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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
IN MEMORY OF CAROLINE GRIFFIN
WHEREAS, Almighty God, in His infinite wisdom, has taken from our midst Caroline Griffin, born into life on October 7, 1993 and born into eternal life on January 15, 2015; and
WHEREAS, Caroline was the beloved daughter of Georgina [nee Byrnes] and the late Michael E. Griffin; devoted sister of Courtney and the late Maura Griffin; loving granddaughter of Mary Jeanne and the late Francis A. "Rainey" Byrnes, late Joseph E. Griffin and the late Veronica [late Herman] Metz; fond niece of Tony [Joyce], Martha [Lou] Martinez and the late Tim [the late Rita] Byrnes, Greg [the late Pat] and Jim [Ginny] Griffin and special cousin and inspirational friend to all who knew her; and
WHEREAS, Caroline grew up in the Beverly neighborhood of Chicago; she was a 2008 graduate of St. Barnabas grade school, graduated from Mother McAuley High School in 2012, and was the ultimate fighting Bee at St. Ambrose University; and
WHEREAS, Caroline was born with a rare heart condition called endocardial fibroelastosis in which the heart does not pump strongly enough, the same condition having taken the life of her older sister, Maura, who died at only three months and years later it was the cause of death of her father, Michael at age 42; and
WHEREAS, Caroline's heart condition was diagnosed when she was just 4 weeks old and it was determined that the only hope was a heart transplant and that is when the parishioners of St. Barnabas Catholic Church and all friends and neighbors began praying for Caroline's health and in January, 1994 she did receive her new heart; and
WHEREAS, even though Caroline had to undergo many medical procedures due to her transplant, Caroline never allowed her medical condition to define her and wanted to be looked at as the same as other kids and classmates; and
WHEREAS, Caroline was very appreciative of the second chance she was given by receiving a new heart, tried to give back by talking with others awaiting organs or going through the transplant process and supporting The Mulliganeers, a non-profit organization dedicated to raising funds for children and families in need; and
WHEREAS, Caroline loved the game of golf and began playing in 7th grade, attending camps at Mother McAuley, eventually was on the Mother McAuley golf team and on the St. Ambrose golf team and one of her coaches said that Caroline was one of the greatest kids he had ever coached and noted she was often first on the range and the last to leave; and
WHEREAS, Caroline was an inspiration to everyone who knew her and was enthusiastic about life and living, and she will live on in the hearts of those whom she touched and loved; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the President and Members of the Cook County Board of Commissioners, on behalf of the residents of Cook County, do hereby express our deepest condolences and most heartfelt sympathy to the family as well as to the many friends and loved ones of Caroline Griffin; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the text of this resolution be spread across the Journal of these Proceedings and that a suitable copy of this Resolution be tendered to the family of Caroline Griffin so that her rich legacy may be so honored and ever cherished.
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