Christine Maggiore & Robin Scovill: Sad News
"I just read this on Mr. Crow's nformedmomm Yahoo! Group. It is very sad to say the least.
I am deeply saddened to inform you that Eliza Jane, the younger of Christine Maggiore's two children, died suddenly and unexpectedly of undetermined causes on Sunday (May 15th).
Christine, her husband Robin Scovill, and their son Charlie, are obviously in shock and deep despair, but are buoyed by their personal strength and their network of friends and family. I talked to Christine for a little while on Tuesday and, in between tears, we had the occasional laugh at memories of Eliza Jane's lovely (but often challenging) personality.
Like most parents, Christine and Robin would do anything for their children, they meant the world to them, and losing one is simply the worst nightmare they could possibly endure. It's no easier for Charlie, age 7, who has to endure the loss of his loved little sister. In his innocence of modern rules and regulations he wanted to bury her in their backyard garden, expressing his desire to keep her close to him.
Eliza Jane, 3 years old, was sick for several days with a condition that three different pediatricians diagnosed as a simple ear infection. None of them prescribed antibiotics, as most ear infections clear without them. All three pediatricians advised to start natural approaches. The condition did not appear worrisome or threatening. Eliza Jane still had flashes of her normal bouyant and independent personality, sometimes laughing and arguing with Charlie, although much of the time she was unusually restless and uncomfortable. Eventually a reddened inner ear led Christine and Robin to use antibiotics and some tylenol as prescribed on the afternoon of Saturday, May 14th, by one of the three pediatricians who came to their home to see EJ. This would be the fourth time the problem was diagnosed as an ordinary ear infection, and the fourth time that they were told EJ had no swollen glands, no sore throat, and no congestion in the lungs -potential signs of worse or worsening condition. Some time after this Eliza Jane started to vomit and then suddenly, on Sunday night, went into cardiac and respiratory arrest. Heroic efforts by the ambulance crew and the E.R. trauma team could not revive her.
I am writing to let you all know about this, after checking the details with Christine and Robin. They wanted to write to everyone personally, but are obviously overwhelmed so they asked me to carry the news to you.
If you would like to send a card or letter with your sympathies, please send them c/o "Alive & Well, 11684 Ventura Blvd., Studio City, CA, 91604, USA". If you feel so inclined, feel free to make a donation to Alive & Well or to a children's charity of your choosing.
Eliza Jane will always be in the garden in a corner of our hearts, where the wind often makes the flowers dance.
- David Crowe
We should do all we can to help Christine and family--even if it is just a card to tell her and Robin Thank You for their hard work and for supporting us. Now, is our time to give back. They need our support."