Mother’s anguish turns to cries
for help

On July 30, 2003 there was a motorcycle collision on the 101Freeway near Rancho Road that severely injured my daughter, Katie Berke, the passenger. At the emergency room her blood tested negative to alcohol and drugs. She suffered very severe traumatic brain injury, numerous facial fractures, facial cuts and multiple bodily abrasions, which left her in a 45-day coma.

This has permanently transformed her into a very different disabled human being, physically, mentally and emotionally. Her once china-doll-like face was disfigured as it landed on the freeway after being ejected from the motorcycle. The helmet crushed into her face ripping off her teeth with jawbone. Some of her teeth were found in her lung and stomach.

It has been the most grueling and devastating experience that my children and I have had to endure. We have had no chance to mourn the Katie we all loved and knew. We have no extended family.

I have had to struggle and fight to get access to and provide the needed rehabilitative services my daughter needs (visit http://www.ecofotos.com/ktb for details). I have had to quit my jobs to care for her 24/7. She needs extensive multiple reconstructive jaw surgery for eventual teeth implants so she can have teeth to eat with. Adding insult to injury, we are at risk of losing the home we have lived in for 13 years.

The driver, Damion Magglos, suffered minor injuries. When he was released from the hospital about two hours after the collision, he was placed under arrest for driving under the influence of alcohol, driving without a license, driving uninsured—Damion informed me that Katie had no knowledge of any of this—and causing injury to another. Hours later he posted bail. District Attorney’s investigations revealed a history of multiple DUIs.

Eventually he pleaded guilty to the multiple charges. He went to rehab, got sober and worked. For a year he promised financial help. Sept. 17 was the final scheduled sentencing hearing. Unable to cope with the prospect of going to prison, he committed suicide the night before. I cannot fathom his mother’s anguish. While he may be resting in peace, I am burdened with the care of the wreckage he left behind.

With all due respect to the other family, I call upon Damion’s family and friends to help Katie in Damion’s memory. She is the forgotten victim of this terrible crime. Donations can be made to: The KTB Special Needs Trust. P.O. Box 827, Newbury Park, CA 91319.

Verónica Martain-Haverbeck

Newbury Park