In Memoriam

Eunice Mary Kennedy Shriver

(1921-2009)

Founder of the Special Olympics, Founder of the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Founder of the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Center for Community of Caring, Pro-Life Advocate, Political Campaigner, Presidential Medal of Freedom Honoree, Dame of the Order of St. Gregory The Great (knighted by Pope Benedict XVI), cherished daughter, loyal sister, dutiful wife, loving mother, adoring grandmother, respected advocate for children.

Tribute

Mrs. Eunice Kennedy Shriver was rich, well connected and had every advantage. She could have lived her whole life just that way. In the age of Paris Hilton and Kim Khardashian it may be hard to understand why Shriver didn't simply dedicate her life to maintaining her own celebrity. Instead she decided to live her life in the service of those less fortunate. She founded the Special Olympics and expanded the possibilities of children who rarely experienced high achievement. I have worked with children with special needs and volunteered with the Special Olympics. I have shared the smiles and the pride of children who dared to compete and achieve. The billions of smiles generated through the Special Olympics are because Mrs. Shriver did not see why every child should not have every advantage.