”. All day long, I’ve been planning and prepping lessons for my new students. On day 2 of this upcoming school year, I will challenge them to speak their truth. Well, I can’t call myself an educator and not model what that looks like although it comes with fear and apprehension. So here it is…

Written last April, 2017. Notes with an *asterick are my new insights.
Dear Tacoma Board members, fellow educators and valued community members,

I am still fairly new to teaching. I am about to complete my 3rd year teaching, my 2nd year in my current assignment.

I have been serving in the Tacoma community since before becoming a teacher though. Before I went to get my Master’s in Education, I was a social worker through multiple Tacoma non-profits. In these roles, I specialized with working with gang affiliated youth, teenage parents, drop outs, struggling students, undocumented youth, incarcerated youth, and unaccompanied refugees. In these roles, I’ve served our city’s bleeding young hearts. The world has chewed them up and spat them out.

I did not go into teaching, I was called into teaching. Like the great Nelson Mandela once said “Education is the most powerful weapon in which you can use to change the world”. I teach my students from day 1 that education is the most powerful weapon that they can use to change their lives and I work in a school where their life needs changing. They confront racism, community violence, poverty, family instability, homelessness, and lack of resources daily; all while trying to be a teenager, which is hard enough.

Before I get to the questions and I know at this point you are wondering if I am ever going to get there, I wanted to show you some numbers. Being a board, I am sure that quantifiable and qualitative data is important to you.

So here are some numbers for this year:
1. I come to work with our security guards 5 days a week.
2. I work through my lunch break 5 days a week.
3. I stay after school 3 days a week.
4. I average around 15-25 hours of unpaid work time a week, sacrificing time with my family and myself to do so.
5. I use 2 of my planning periods a week to plan, the other 3 are used dealing with hot messes.
6. I averaged out my workload, I work the equivalent of 35 hours a week, every week, 12 months a year, without a vacation, without holiday, without sick time, every single day.
7. That previous number doesn’t include the summer time, I give up for professional development, my reflections in the shower or before bedtime, my stack of PD books that I read for “funsies.”

*** This summer alone, I have spent 9 full days in training and have been working for the last two weeks in my classroom.

However, these numbers are not as important as the numbers coming up because they are about my students’ experiences.

8. I have been the first adult that 2 students have disclosed that they are suicidal to. One of them had recently attempted. I was the 1st adult they told.
9. I assisted one student with getting immigration help/resources as well as counseled them on DACA.
10. I had countless students tell me about being bullied.
11. One student told me about how she was sexual abused up to last year. I made sure she was safe, got her mental and medical care. She had cut her arms to the point that they were more cuts then not.
12. I assisted with getting other students mental health help and IEP evaluations.
13. I’ve physically broken up 3 fights and countless almost fights.
14. I swiftly kept my students safe during two real lockdowns, and countless drills.
15. I smile at EVERY student I see daily. I make sure that my classroom feels like a safe home.
16. I spend on average $20 a week on granola bars, applesauce, and raisins to feed my students. They are hungry and not just because they are growing.
17. I found 1 student this year who was a missing person. When that student was missing, I hugged her crying friends.
18. I motivate, push and support every student that comes into my classroom, every second of the day.
19. I have more students with reading skills that are behind their grade level then I do have of those on grade level.
20. I support multiple students who are at elementary reading levels, who tell me they feel stupid and have almost given up. I have got them engaging in their learning, challenging themselves, having academic discussions daily; because of this they don’t give up; they have hope. Some of them have told me they never thought they would be able to graduate high school.

So now that I’ve gone through my narrative and the numbers, I am finally here at the question.
Hearing all of this, how can you not fully stand behind your teachers? This experience of mine is not uncommon. All you would have to do is go to the classroom next to mine to see this again and again.

This year the union is still arguing with the district for a raise we should have got in September. Next year, there are talks of cutting our salaries. The district cites budget cuts but in reality, they are receiving the funding, have money in reserves, have created multiple new CAB positions (*11 new CAB positions last year), and are individually very well paid.

