As the founder of the first shelter for battered women in the Hackensack
home shared with my children in 1970, I have had the occasion to meet
many battered women and children. Liesa Pyatt is one such person. 
Approximately 25 years ago, I was leaving Treasurers (our West Milford
thrift shop) when I was called back to accept a collect call from
Clinton prison.  The woman, Liesa Pyatt, told me of her plight – how she
protected her son’s life from her batterer and was sentenced to 40 years
in jail.  I went down to meet her and was very touched by the unfairness
of her situation.  I wrote letters, spoke to my classes, reached out to
people,and picketed. I invited some of Strengthen Our Sisters most
ardent supporters, along with her parents to a meeting to see what could
be done.  One of our dear supporters, John Ignozza of the Evergreen
Foundation, was very touched by Liesa’s story and became involved,
visiting her and trying for an appeal.  But everything came back to the
same Judge and nothing happened –   no reversal.  We contacted the then
Governor McGreevy, who went to school with Liesa, but failed.  I then
introduced John to Senator Jerry Cardinale, who has been a friend and
long time supporter, and asked for his help with Governor Christi in
issuing a pardon.  Jerry was very dedicated and persistent, always
looking for the right opportunity to reach the Governor.  The turning
point came when the Senator convinced the Governor to read her case
himself, and on Saturday night he called him with the news that Liesa
was free.  She spent the night at John’s house and woke up with her
daughter in her arms.  
Her son, who would not be alive today had she not protected him, is on
his way to pick her up and take her home to live with his family.
 So, today it is with great joy that I celebrate Liesa’s freedom
with her family.  I also want to thank the dedicated people who worked
over the years and pray for all the many other mothers who have lost
their children to their batterers and are unjustly in jail.  If you want
information, call me or look for my book, “Clean socks for the
revolution” which will be coming out in the Spring.

Sandra Ramos
Founder, MA
Strengthen Our Sisters, Inc.
973/831-0898