from Theresa Shoatz, July 9, 2008:

Supporters across the country called SCI Greene on behalf of Russell 
Maroon Shoats to support his demand for a coronary angiography (heart 
X-ray) in the hopes of diagnosing and treating his ongoing chest 
pains and shortness of breath which had gone ignored by the prison 
despite Maroon filing four grievances. Public pressure resulted in 
Maroon winning a visit to the medical facility but the care he 
received was not adequate.

During his visit to medical Maroon received a steroid injection to 
the chest to stop the pain, rapid heart rate, and pressure to the 
chest wall. Maroon is very concerned about these injections due to 
the many side effects associated with steroids.

Two weeks ago Maroon instructed his family to stop calling the prison 
as he believed their hands to be tied. With help from Maroon's 
supporters we were able to contact the agency that provides the 
medical care for the Pennsylvania prison system. After conferring 
with Dr jin at SCI Greene, the chief of staff stressed how Maroon had 
been given excellent medical treatment but we know from Maroon’s own 
testimony that this is far from the truth.

Examining Maroon Shoats, Dr. jin also expressed frustration to Maroon 
over the phone calls in regards to his health. The doctor apparently 
told Maroon to stop playing games and to stop writing his family 
complaining of chest pain. Dr. jin said, “There’s nothing wrong with 
you.”

Despite his statements and his attitude, Dr. jin promised that Maroon 
would refer him to a hospital for a stress test within two weeks. 
Maroon wants to thank his supporters for all their help but now he is 
asking that we hold off on phone calls until further notice so as to 
give Dr. jin opportunity to fulfill his promise.

Thank you for all your support! Please stay tuned for updates and 
keep your fingers crossed for Russell Maroon Shoats!