If we are truly a district that believes the potential in our youth, and I believe that we are, how is it that we can’t give the resources needed to the people who help form these impressionable future leaders? We, as teachers, are in their life daily. We, as teachers, are the ones doing the work. Don’t we deserve to be paid?

*I have been learning about the inequality in pay for other TPS employees like paras, bus drivers, janitors, etc. This is a system wide issue.

Sincerely,
Evelyn Cook

So here I sit and reflect upon these words that have poured out of my heart. Last spring Yes, they may be rough but let me tell you what would be far more of a harsh reality if TPS doesn’t step up. This reality affects not only myself as an educator but also as a parent of a TPS child and as a community member who has invested her whole professional career into Tacoma. If the central office in Tacoma does not meet us in the middle, they will lose MANY valuable educators that have made Tacoma the innovative, successful district that it is. If I can drive over to the next districts to make $15, 000 more a year, it will be Tacoma’s loss. I am higher up on the education scale (Master’s+ 45 credits), but yet, if I stay in Tacoma, I will make near to the same salary as someone entering the profession with a Bachelor’s degree in other districts.

But it is not about the money, really it is not. It is about what will HAPPEN to our schools if educators and other staff members are not paid a fair, competitive wage that they deserve. There will be a mass exodus of high quality teachers to other areas. All research cites again and again that high quality instruction by dedicated teachers will overcome any educational deficit. As a social worker, I have seen the students who Tacoma has failed. They need quality, they deserve quality.

This is not what Tacoma needs. This is not what our youth need. Our community will be hurt by this. This community, I have worked countless hours for will suffer. I have spoken my truth.

So what do we need?
Educators, other Tacoma Public School staff members, please come and demonstrate your right to vote. We are aiming to meet on Sept. 4th. We have seen what apathy can do to our country. It is your right to come vote, whatever way you believe, please exercise that right.

Community Members– families. We need you. We need you to call the central office and put pressure on them. We need you to stand with us.

Central Office, I really need you to get back to the roots of education. Get back to your WHY of why you entered education. Step inside a classroom. Look at your students’ faces. Hear their stories. Talk to teachers. Remember what it was like, every second of the day, to really educate.

Bumbershoot 2018

Seattle’s most famous music festival is coming up at the end of this month. Sponsored by big time vendors like Corona, Fremont Brewing, Tito’s, StubHub, and many more, the 48th annual Bumbershoot festival is taking over Seattle Center beginning Friday, August 31st until Sunday, September 2nd. Festival goers from all over the country will be coming to rock out to this year’s lineup of artists including SZA, Lil Wayne, The Chainsmokers, Ludacris, Portugal. The Man, and J. Cole. Besides hosting the musical acts of the year, entertainment includes comedy acts, visual arts, dance, YOGASHOOT, theater, and B-Eats—making this event suitable to all sorts of people, not just music buffs. Venues primarily include stages in Seattle Center, but extend to Memorial Stadium and Key Arena.

Bumbershoot has also aspired to be as eco-friendly as possible while providing the festival of the year. They’ve teamed up with Seattle City Light to make this year’s Bumbershoot 100% hydroelectric and renewable. Water stations will be available for festival goers to refill their reusable water bottles in hopes to reduce plastic water bottle use. Additionally, composting and recycling stations will be available across the festival grounds.

Single day general admission, 3-day general admission, VIP, and Emerald passes are available for purchase at: https://www.bumbershoot.com/passinfo/

Festival Schedule is available at: https://www.bumbershoot.com/schedule-downloadable/

Download the mobile app on Google place or the App Store for easy access during the festival.
Plan your Bumbershoot weekend as soon as possible, tickets and passes are going fast.

Flyer Bumbershoot Seattle

Seattle’s Best Happy Hour Stops

Whether you’re looking for bites, brews, or anything in between, Seattle offers abundant opportunities to get your fix satisfied at that lower happy hour cost. While there are many happy hours available throughout this great city, there are a few that are just that much more exceptional than the rest. For all your summer happy hour needs, here’s a go-to guide on which to visit and impress your friends with your awesome happy hour pick.

