Former SWFL priest accused of sexual abuse in 1980s may have more victimsFamily speaks out months after deadly crash in Collier County
Lee County resident Peg Paschke has eight kids, 17 grandkids and nine great-grandkids. Nearly 6,000 COVID-19 vaccine appointments will be available in Lee County this week. Appointments open Wednesday, and the process is so frustrating that one man was brought to tears. The first two times the county offered appointments, Leo Trudeau called 500 to 600 times, and he’ll be at it again Wednesday at 9 a.m. sharp when the line opens. He’s trying to get his mother-in-law, Peg Paschke, an appointment. She’s 99 and missing out on her greatest joy: her kids and grandkids. No vaccine means no birthday party for Paschke. Eight kids, 17 grandkids and nine great-grandkids – but not one hug from grandma this past year. You could say she’s earned a party as she gets closer to 100 years of living. How does she feel about turning 100? “I’ll tell you when I get there. First I have to make it. Every day is another day,” she said. Ever day is another day to maybe, just maybe, get the vaccine. “The system they have right now is broken. It’s completely broken,” Trudeau said. “It’s hard on everybody; but myself, I can wait for the vaccine – let’s get the elderly taken care of. It’s got to happen.” He has called and called and called and called and heard nothing. It pains him so much. “Especially the grandkids, all the nieces and nephews. We actually drove to one of our niece’s houses last month. They stood there crying,” he said, getting emotional. “It shouldn’t be that way, it’s gotta change.” Paschke’s birthday is a month away. “If I ever get it [the vaccine]. That’ll be the day,” she said. “Tomorrow morning will be on the phone at 9 o’clock. And if we can get it, we’ll feel better and I’m sure she’ll feel better,” Trudeau said. They and so many others. Once again, the phone line – 866-200-3468 – opens at 9 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 20, for appointments for Thursday, Jan. 21, and Friday, Jan. 22. There will be 5,800 appointments available. RESOURCE: WINK News is working by the minute on a daily basis to bring our coverage areas in Southwest Florida the latest COVID-19 vaccine information from the counties you live in. Visit our COVID-19 vaccine schedules and information for SWFL story for rolling vaccine updates.