Feb 13, 2008 / 21:17 pm
The Terri Schindler Schiavo Foundation and Priests for Life have established March 31 as “Terri’s Day” to mark the death of the severely-disabled Terri Schiavo from dehydration after her feeding tube was removed by court order.
The full title of the commemoration is "International Day of Prayer and Remembrance for Terri Schindler Schiavo, and All of Our Vulnerable Brothers and Sisters." The organizers hope that “Terri’s Day” will foster education, prayer, and activism regarding discrimination against the disabled. They hope the day will also encourage advocacy for those in situations similar to that of Terri Schiavo and her family.
President of Priests for Life Father Frank Pavone said, "Those of us who were with Terri will never forget her life and her death. For the sake of all the vulnerable, it is critically important that those who never knew Terri likewise remember the lessons that God taught us through her."
Suzanne Vitadamo, Terri's sister, said "No family should ever have to witness what my family witnessed, watching a loved one slowly dehydrate to death. We want Terri's day to remind us all that persons with disabilities are never burdens and should be treated with nothing but our unconditional love and compassion."
Both the websites of Terri’s Foundation and Priests for Life host educational information and prayer materials related to the day. Recommended “Terri’s Day” activities include prayer in remembrance of Terri Schiavo, essay contests about the Schiavo case and right to life issues, volunteering at a nursing home or hospital, and spending time with a disabled friend or relative.