Pablo Y Pablo
Seattle Happy Hour Cocktails

This restaurant is much more than amazing food and drinks. Brought to life by two best friends, Pablo and Pablo, they have created a masterpiece of an atmosphere with good vibes, bites, and hand-crafted drinks. Monday-Friday 3pm-6pm and weekends 3pm-4pm, enjoy your company during Pablo Y Pablo’s happy hour. Worried about dietary restrictions? No worries—Pablo Y Pablo offers many vegan and vegetarian options for the whole crowd to enjoy. From tacos, small bites, shared plates, and discounted cocktails, beer, wine, and spirits, guests leave Pablo Y Pablo satisfied, but wanting to come back for more.

Some Random Bar
Some Random Bar Seattle

Some Random Bar’s values lay in their promise to provide fresh, local, and seasonal cuisine from around town. Locals and out of towners are blown away by this inviting and social restaurant located in the heart of Downtown Seattle on 1st Avenue—also making this an easy and close walk for a happy hour after enjoying the sites of the city. From fresh season grilled peach salads, local catches of the day, witty named cocktails, wines, and beers, Some Random Bar will no longer be so random after wiping your plate clean. Enjoy their happy hour Monday-Friday 4pm-6pm.

Gold Bar
At The Bar Seattle

This bar’s Caribbean flavor and feels leave guests feeling refreshed and bright. Their services include: “FOOD & BOOZE.” So, if you’re looking for a good time of eats and drinks, enjoy yourself with company at this vibrant (both in decor AND flavor) of a restaurant. Don’t miss their happy hour Tuesday- Saturday from 4pm- at least 11pm. Indulge in fried chicken nuggets, empanadas, tacos, and any drink you can think up.

Super Bueno
Super Bueno Seattle

Need a happy hour joint you can bring the kids to? Look no further—Super Bueno has prepared for this and has got you covered. Open Sunday-Thursday 11am-10pm and Friday-Saturday 11am-11pm, happy hour runs daily from 4pm to 6pm. Whether guests bring large parties, a partner, or just themselves, Super Bueno can accommodate whomever guests bring in. This inclusive environment allows guests to save a little cash on babysitting and spend it on a happy hour priced margarita instead. Classic Mexican style food like tacos, burritos, chips and dips, snacks, and desserts await your arrival on your next happy hour prowl.

Radiator Whiskey
Radiator Whiskey In Seattle

For a hearty happy hour, enjoy the meats and flavors at Radiator Whiskey in Seattle’s Pike Place Market. This classic grub and beer spot offers their happy hour daily from 4pm-6pm and their Industry/Late Night Menu from Monday-Thursday 10pm-midnight. Wallow in Radiators Whiskey’s crafted drinks, tots-chos, and many different kinds of deliciously seasoned pork and beef.

Bite of Seattle – July 20-22

Bite of Seattle 2018 Flyer

Come one come all to this years biggest and best food festival, Bite of Seattle. Local foodies and dining connoisseurs will get all their needs met with over 60 different food and restaurant pop-up stands, food trucks, and desserts to sample from. Beer, wine, and cider fans—look no further, Bite of Seattle has something for you too.

This long time Seattle event is known for its hot days, free smells, and good eats. Come celebrate summer and food on July 20-22 at Seattle Center: Friday & Saturday 11am-9pm, Sunday 11am-8pm. Family and friends of all ages can enjoy the amenities provided by Bite of Seattle. The best part — you don’t have to break the bank to get a good bite to eat. “Just a bite” items are sold from each booth for only $3.75 or less while no other larger combination plate items will be over $12.

Summer 2018’s restaurant lineup includes fan and local favorites from Ziegler’s Bratwurst Haus, Wicked Pie Pizza, Crepe Tyme, Pat’s Philly Steak Sandwiches, Agave Cocina & Tequilas, and many many more delicious and well-known restaurants. This year, 16 food trucks will be lined up ready to fulfill your hot summer cravings. Some of the trucks in this year’s lineup include the famous Fischer Fair Scones, ‘Wich Came First gourmet sandwiches, Tabassum with their perfectly seasoned flavors, and Stack Burgers providing a classic American summer bite.

