An elderly cancer patient in Chestertown was dismissed as a “drunk” last Sunday night and left abandoned on the ground in front of the Colonial Manor Apartments, according to Councilman Jim Gatto, who spoke at Monday’s Council meeting in absolute disbelief of the incident.
“I got a call Sunday night that the man had a medical emergency and collapsed in plain sight of the apartments,” Gatto said. “He laid there for more than two hours and at least five people saw him laying on the ground. People said they thought ‘he was just a drunk.’”
Gatto said the man collapsed around 6PM and was not cared for until 8:30PM. The man was airlifted from Chester River Hospital for hypothermia.
“He had been crawling for help for over two hours in Chestertown and nobody called 911, and nobody went over to see if he was OK.” Gatto said. “This is what you would expect in New York, but not in Chestertown?”
Chestertown Town Manager Bill Ingersoll said he passed the man early in the day walking–and then later learned the man was missing. He said he called the police immediately and told them where he had seen the man earlier in the day.
“This man is elderly and he’s a cancer patient,” said Mayor Margo Bailey. “The fact that he had to go through this is just appalling.”
Gatto appeared visibly angry and asked local ministers this week to do a little soul searching among their congregations.
“I’d like to challenge all the ministers this week to justify how you determine a person is not worthy of help.” Gatto said.
Gatto said that people can at least call 911 if they don’t want to get involved.
I completely agree with him. That is very sad. I wish this man a speedy recovery and HOPE people learn from this.
This is sickening.
I was not present at the meeting and can only gather from the tone of this article, however, Mr. Gatto should tread carefully concerning asking the local ministerial to ask their congregations to do some “soul searching”, and compare the evils of simply turning away from a brother or sister in need to be isolated to big city folk. We all come up short on a daily basis in regard to how we should care for one another. This is in fact a tragic scene in our small town, but asking the local church folk to check themselves is a little short reaching. Are we are not all called to be good Samaritans, whether we happen to attend a weekly church service? There are a number of people in our community that are unseen and neglected every day and we all could do better to keep a watchful eye out for one another.
I would like to invite entire town at large, including Mr. Gatto, to Christmas dinner this Sunday at First United Methodist Church, (come by anytime after 1pm), for its annual ‘Feast of Love’, and feel welcome to any any all that need to feel the warmth of the season and a sense of the best of this community. This simple meal, prepared by volunteers from both in and out of the church family has tried to do just what Mr. Gatto says the town needs to do for more than two decades, care for one another, if only with assuring that on a day of celebration, no-one be alone.
If only we could make it Christmas everyday.
wish there were a ‘like’ button — well said billy!
I was not present, either -
“asked local ministers this week to do a little soul searching among their congregations.
“I’d like to challenge all the ministers this week to justify how you determine a person is not worthy of help.” Gatto said.
I will take from this that Mr. Gatto is hoping for a Teachable Moment…
Some folks go to church – some read the Spy – they don’t always cross – I am glad this story was run – and – I hope that manybe a sermon or two is sparked – – maybe this story will start conversations about compassion – and the stigma often associated with substance abuse.
More than anything – I am sad – I will keep this gentleman in my heart.
Should we be excused for not calling 911 if the man were “a drunk”
? Since alcoholism is an often life-threatening disease and it seems this man was in acute distress, should we not also be chastised for not assisting him in getting medical treatment?!
I’m from New York. Pretty much everybody I know from New York would have helped an elderly person collapsed in the street. I know I would have. Assuming Gatto’s been quoted correctly, his comment is gratuitous and insulting and provincial and gives Chestertown a bad name.
I lived in New York for many years before moving to Kent County and don’t necessarily think that “this type of thing is expected in New York.” In fact, I don’t think this type of thing is expected anywhere. Plenty of kind and compassionate people live in both New York and Chestertown.
Told ya,
Joe
Of all the places I have been in this world, I would say that Chestertown is the least likely place I would expect to recieve help from a total stranger. Fortunatly for us Chestertonians, there are not that many of us, and that makes there even fewer TOTAL strangers per capita. If I had seen this man down like that , I would have notified the police (especially if I thought he was “just drunk”) But I guess thats because I’m not “from” here.
How’s that for your Christmas as Eve sermon Jimbo
It’s bad enough that people thought this unfortunate gentlemen was a drunk, and thought that gave them an excuse to ignore him, but then to have Mr. Gatto pontificate is just too much, and perhaps, inappropriate. I, too, can have an opinion on everything, but I hope I restrain myself when appropiate. The ministers of this area shouldn’t be offended by Mr. Gatto’s remarks, but perhaps just say Merry Christmas, and pray for this gentleman’s quick recovery.
Janice,
Church is a very good venue to have this discussion, as was the town hall. Church is where a good portion of community can be found on Sunday, or Saturday. Why is the mentioning of church as a possible venue for further discussion so offensive to you?
Calling on ministers to discuss the worthiness of a man’s life is perfectly acceptable, and actually commendable.
Hard to imagine anyone would be upset with Gatto for trying to breathe some humanity into this town.
If Gatto’s comments are as upsetting to you as the incident itself, I would venture to say you have entirely missed the point.
George, you misunderstood me. I certainly did not say that church as a venue is offensive.
Please reread my comment. I simply suggested that Mr Gatto, perhaps, offended the ministers with his comment and direction to “do a little soul searching” and so on. Thanks for the opportunity to answer George’s post.
Janice,
I think you are splitting hairs. “Soul searching” was Mr. Manefee’s words. Notwithstanding, I think Gatto was trying to say that this incident presented a teachable moment, and I can’t see that any minister would be offended. “Soul searching” is the business they are in, and I’m sure they would jump at the chance to communicate many valuable lessons that could be learned here.
I’m guessing your issues with Mr. Gatto stem from other business that has gone before the town?
I think Mr. Gatto’s suggestion was very well intended and your comments support the old adage that no good deed ever goes unpunished.
Happy New Year
No, George “soul searching” was said by Mr. Gatto.
And I don’t understand what the good deed was that is being punished.
No need to reply, though, I think I shall say, we agree to disagree.