I am personally affected by the harsh reality of Florida's policy on compassionate release for incarcerated individuals.

 My son's friend, who has served his sentence thoroughly, was given merely six months to live and yet, his release date is ironically and cruelly set to be in nine months. This is not an isolated case. Encountering Florida's prisons not releasing prisoners until they are on the brink of death or have already died is heart-wrenching.

Another story: I sadly recall when a friend’s husband was diagnosed with metastatic kidney cancer in February 2017. The officials promised he would be released into my care by May. However, the prison authorities refused to honor this agreement. He died, alone and away from family, behind bars. Those who deny these releases seemingly escape without any repercussions.
Another story: I feel like they wait until their illness deteriorates their health to the point of no return, and only allows them out to die out of their care. 

Another story:
When my father was there at RMC, with metastatic cancer, it was a nightmare. They had him bouncing back and forth from Suwannee, RMC, and Jacksonville hospital, with mild treatment for pain, but nothing to treat his cancer. I was able to get a compassionate release for him, with parole and only having 9 months left of his sentence, and was serving 10 years.  I communicated with the warden and the head of medical and  they helped. He had to be evaluated and I had to go in front of the parole board to plead for his release to me. 
It’s frustrating and devastating they put everyone involved through such heart ache and suffering.
The need for reform is urgent and undeniable. In many parts of the United States and the world, compassionate release is regularly granted to prisoners who are severely ill and pose no risk to society. It is high time Florida aligns its policy with these more compassionate and humane practices.

Reforms will not only restore decency and compassion to our justice system but will also help alleviate the strain on the state's budget. Costly end-of-life care is currently burdening taxpayers when many of these individuals could be at home, with their families, where their care would be less costly and exponentially more humane.

Joins us in urging Florida lawmakers and FLDOC, Ricky D. Dixon, Secretary of the Florida Department of Corrections. Tallahassee policymakers to consider the pain and suffering caused by the current status quo. It's time we push for a change, ensuring that no family has to endure their loved one dying alone behind bars. Sign our petition today. All we need are signatures!