Sweet tooth cravings will not be an issue to satisfy either. Classic desserts like Ice cream from Ben & Jerry’s, Beringer Farm shortcake, Blue Elephant elephant ears, and Funnel cakes make way for a perfect summer day. Or, switch up your go-to dessert and try Street Treats liquid nitrogen coated cereals, Peanut Butter Goodness’s deep-fried peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, or Whipped Raw’s CoCoWhip or Vegan Raw Soft Serve.

For 21+ Seattleites, the Beer Gardens and Craft Beer & Cider Tasting are perfect for enjoying your drink of choice. Don’t miss Heritage Distilling Co. serving up their most known fan favorite liquors, including their new Batch No. 12 Gin & Tonic, and Brown Sugar Bourbon “Pineapple Upside Down Slushie.” Additionally, Orca Wine will be donating a portion of their proceeds from each can of wine sold to Orca Conservations amongst the Pacific Northwest—so be sure to grab some guilt free wine.

Enjoy good food and drink among Bite of Seattle’s entertainment. “The Bite Cooks!” offers cooking demonstrations from fun food loving chefs wanting to share their knowledge of food with the rest of us. Lots of demonstrations will be done including Thai food, steaks, seafood, and even baking. Bite of Seattle will also be having “Mystery ingredients cook-offs” to test local chefs on their abilities to create edible masterpieces in only 25 minutes—you won’t want to miss this one. Family and friends can also enjoy the Bite of Seattle Free Movie Night’s showing of A League of Their Own.

For more information on Seattle’s 2018 Bite of Seattle, visit their website at:
https://www.biteofseattle.com

Seattle Pride To Tacoma Pride This Weekend

Tacoma Pride

With the recent ending of June, Pride month has come to a close, but the Pacific Northwest’s Pridefest
celebrations continue into July with The City of Tacoma’s Pride Festival. If you missed the Seattle Pride celebrations then you’ll want to take a trip to south to Tacoma. The Tacoma Pride Festival, “honors the LGBTQA community by fostering pride in who we are as valuable, creative members of a diverse population in the South Puget Sound Region by curating cultural events, establishing partnerships, and hosting Tacoma Pride, formerly Out in The Park, an Outdoor Festival.” This year’s festival is presented by the Rainbow Center and a City of Tacoma 2018 Green Event. Partnering with local businesses like The Mix, The Grand Cinema, Urban Grace Church, Black Kettle Bites & Brews, and the City of Tacoma will make this year’s prides one to be sure not to miss.

Tacoma Pride 2018 is being held on July 14th from 12pm-6pm on Pacific Avenue and South 9th Street.
The street will be packed with food and drink vendors, resource booths, musical performances, and beer
gardens of course. This year’s mainstage lineup consists of Sisters, Mirrorgloss, and The Little Donuts.
These performers will offer nothing but entertainment and a fun inclusive afternoon. Bring the whole
family to take part in Tacoma Pride’s Kid Zone and events for all ages—ASL interpreted as well!
But of course one day isn’t long enough to fit in all of the pride, so Tacoma has made a week of it.

Kicking off July 13 th with the Pride Flag Raising Ceremony on Broadway St, a Lea Delaria comedy show, a
Pride Film Series, and much more throughout the week, your pride side will be satisfied. Be sure to
check out the event poster below.

Get pride ready with your very own Destiny of Pride t-shirts from Tacoma’s very own Rainbow Center!
Get yours here.

For more information on Tacoma Pride Week, click here.
http://tacomapride.org/event/tacoma-pride-2018/

Opinion Letter: Homelessness in Seattle & Head Tax

Seattle Homeless Head Tax

Opinion Letter – Sent to City of Seattle Council Members 5/16/18.

It’s a sad day when you have to put a head tax on an employer for hiring a worker. To start out at $500 then reduce it is not cutting taxes. That is just to make it sound like you and or the city council are really working hard. We have passed levy’s and most of it goes to studies. Seattle has squandered double the amount of money they would need to get every person out of their tent.

