Mar 24, 2007 6:36 am US/Eastern
Brutalized Seniors Get Day Of Pampering In Queens
Morat, 101, Lights Up Room With Rock-Solid Resolve
by Deborah Garcia
QUEENS (CBS) ―
The community honored two women they call heroines -- 101-year-old Rose Morat and 85-year-old Solange Elizee -- on Friday. Both victims of recent muggings received a warm welcome at a special luncheon in Ridgewood.
With the "Rocky" theme music playing in the background, an announcer introduced the two: "Look at these ladies. They're here today, examples of heroism and courage."
The surveillance video of Morat being attacked in the elevator of her Jamaica Estates apartment building earlier this month has been played around the country. She is seen brutally attacked, being pushed and slapped around.
"I just hope that they're able to get this man, do something," Morat said. "I don't want him to ever have to hurt anybody else the way he hurt the two of us."
Shortly after attacking Morat, police believe the suspect followed Elizee into her apartment building and assaulted her while stealing her purse.
"When this man was beating me and threw me to the floor I never thought I would be there today," Elizee said.
It was a frightening experience for both women.
"As my friend said, we're still alive and we're still going strong," said Morat.
Morat also has a warning for her neighbors and other seniors.
"Keep your eyes open when you're walking down the street," she said. "Be aware there are bad people still around."
Despite their ordeal the two women are not giving up and have hope the suspect will be caught.
(© MMVII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
