One of my proudest moments was getting Kerri Kasem and her sister in to see their dad, Casey Kasem. His wife, Jean, had kept him from seeing his children, his brother, his manager, and the people who made his radio show, etc. Watching his face light up is an invaluable memory. Kerri became an advocate working to end isolation.
Sadly, in working with her and other advocates, I discovered that the easiest way to steal from someone is to isolate them. Isolate a person, convince them to let you help them (after all, you are the only person who cares about them since you won’t let anyone else talk to them), then steal from them, get them to name you as their only beneficiary, then walk away.
Thanks to Kerri Kasem and other advocates, laws allowing families to seek visitation orders exist. California has a “Visitation Restraining Order” that prohibits someone from denying visitation. You can file this without an attorney.
If someone you love is being isolated, it is a red flag indicating that someone may be abusing them. Don’t ignore the red flag. Fight to see your loved one.
I am grateful that Kerri fought for her dad. He did not die alone. He was surrounded by family in his last days. The court battle was never about money—it was about love. Love for Casey. A love that wanted him to be able to have time with all the people who truly loved and cared for him. Whenever I think of her or hear Casey’s voice, I remember that the most valuable thing we can do in life is make sure no one lives or dies alone.