First. you should stop saying affordable housing. Nothing is affordable to someone who does not work to earn it. If you wanted to provide shelter and food for the homeless it should be just the basic. No MONEY or cards to exchange to groceries. You could put up a thing like a circus tent outside the city. Have cots and kitchen going 24/7.

Anyone, can come in and eat all they want, as often as they want or sleep all day if they want as long as they follow the rules. If they cause a disturbance they should go to jail. You can’t hand out what you call rent subsidies and these people go looking at houses and apartments that are for rent. Landlords cant turn them down. they have the money for the first month rent with absolutely no background or credit checks. They pay only $10 damage deposit and that much every month afterwards. No Landlord can hand over the keys under those rules. The first night there (after they pay their $10.00) they can move out, take the stove, fridge, curtains OR have a grand drunken blast and ruin the place. No a landlord can’t even kick them out if they bring in others.

The first thing you have to do is stop the MONEY. This is pure socialism, and has not worked in any country, EVER. I don’t want to see anyone sleeping out in the rain or cold or be hungry, but I also don’t think they “we the people” should have to pay their rent in a nicer place than we live in. Guys in the army live in barracks, why should an alcoholic or druggie live better than the men protecting us. You have it completely backwards. These homeless people know they can come to Seattle where they can get a check to spend and still not have to report to a job and are happy as clams staying drunk and have no intention of trying to make life better for themselves. For sure these illegal’s should not get any help at all except a ride back to where the H—- they came from.

I have lived in my old house for 70 years. Worked all my life. Now all you have to do is have a baby and not marry the Dad and your paycheck will start coming. If you want to drink and do drugs and your parents have to take your child because you are unfit, then they get a check. How can any of this crap make any sense to a politician? You already know all of this, but don’t have the courage to admit it. You want to feel important.
Hope someone reads this before it hits the circular file – but you asked for input. This is mine.

Seattle Pride Review

Seattle Washington Pride Review

The Annual Pride Parade in downtown Seattle has wrapped up for the year to support the LBGTQ community. The parade began with Dykes on Bikes revving their engines getting the crowd ready to celebrate. The four-hour parade boasted the best of Seattle and its long tradition of inclusion. This year’s theme was Pride Beyond Borders, which Seattle Pride President Kevin Toovey says is “a reminder that we can celebrate all the successes and strides of our history, but there is work to be done to keep our communities free, happy, and safe.”

All members of the LBGTQ community were represented in the parade. Local enterprises such as Starbucks, Amazon, and Microsoft were part of the parade. Candy, condoms, flags, frisbees, and other treats were passed out to those watching the parade. It was an afternoon of celebration and fun. Churches participated in the parade, Nordstrom employees, the Seattle Sounders came out to show their support, and the Seattle Police department, to name just a few who were out to support the day. It was diverse, inclusive, and just what Pride is about. Music was bumping’, bands were marching, and the celebration was colorful land lively.

As you continued towards the space needle that was proudly flying the Pride flag, people gathered outside the Pacific Science Center Water Fountain to play in the water, listen to music performers, and grab a bite from the many food vendors. The Seattle Center Pride Fest was packed. People were dressed up, dressed down, or dressed in nothing. The event was a nonjudgement celebration with no pretenses. People were there to celebrate in confidence who they are in an environment where they could be themselves fully with other people supporting them.

Those in political positions also came out to show their support. U.S. Rep. Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash., — marched in colorful costume with a legion of supporters. An engaging Sen. Maria Cantwell, along with U.S. Rep. Suzan DelBene, D-Wash., were also among the marchers Sunday shaking hands and talking to the crowd.

Seattle celebrated the very first Pride Week in 1974, five years after trans and gay rights activists Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera, among others, led the Stonewall riots in New York City and helped spark the fight for LGBTQ equality. We’ve come a long way, but there is still a long way to go. With the current political climate as tense as it is, the parade was a break from fighting and a moment to stop and celebrate. The parade was a way to fuel that who work hard for social justice in uncertain times. As we march forward into unknown and divisive times, Pride seemed more necessary than ever. Hopefully, as a country, we will strive to choose love over fear or hate. Pride helps us to remember where we have been as a country, how far we have come, and how that there is still a long road ahead for equality and justice. Seattle is a progressive corner of the country leading the way for the LGBTQ community.

