11Aug/09Off
RIP, Eunice Kennedy Shriver
Eunice Kennedy Shriver is dead at 88. I strongly urge you to read the linked article. Eunice Kennedy Shriver founded the Special Olympics.
Her lifelong support and determination to include the physically and developmentally disabled in every aspect of society is an inspiration. Her work continues on to this day and affects us all greatly. Here’s a letter honoring her from Timothy Shriver.
Thank you, Eunice, for everything you’ve done for our community.
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August 11th, 2009 - 12:16
Very sad – I learned some about her when I was working on the lobotomy podcast. If I’m not mistaken, Eunice was first inspired to do this kind of work after her sister’s lobotomy was performed. She was one of the few family members that visited her afterward.
August 11th, 2009 - 12:22
Yes, up until that time, the developmentally disabled and mentally impaired were hidden away in institutions and never spoken of again. Eunice not only visited Rosemary regularly, but wrote an article about her for the Saturday Evening Post.
And part of the reason she founded the Special Olympics was because most people thought that the disabled were unable to participate in sports or any kind of physical activity. And even when they could, “regular” summer camps and sports wouldn’t accept them. Most children and adults in institutionalized settings were obese and sick.
She opened a summer camp in her backyard!
August 11th, 2009 - 13:32
Very true – I don’t think many people even realize the Kennedys had her lobotomized. At least it wasn’t in any of JFK’s campaign speeches.
;)
PS – I wish I had a backyard big enough for a summer camp!