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Proclamation declaring December 2, 2018 as Child Loss Awareness Day in Allegheny County.
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WHEREAS, in 2016, 42,723 children (ages birth to 19) in the United States passed away, and in Allegheny County alone, there were 1,258 children that died in 2014; and
WHEREAS, after the sudden and tragic loss of her daughter, Mary Claire Friedl, in December 2017 at the age of 10 years old, Jaime Lynn Friedl became an advocate for Child Loss Awareness and developed organizations and foundations in memory and honor of her daughter’s sudden passing; and
WHEREAS, the Mary Claire Foundation promotes the advancement of pediatric medicine and organ donation by supporting research, building awareness, and assisting families who have experienced child loss. Also, the community rallied behind Mary Claire’s family and created a project, known as Mary’s Christmas Project, which provides stuffed animals to children who are hospitalized for the holidays; and
WHEREAS, as the Mary Claire Foundation grows, it works to promote not only pediatric organ donation, a decision Mary Claire’s family made because they wanted help others and keep her strength and kindness alive. Also, the foundation supports children’s wellness for families who have experienced child loss; and
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that we, Allegheny County Council Members Tom Baker and Cindy Kirk, do hereby declare December 2, 2018 as Child Loss Awareness Day in Allegheny County, and we recognize the Friedl Family and the Mary Claire Foundation for raising the profile of Child Loss Awareness. We encourage all residents of Allegheny County to educate themselves on pediatric medicine and organ donation;
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto caused the Seal of the County of Allegheny to be affixed this 20th day of November 2018.