Green Beret Challenges Feres Doctrine

Natalie Khawam Representing Sgt. Richard Stayskal

Time is of the essence when one is diagnosed with terminal illnesses. Healthcare providers and family quickly rally around the best plan of care for a patient. But what if your window of vital time was missed because doctors misdiagnosed an illness? Unfortunately, this was the reality for Sgt. Richard Stayskal. He is battling stage four cancer, but his future could have looked a lot different if doctors had found his tumor six months earlier. While he is fighting for life, he is also struggling to change regulations in the military that prevent active-duty members for suing for medical malpractice.

The Feres Doctrine prevents active military members from suing formal practice. The doctrine was enforced in 1950 by the Supreme Court. Doctors who were working with Stayskal did not do their job properly when they failed to find the cancerous tumor six months before another doctor did (a civilian doctor found the tumor in his body). As previously stated, with aggressive disease, time is of utmost importance. The window of time that passed allowed the tumor to double in size. And now, Stayskal is taking legal recourse because of his limited options. With the Feres Doctrine in place and Stayskal knowing his life will end sooner than later, he is trying to make a change for future active military members who have a similar experience.

Stayskal is now suing the U.S. government. Whistleblower attorney Natalie Khawam represents him at the Whistleblower Law Firm. The law firm is currently pursuing a $10 million lawsuit against the government for medical malpractice. Because of the Feres Doctrine, Stayskal will leave behind a family with little to no support for them. His life and their lives could have looked much different if the cancer was caught and aggressively addressed six months earlier. It’s unjust and a disservice to service members that poor quality health care is costing Stayskal his life. Service members should not have to worry about this on top of risking their lives to protect our country.

Stayskal was a Green Beret and awarded a Purple Heart after serving in Iraq. He is from North Carolina and is married with two small children. Hopefully, Stayskal’s fight will have a positive impact on future active military members who go through a similar experience. Doctors say Stayskal has at least a year left to live. This is a tragic event for the Stayskal family to go through.While Doctors are human and will make mistakes, there should be recourse left for patients, especially those serving our country. While some errors in healthcare are minor, some are live altering if they are missed. In Stayskal’s case, his life will be cut short, and he will leave behind a family. The ‘what if’s’ that will likely haunt this family for the rest of their lives are unimaginable and unfair. It is unjust that they are not able to take legal action.

The Veterans Affairs Administration has been in the news due to several national scandals. Between hospital wait times that were misreported, poor patient care, and those working to fix the issues being blackmailed and cornered into submission, the VA has a questionable history that needs systematic change. Stayskal’s case is just another example of how the government is failing its employees. Thankfully, some legal experts value the sacrifice the veterans in this country have made, and the Whistleblower Law Firm is ready to help defend Stayskal, and hopefully will be able to support future military members and families who run into this kind of opposition in their time of need. Stayskal is currently 36-years-old and could have had along life ahead of him. It’s a shame that the government is not taking this case more seriously. The Department of Defense has not commented on the case or been vocal about their position. It seems that silence can say a lot—perhaps they are unwilling to engage or unwilling to consider altering the doctrine.Attorney Natalie Khawam is focusing her efforts on arguing the point of medical malpractice.

Time was of the essence for Stayskal when he began experiencing medical problems. Now, time is of the essence for him to make a difference with the time he has left. Khawam and her team will fight hard for Stayskal and veterans like him who are seeking justice and a better future for soldiers. The sacrifice that veterans and active duty members give to protect their country is insurmountable. The least we could give them in return is proper and dignified healthcare.

Natalie Khawam believes that it’s her duty, and the duty of others, to give back to the soldiers who protect this country. She has encapsulated that ideal in the cases she represents, the team she works with, the organizations she gives her time to, and the aspects of law she both represents and advocates for with her colleagues.

