MAYOR GIULIANI WELCOMES 12-YEAR-OLD CELLIST TO CITY HALL; ANNOUNCES $5000 REWARD FOR LOST PROSTHESIS
Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani today welcomed 12-year-old cellist Brett Ellison and her family to City Hall in an effort to further the citywide search for her missing prosthetic left arm. Mayor Giuliani was also joined by Taxi and Limousine Commission Chairperson Diane McGrath-McKechnie.
The press conference also served as the official announcement of philanthropist and nationally syndicated columnist Percy Ross's offer of a $5000 reward for the return of the missing prosthesis - in usable condition - by June 6. The reward is in addition to Mr. Ross's offer to pay for the prosthetic limb's replacement.
Brett Ellison left the blue Gap duffel bag containing the prosthetic arm in the trunk of a medallion taxicab during a ride Wednesday evening, May 21, from 79th Street and Lexington Avenue to Bleecker and Christopher Streets.
"We are still confident that there is a taxicab driver out there who just hasn't found the bag with the prosthesis yet," said Mayor Giuliani. "And we hope that today's announcement of the $5000 reward will help make that happen.
"But I am also happy to say that there have been no less than seven offers of full or partial help for Brett and her family thanks to a major hospital, a leading prosthetics company, and some caring individuals like Percy Ross. So whatever happens, we are assured of a happy ending for this outstanding young lady."
"As a classical music fan, I look forward to hearing Brett perform with her cello one of my favorite pieces, the Dvorak Cello Concerto, and with all the people rallying to this family's aid, I'm sure I'll be hearing her perform very soon," concluded the Mayor.
Aside from her musical interests, Brett is an avid water skier, rides horses and plays basketball. Since the tremendous amount of national media coverage that Brett's story has generated, she has been described as a role model for children with disabilities who rise to their challenges with a strong determination to succeed, and a positive attitude.
Because confidence remains high that a good samaritan cabbie will return the prosthetic limb, the family has yet to make a final decision on whether or how to proceed with all of the generous offers of financial and professional help. During the press conference, the family expressed its gratitude for the outpouring of love and concern for the active youngster, saying that it has been a true inspiration for them during this difficult time.
"The taxicab industry has proven itself to be filled with wonderful, caring men and women," said Chairperson McKechnie, "from the drivers themselves to the industry organizations, like the Metropolitan Taxicab Board of Trade and the League of Mutual Taxi Owners, which have really given their all to help us in this search. We want to thank them for all they've done so far, and ask that they remember to call our (212) NYC-TAXI hotline number the minute they have any information."
"When I heard about this wonderful young lady and her situation, I knew I had to reach out to help in some way," said Percy Ross, " I am truly hopeful that the reward will result in the prosthetic arm's recovery, and look forward to meeting her and her family."
A replacement prosthetic limb would cost anywhere from $15,000 to $20,000, and would require extensive fittings and rehabilitation for the wearer to become acclimated to it. But perhaps more difficult for youngsters like Brett is the amount of time it takes for the fittings and fabrication - sometimes up to two or more months. In Brett Ellison's case, that's two months away from practicing her beloved cello.
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