Wealth, Privilege and the Tartikoffs’ Road to Recovery

I was thrilled to read Robin Abcarian’s excellent article on Lilly Tartikoff as well as her daughters Calla and Lizzy (“Back on Her Feet,” March 25). I’ve been employed by UCLA in medical sciences development for nearly 24 years and was painfully aware of Tartikoff’s tragedies and inspired by her remarkable triumphs.

How important it was for me to read about Calla and especially exciting to note that the Colony Cafe, near my home, was established by Lilly and Calla. I walked over and purchased a veggie sandwich, the most savory one this vegetarian has ever consumed.

Thanks for the delicious reading and eating experiences--and go Calla!

Ginny King Supple

Los Angeles

It has been 26 years since my son’s brain injury. I could not move to Louisiana for his treatment, build extra staircases for therapists or open a cafe where he could work a couple of hours a day to add meaning to his life. I am grateful to his medical insurance, to the California school system for therapies, to the caseworkers and job coaches now available and to the Ralphs market that allows him to bag groceries.

One way or another tragedies are overcome and we moms carry on. As with Lilly Tartikoff, life goes on, but always with our eyes focused on the well-being of our disabled child.

Barbara Hamilton Howard

Via the Internet

The saga of Lilly Tartikoff caused me to lose some sleep. She is to be admired for her fundraising efforts for cancer research and her devotion to her daughter. But other aspects of her story are troubling, primarily the illustration of the benefit of wealth in the American healthcare system. Also, her concern that after everything else her daughter had been through, she would get “fat.” The fact that she owns every dress in Beverly Hills. The fact that she likes her new corporate boyfriend because his private jet is almost as good as sex. Something about her reminds me of a character in a Harold Robbins novel.

Steve Eastin

Toluca Lake