Bair Hugger Lawsuits – The Truth Always Comes Out

3M Bair Hugger Lawsuit Victory

There is an old saying about the truth. According to Aesop, “Those who cry the loudest are not always the ones who are hurt the most.” This quote about the truth accurately represents how lawsuits against the Bair Hugger gained any traction in the first place. There was one man who cried the loudest about the Bair Hugger, and it turns out that this man had motives that were not altruistic. But like most lies, the truth always comes to light, and in the case of the Bair Hugger lawsuits, the truth is starting to surface.

It was revealed last week that in the latest news about the lawsuits that the Minnesota jurors sided with the owner of the Bair Hugger, 3M. The two-week trial has significant implications for the future of the pending 4,400 Bair Hugger lawsuits. As of May 15th, of this year there are approximately 4,467 lawsuits that blame the Bair Hugger for surgical infections but the current case, the Gareis Case, shows that these lawsuits might not have a leg to stand on. The truth about why these lawsuits are doomed to fail is because in because the claims that are being made about the device are not valid.

The Bair Hugger forced-air warming system has a long history. For decades there were no complaints about the system and doctors and their patients were happy with the Bair Hugger’s performance in the operating room. It became a significant part of an operation and had been reported to have been used in over 200 million surgeries since its inception in the 1980’s. There was never a question about its safety or its effectiveness until one man began to question its safety. However, there is more to his story than meets the eye. One individual started a misinformation campaign that ultimately led to these lawsuits.

To understand what led to the lawsuits, it is essential to go back through the history of the Bair Hugger. The forced air warming system was invented in the 1980’s by an anesthesiologist named Dr. Scott Augustine. He was the first to come up with the idea that patients should be warmed during surgery to help prevent a host of life-threatening issues. Studies conducted in the 1980’s showed that keeping a patient warm during surgery helped to promote faster recovery times and less bleeding during surgery. Based on these studies. Dr. Augustine created the Bair Hugger, and it soon became an integral part of the surgical process.

The device itself is one of the most effective yet simplistic pieces of surgical equipment available. There are three main parts to the system, the warming blanket, the hose and the warming unit. These three pieces fit together to create a forced air warming system that is used in hospitals across the nation. The Bair Hugger blanket is a unique design that is made up of a soft, sterile non-woven material that has channels that circulates air gently through the blanket. The blanket is connected to the warming unit via the hose and then laid gently on top of the patient’s body. A comfortable temperature is set on the warming unit, and then warm air is gently distributed through the blanket. The warm air circulates through the blanket, and the patient’s body temperature is kept at a healthy level.

There have numerous studies that have been conducted on the benefits of warming the body during surgery. Studies have shown that during the first 60 minutes of anesthesia, the body’s temperature will drop. Some patients can regulate their temperature, but some not are able to. For some patients, the consequence can be unintended hypothermia. Hypothermia is dangerous to patients for a multitude of reasons. Hypothermia, however, is entirely preventable during the surgical process and patient warming is the answer. Numerous studies found that when a forced air warming system is used during surgery the patients often have a shorter recovery time post-surgery, decreased ICU time, reduced rate of wound infection, and lower mortality rates.

Augustine made a significant amount of money off his invention. The Bair Hugger changed how hospitals conducted surgeries. The Bair Hugger soon was used in hospitals all over the nation, and Dr. Augustine gained a lot of money and attention for his invention. He had no issues with his beloved invention until decades later. He only started to make claims against the Bair Hugger when he had a financial stake in a competing product. Coincidently, Augustine started an aggressive smear campaign when his new product was ready to go to market.

To understand how the lawsuits began, one must look back at Dr. Augustine’s history with his original company. Dr. Augustine had a falling out with his old company that started a feud that eventually dragged the Bair Hugger through the mud. The Bair Hugger was originally owned by Augustine Medical, which later became Arizant Inc. Augustine was the Chairman and Chief Executive of the company when he had a dispute with other board members. Not much is known about the dispute except that Augustine and the company soon parted ways but not without a fight from Augustine.

