Nobody could say it better than Adam Walser and NASGA joins him in mouring the passing of Willi Berchau. Willi left this earth a free man and an inspiration, thanks to Adam Walser's report. That report, which was part of an investigative series, got the attention of other media in Florida who began reporting on guardianship abuse in Florida and it also got the attention of lawmakers. It all started with Willi Berchau and we will remember Willi for the hero he is:
From Adam Walser:
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"A sad day for us, as one of our heroes has passed...Willi Berchau... who fought for the rights of wards in predatory guardianships... died peacefully this morning. He wrongly placed in an Alzheimer's unit, told his story to the world and eventually was freed by the court system. His final year and a half, he spent surrounded by friends and supporters and more importantly... free! The I-Team went to his 101st birthday party just last month. Willi was a sweet, kind soul who had courage to stand up against what was wrong. Isolated from the world, he found a way to speak out and people listened.... eventually passing laws cracking down on predatory guardianships.
I remember Willi with his fist pumped in the air, showing his belief that he achieved victory over oppression. Some us us have heroes who are movie stars or professional athletes or corporate moguls. Mine was a small German man, who always had a smile on his face and who spoke softly with a thick accent. What he had to say will long be remembered."
Source:
Facebook: Adam Walser I-Team
From Adam Walser:
I remember Willi with his fist pumped in the air, showing his belief that he achieved victory over oppression. Some us us have heroes who are movie stars or professional athletes or corporate moguls. Mine was a small German man, who always had a smile on his face and who spoke softly with a thick accent. What he had to say will long be remembered."
Source:
Facebook: Adam Walser I-Team