Fairfax Schools Insurance Might Help Stricken Langley Student

Randy Liang, a 14-year-old Langley High School freshman, was on a school-sponsored band trip when he became ill in New Jersey during the weekend of March 12.

That means he is covered by an insurance policy that the Fairfax County school system has for "any mishap that could happen" during a field trip, said Marty K. Smith, assistant superintendent for the McLean, Langley and Herndon schools.

Liang is in a hospital in New Jersey. His family has no insurance. Neighbors in the Great Falls and Langley communities have joined to raise money to help the family. School officials at Langley and Forestville Elementary, where Randy's brother attends school, are also trying to help the family.

Langley principal Matthew Ragone sent a note Friday that said, "The community's support has been tremendous.  Forestville Elementary School parents have already coordinated efforts and asked for donations in a variety of specific forms. . . The response has been amazing." Randy's mom  "is overwhelmed with gratitude." 

Smith said Tuesday evening he wasn't sure what the schools' insurance policy covered and that the case would have to be reviewed by the school's insurance carrier.

The school system also has a "neediest kids fun to support students or families," he said that could be used to help the Liang family.

Randy's mother is with him in New Jersey.  "Unfortunately, this is a family that has come upon some very difficult times in the past year," says  the information on the Forestville Elementary site.  The father  "died this past summer after an 8 year battle with cancer.  Due to his condition, they were unable to obtain life insurance."  The mother  "did return to work . . .  however, in February 2011, her consulting contract with the government was not renewed and she has been out of work, without benefits, since February 28th.

"At that time, she was given the option to sign up for COBRA insurance but struggled with being able to afford the monthly fees of $1,200.  Today, she has decided to fill out the COBRA paperwork as she is still within the 45 day window to register; however, making ends meet will now be challenging since she is unable to seek employment as she needs to be with her ill son. 

Smith praised the community support for the family, "Individuals have organize groups to work trying to get him back here" and get medical assistant for his mother. "It's how we know that families in the communities of Langley and Great Falls can support students.  We've seen it in the past and we're seeing it again," he said.

The Langley school site says : "We have attempted to coordinate efforts with Forestville Elementary School, the LHS Band Association, and Randy's friends to assist the Laing family."

Donations can be sent to: Wachovia 750 Walker Rd., Great Falls, VA 22066

Make checks payable to "Liang Family" account 8857, or via a Paypal account to donate to this account on-line. The Paypal account is accessible via liangfamilyfund@gmail.com. If the Paypal does not work right away, please try it again later. It should be active by 3-23-11, but probably sooner.

If you would like to find out more on how to support Randy and his family, please contact Silvia Roman at langleybandassn@gmail.com.

The Forestville ES community should contact Deanna Keyes at deannakeys@yahoo.com.