The Committee to Free Debra Gindorf met for the first time at our time-warped abode on Saturday, September 11. Thirteen of the 25 people who have expressed an interest in the project attended. We brought extra lighting into the futon room so people actually could read in there and put the spread of usual salon-type snacks on the futon room tables, so we could just sit and work for a few hours straight. We all sat on futons and cushions in the usual circle. Kathy Hamill had her boxes of Gindorf files; fortunately, however, we didn't need to spend much time pawing through papers. Rather, the focus was on ways to approach hustling support for this clemency effort and ideas for the presentation of Debra's case to the Illinois Prisoner Review Board and Governor.

The meeting began with Kathy reading a letter Debra wrote shortly after her arrest, describing in graphic detail the events of the night on which she administered the sleeping medication to her children and to herself. Writings Debra prepared on the fatal night also were read, as was a piece Debra wrote in 2000, describing what she perceived to be the marked improvement in her mental health since 1985. The details of the plans that she and her friend, Joyce Cook, have made for her life outside prison, should she be released, also were read.

Tami Belleveuille of Gurnee told the group about her own experiences as a victim of postpartum depression and psychosis. Tami is in the process of establishing a postpartum support group and network in Lake County. She has mailed, at her own expense, the proposal for Debra's clemency project to 100 people who are listed on various postpartum organization rosters. She has been corresponding with Debra and plans to visit her soon.

Tami also will be appearing on an Oprah show focused on postpartum disorders, most likely within the next month. She is hoping to speak to another guest on the show, Carol Blocker, the mother of Melanie Stokes, the woman who fell or jumped to her death from a window last spring, a few months after giving birth to a much-wanted first child. Ms. Blocker has become an activist working to enlighten the general public and medical profession regarding postpartum disorders. Tami will see if Ms. Blocker is interested in giving any support to our cause. Even a letter from such a person would be of great value. Tami also will look for any other opportunities to make useful contacts during her time in Oprah's studio.

Tami also has the names of a few doctors who specialize in postpartum disorders. She has offered to attempt to contact them and ask for a letter in support of Debra's petition.

Kathy explained that, during Debra's last clemency hearing, the Prisoner Review Board was concerned about Debra's present mental state whether she was fit to function in the outside world and, specifically, whether she was dangerous to herself or others. The witnesses that were available at the hearing had not done a complete contemporary fitness evaluation; consequently, no one could speak to that critical point. This time, it is imperative that a mental health expert evaluate Debra, present a report and, hopefully, also testify at the hearing. Jeanne Berger, who is herself a psychotherapist, volunteered to inquire among her professional connections to see if anyone would be willing to volunteer his or her services, or accept a reduced fee. Anita North also volunteered to ask a professional she knows about it.

In the past, Debra has been helped by the prison ministry at Willow Creek Church. Anita North offered to contact that group and see if they would have any interest in supporting this clemency effort by writing letters of support or in any other way.

Another problem that arose at the last two hearings was the absence of Debra herself. There is no way to have Debra released from prison to attend the hearing. Consequently, the Board cannot actually see her and hear her speak. Kathy will inquire into the possibility of being allowed to make a videotape of a short interview with Debra in Dwight Correctional Center. That will be difficult to arrange. No inquiry can be made until Debra is moved out of segregation and into the general population. That should happen no later than mid-January, 2002.

The video discussion broadened into a proposal that some people in the group make a video about Debra's case and the process that the committee goes through attempting to obtain her release. Jim Zdunek, Colin Tysoe and Robin Slater all expressed a strong interest in carrying through with such a plan. Colin offered to approach someone he knows who is interested in making documentaries. Kathy and Robin also have informed a friend of theirs who has been in the multi-media business for years of the project. Anyone else who has an interest should let Jim, Colin or Robin know about it.

Ron Alwin and Fletcher Hamill, both of whom are, like Kathy, public sector criminal defense attorneys with practices concentrated in appeals, have volunteered to co-author the petition itself with Kathy. The three of them will pass drafts around between now and the next group meeting and should have a good draft ready by then. Copies will be distributed to everyone in the group to critique. Hopefully, with so many reviews, the resultant petition will be as strong and persuasive as possible.

Attendees not yet mentioned were John Wallace, Sherry Lira, Dave Webb and Anita Denmark. Everyone contributed to the discussion, which was lively and energetic. Everyone was asked to brainstorm ideas for ways to get in touch with "celebrity" potential supporters, such as Marie Osmond, who recently authored a book about her own postpartum disorder, anyone else high profile who might have experienced postpartum disorders and so have an interest in supporting this petition, legislators or other political figures, and so forth. Indeed, any sort of idea for this project would be welcome. The group generally agreed to write letters of support for the petition and to solicit others to do the same. Kathy will provide some guidance and sample letters. She will have packets of those available for everyone who attends the next group meeting.

Kathy agreed to provide everyone with Debra's address. It is:
Debra Lynn Gindorf
N-67063
Dwight Corr. Center
23813 East 3200 North Rd.
Dwight, IL 60420

She loves to get things like cards and is particularly fond of angels. She also loves puzzle books.

Be aware that the Department of Corrections will read what you write to her. It is possible to send her money, which she always can use, especially now that she is in seg and unable to work. Money can only be sent in the form of a money order made out to "Debra Gindorf, N-67063." The amount cannot exceed $50 per money order. The donor's full name and address must be written on the money order (Debra will not receive your address). The money order should be sent to Dwight Corr. Center, Business Office, at the above address. Include a note directing them to deposit the money in Debra's trust account.

If anyone would like to visit Debra, let Kathy know. There is a form which must be filled out. It takes about three weeks for the form to be processed and for someone to be put on Debra's visitor list. Up to six people can visit her at a time, so no one has to go alone if they don't want to Kathy and Robin always can come along. Information about visiting inmates at Dwight also is on the web. Go to http://www.idoc.state.il.us/ click on "facilities" and then on "Dwight"

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