RIP, Eunice Kennedy Shriver
The passing of Eunice Kennedy Shriver marks the death of a hero to many Americans. Sister to President John F. Kennedy and mother to Maria Shriver, she was a very politically active woman who helped to campaign for her brother. But more than that, she was a strong advocate for the rights of the mentally ill, founding the Special Olympics and serving as a champion for the cause.
Shriver was deeply concerned about the rights of people with disabilities. Her compassion began with her own sister, Rosemary, who had mental retardation. She was driven to combat both the lack of political voice and the social stigma associated with people with disabilities.
The Special Olympics were started at Shriver’s own home. In 1962 she held a summer camp for children who were developmentally challenged and was personally involved with playing with the kids and helping them gain confidence. Six years later the Special Olympics were officially formed. Today, it’s an important part of life for three million people in 164 countries.
At 88, Shriver was hospitalized following a series of strokes and passed away at Cape Cod Hospital. Though gone, Shriver will never be forgotten. As the Kennedy statement of her death stated, “Her work transformed the lives of hundreds of millions of people across the globe and they in turn are her legacy.”
Shriver also worked as a social worker for a federal women’s penitentiary, and as the head of a U.S. Justice Department juvenile delinquency project, as well as running the Joseph P. Kennedy Foundation.
In honor of Eunice Kennedy Shriver, try taking some time out of your day or week soon and continuing her mission. Here are a few ideas:
Visit her website, One Woman’s Vision, to learn more about her life and work. You can also post a tribute there, as well as make a donation to the Special Olympics.
Volunteer for the Special Olympics. If you can’t volunteer directly as a coach, there are plenty of other things you can do, such as getting involved on campus, spreading the world and pledging to stop using the word “retard” as an insult.
Mentor a mentally ill child in your life. See if you can help with homework, take him or her on trips, and help instill a sense of confidence like Shriver was known to do.
Volunteer for a permanent care facility in your community. You could help fold clothes, make meals or do other cleaning, or even spend some time with residents. Try bringing some books to read, nail polish, or art supplies.
