'It's just a lack of concern for a human being'

'It's just a lack of concern for a human being'

Originally printed at http://www.katu.com/news/local/Its-just-a-lack-of-concern-for-a-human-being-139193419.html

By Bob Heye, KATU News February 12, 2012

PORTLAND, Ore. – Advocates for a Northwest Portland businesswoman, who cannot speak for herself and has people controlling her own estate, suspect she is the victim of elderly abuse.

Sunday, Sue Lee's supporters took their case to the streets in front of the business she used to run on Northwest 23rd Avenue.

Lee ran the Orientale Motif Shop for more than 50 years and lived above the business with her husband. That all changed when Lee suffered a stroke in 2008 that left her in a coma.

Lee’s supporters said she’s been unable to get her power of attorney rights back, despite being able to handle her own affairs. They told KATU News no one has accurately tallied the sale of items from Lee’s former shop and the conservator of her estate is not working in her best interests.

“It’s just a lack of concern for a human being. Sue’s a human being,” said Lee’s friend Peggy Abernathy. “She has rights… they’ve just totally been destroyed. You know, quality of life, just everything is gone.”

Supporters signed a petition Sunday to return control of Lee’s life to her, but so far a Multnomah County judge has backed the decisions made by the conservator and guardian of Lee’s estate.

“It’s wrong. Humanly wrong,” said Stephen Ying with the Oregon Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander Affairs. “I mean, I don’t think humans should do – could do things like that. That’s how upset I am with it.”

KATU News reached out to the attorney representing the conservator of Sue Lee’s estate. We have not yet heard back.

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