By Damian Gessel
SUNBURY -- Weather forecasts call for snow today, but nothing will keep Sunbury resident and longtime Dr. Pedro Servano patient Janice Corcoran from protesting his Nov. 23 deportation to the Philippines.
"Bring on the snow, bring on the cold," Ms. Corcoran said, adding she will hold a vigil for the Servanos at Cameron Park in Sunbury at 7 tonight no matter what the weather.
Ms. Corcoran was so outraged by the Servanos' upcoming deportation, she could barely speak.
"Outraged doesn't mark it. If there was a word I could say, it would be ...," she said, pausing to think. "There's just no understanding of why a man who has contributed so much to the United States and to his family would be put through this."
Ms. Corcoran is one of many residents angry and upset that Dr. Servano and his wife, Salvacion, are being forced from the country because of a decades-old error on their immigration documents.
Ms. Corcoran, who suffers from a host of ailments including chronic pain, said Dr. Servano has treated her for 15 years. Without the doctor she says has been her inspiration, she's worried about her future.
"I'm scared, to be completely honest. I'm really afraid. When you're facing something awful, if you know you have a good family doctor behind you, you rely on that," she said. "A man of Dr. Servano's character and professionalism -- they don't come along every day."
Numerous supporters of the Servanos have signed an online petition protesting their deportation. Sentiments in the comments included with the petition range from sympathy to fury.
Here's a small sample:
"There are many patients and the community that are going to be hurt by this insane ordeal," writes Kathleen M. Maiolo.
"What message does this send to the Servano children about their country's family policies? This whole thing is a disgrace," an anonymous contributor writes.
"Ridiculous. Absolutely ridiculous," writes Sherry Petta.
"Dr. Servano is a prominent member of the community and also my personal family doctor. Removing him from the community will be a loss to everyone," Renee Dunkelberger writes.
"Dr. Servano is my family doctor and I've known him for 10 years. He's an outstanding member of our community as a physician and him and his wife are owners of a local specialty food store. They pay their taxes, vote, go to church, and support school functions. Their children are fine examples of the American Dream. ... They deserve to stay here," writes Donna Wagner.
"I hope all who sign here will remember this story on Election Day next year. It is a travesty and threatens everyone's freedom," Joan L. Horne writes.
"These people are an asset to the community, hold good jobs and pay taxes. Please reconsider and let them stay," writes Joanne B. Parker.
Ms. Corcoran encourages those interested in protesting tonight to call her at 850-1275.
