Contact: Terri's Foundation, 727-490-7603

TAMPA, June 4 /Standard Newswire/ -- On May 27, USA TODAY released a list titled, "Lives of indelible impact" over the past 25 years. Number 12 on this list was Terri Schiavo.

The introduction that also included Pope John II, Mother Teresa and the heroes of 911 began by stating, "They blazed trails. They showed courage. They made us cry. They are the 25 on USA TODAY's list of people who moved us in the past quarter-century. Most are famous, but some are ordinary folks in extraordinary situations. Many became accidental leaders, even heroes, whose spirit enriched our lives."

Award winning author Wesley J. Smith said this, "USA Today opines that Terri's contribution concerns living wills. I disagree. I think her most profound legacy is that after Terri, no one can now say they are unaware that we dehydrate people to death because they have profound cognitive disabilities."

Terri's brother, Bobby Schindler, agrees. "As I travel throughout the US and around the world speaking about my beloved sister, I continue to be deeply moved by the number of people who are very disturbed with the manner in which Terri was deliberately killed.  My family and I are also constantly humbled by the way she has touched the hearts and changed the lives of so many." 

Mr. Smith continued, "There was clearly something very special about Terri Schiavo that surpassed the bitter politics of her death. So, yes: USA Today got this one right. Her life had--and continues to have--a profound and indelible impact on us all."

About the Schindler Family: Mary and Robert Schindler as well as Suzanne Schindler Vitadamo and Bobby Schindler now work for The Terri Schindler Schiavo Foundation in St. Petersburg, Florida, an organization dedicated to promoting the Culture of Life, embracing the true meaning of compassion by opposing the practice of euthanasia.