|
|
|
| ***Media Alert*** |
| Date: |
January 12, 2006 |
| Contact: |
Erin Blashford
Pascale Communications
724.612.4416
Erin Caffrey
Pascale Communications
814.221.2067 |
|
JOSIAH FAY WILL BE RELEASED FROM HOSPITAL TO SARAH FAY'S BROTHER
Sarah Fay Memorial Fund set up to support her surviving children. |
| What: |
Baby Josiah will be released from the hospital to Sarah Fay's brother, Michael Fay, who will be raising Josiah in Denver, CO with his wife, Carie Fay. In memory of Sarah, the family has established the Sarah Fay Memorial Fund (please refer to www.sarahmariefay.com) to support the growing needs of her surviving children as they transition through this difficult time. |
| Update: |
Doctors at Kapiolani Hospital report to the Fay family that Josiah is eating well and growing at a healthy rate. Josiah is now off oxygen support, able to breathe on his own as well as regulate his body temperature. Josiah recently began his transition to the bottle and is currently receiving formula. He will be ready to go home once he fully develops his swallowing and suckling abilities and is able to digest four bottles a day. According to Michael Fay, "Josiah is well on his way to doing everything he needs to be in order to be released from the hospital. We're encouraged by his progress and eager to bring him home to our family."
Michael Fay will be arriving in Hawaii Thursday, January 12th. During his stay he and his wife will be familiarizing themselves with Josiah's needs, schedule, and other parental transitions before returning back to Denver the following week.
Michael's mother is currently still Josiah’s legal guardian; however, Michael and his wife are in the process of legally adopting "Baby Joe."
Sarah's two other children (10-year-old Adahy and 7-year-old Wahliya) are also adjusting to their new life in Pasadena, Calif. where they now reside with their father and his three other children. Michael Fay commented on the children's transition into academic life away from the Big Island highlighting that they are resilient children who are getting used to the larger school system.
Michael continues, "We keep in close touch with Adahy and Wahliya. They are enjoying the company of their three other siblings, although this time remains extremely difficult for them. We continue our support of our niece and nephew to ensure they receive support as they adjust to the tragedy that has been bestowed upon them. We are encouraged by recent donations from the Sarah Marie Fay Memorial Fund to assist in this process."
Although Sarah's life ended tragically, she continues giving the gift of life not only to her son Josiah, but also to the three recipients of her organs. Recent news reports in Hawaii have identified Alejandra Soliven as a receiver of one of Sarah's kidneys the same day as the delivery of Josiah. Mrs. Soliven has been reported as doing well and is thankful for the gift of life Sarah gave her. One of the other donor recipients was a mother of four. All three recipients have been blessed with improved quality of life and they no longer need bi-weekly visits to the clinic and can once again live a normal lifestyle. The Fay family is encouraged by the gift that Sarah had been able to give, which is now giving light to the benefits of organ donation.
The Fay's are also optimistic about the new Violence against Women Act of 2005 recently signed by President Bush. This revolutionary Act pioneers initiatives to support women and children who are victims of abuse and to educate health care providers to support victims. H.R. 3402 is part of the Department of Justice Reauthorization Act of 2005. It continues to strive for more effective law enforcement and to provide support efforts.
More information about Sarah's life, her continued gifts and resources for those who believe they may currently be in an abusive relationship is available at www.sarahmariefay.com. There is also a secure link to the Sarah Fay Memorial Fund for people who wish to offer support to her surviving children in this difficult time. |
| ### |
|
|
|
|