There was a Medicare fraud investigation, and in 2004, Augustine pled guilty to a single misdemeanor charge and paid $2 million fine. He was barred for five years for participating in federal health care programs. He sued Arizant Inc. saying that it owed him money under an indemnification agreement. He was asking for the 2 million dollar fine plus millions more in salary. The company and Augustine settled, and he got his money, but the grudge never died. 3M Inc. later acquired Arizant and Augustine started another business. Not one to reinvent the wheel, Augustine created almost the exact same product as the Bair Hugger. Because he now saw the Bair Hugger as his competition, he began to spread claims that the Bair Hugger caused surgical site wound infections.

Specialists in the field of patient warming were baffled by Augustine’s claims that the Bair Hugger was responsible for spreading bacteria to the body during surgery. Augustine couldn’t provide any evidence for these claims and independent studies conducted also concluded that there was no evidence. The only studies that stated that there are potential issues are the studies that were commissioned or underwritten by Augustine. He has spoken out against the device at medical meetings and has videos on his new website that highly suggest that the Bair Hugger brings airborne contaminants in contact with patients.

These claims started to make their way to the medical community, and they whipped up a frenzy of activity. Attorneys began to advertise looking for people who may have suffered complications from surgery. People who have suffered from post-surgical complications assumed that their issues stem the use of the Bair Hugger. There was an influx of lawsuits filed against 3M that surprised the medical community since the evidence to back up the claims seemed scant at best, but people can file lawsuits for any reason, so the lawsuits went forward. The media picked up the story and soon the news spread.

There is always risk associated with surgery; it comes with the territory. To blame a complication on the Bair Hugger warming system based on unreliable and biased data is unjust. The information is leaking from a disgruntled investor who is trying to smear a company name. Unfortunately, court records showed 4,467 lawsuits blaming Bair Huggers for infections. The cases are part of multidistrict litigation (MDL) in Minnesota. MDLs allow courts to combine several, similar lawsuits which save time and resources. The Gareis case was the first bellwether trial in the MDL. Bellwethers are test cases. They represent a sample of all the lawsuits in the MDL. The outcome of bellwether trials can help gauge arguments on both sides. This can sometimes cause people to drop their lawsuits. But they can also help shape settlements. The judge in the Bair Hugger MDL ordered a second bellwether ready for trial by December 2018.

3M stands behinds the Bair Hugger warming system and denies that Bair Hugger spread infections. The company says more than 200 million surgeries have relied on Bair Huggers since 1987. Surgery is a complicated process, and unintended hypothermia adds one more factor to the equation. Unintended hyperthermia is a common but preventable aspect of surgery and occurs in 50% of all surgical patients. Even mild hypothermia can cause a post-surgical crisis. Patient temperature management often is a secondary thought instead of a required standard. It is also a significant financial benefit of reducing hypothermia rates in surgical patients. Studies have demonstrated that maintaining normothermia can result in savings of $2,500 to $7,000 per patient by eliminating the costs of hypothermia-related complications, including surgical site infections.

The 3M Bair Hugger Patient Warming System is safe to use in orthopedic and other procedures. The FDA cleared this technology to treat and prevent hypothermia more than 25 years ago. Patient care has become increasingly monitored over the years, and patients are more and more critical about the treatment they receive. It’s not surprising that doctors and healthcare providers continue to use Bair hugger even with these bogus claims being made. Regulating patient body temperature in the life of a surgical process is of utmost importance, and this is what Bair Hugger technology allows healthcare providers to oversee and monitor for the best patient outcome.

Regarding the Bair Hugger lawsuits, it’s understandable that patients are seeking answers to why post-surgical complications arise. And often various factors influence how a patient recovers from surgery. However, looking at the circumstances surrounding the history of how Bair Hugger got the reputation it did, these claims are rooted in greed and revenge and promoted by the original creator of the warming system. The post-surgical complications are not due to an actual problem with the warming systems that have helped millions of patients. This first bellwether Trial set the tone for the future of the Bair Hugger cases. The road ahead is long for both patients and 3m Bair Hugger. With any case, it is important to understand the full context of how information comes to surface and why. In the Bair Hugger Lawsuits, it’s critical to see that this is a smear driven by bad business dealings.

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