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  The Fire Inside
 Issue 11 - June 1999

< Dedication
 
< Is This an Offence?
 
< A Woman's Story
 
< In Memoriam to Patty Contreras
 
< Testimony at Joint Committee on Prison Construction, Sacramento, CA
 
< Editorial: The War Against Communities, Families, and Women
 
< Impact of the Drug War
 
< Sisters and Sisterhood: Tearing Down Walls Behind Walls
 
< International Women's Day
 
< My sister, Tina Balagno
 
< The Changing Times
 
< Yvonne Bunny Knuckles, 1937-1999, We love you and will miss you very much!
 
< Women in Black: Vigil for Women's Health Care
 
< Snitch
 
< Prison psychiatrist arrested
 
< Justice Battered: Theresa Cruz Denied Parole!
 
< Millions for Mumia
 
< Amnesty International writes!
 
       

My sister, Tina Balagno

My name is Deborah Teczon. My sister, Tina Marie Balagno, was a prisoner at CCWF. She died 2/10/99 of breast cancer, cancer of the bones and neglect. She was HIV positive for the last 11 years.
My sister endured a tremendous amount of pain for which I hold CCWF responsible. She was treated as if her life meant nothing. I'm here today to say her life meant everything to me and my family. No one in this world should have to go through the pain that Tina endured.
Tina never wanted to get sick in jail because she knew the system would do nothing for her. Tina's fears were confirmed. They waited so long the cancer destroyed her.
I can not understand how the medical staff can live with themselves. They took an oath to save lives. This uncivilized way of acting and thinking is completely unacceptable. Prisoners are not just a number, they are living. breathing people.
Together I know we can change the system, so that the life that was taken from Tina would not be in vain.

Last updated January 5, 2004 04:42 PM


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