RESOLUTION RECONGIZING OCTOBER 17 AS "CHOOSE KIND" DAY
WHEREAS, embodying the Chicago spirit of compassion, kindness and understanding of others, the City Council of the City of Chicago has chosen to dedicate October 17, 2015, as Choose Kind Chicago Day throughout the city of Chicago; and
WHEREAS, this body has been apprised of this effort by Matthew J. O'Shea, Alderman of the 19th Ward; and
WHEREAS, On December 8, 2011, Chicago residents Kerry and Chris Lynch welcomed a beautiful young daughter to their family named Mary Cate; and
WHEREAS, Mary Cate was born with a very rare craniofacial syndrome called Apert Syndrome, and her parents decided that beyond the care and love they would show her in their family, the best way to make an influence in her life and the lives of others was to engage in the education ofthe topic of compassion and kindness; and
WHEREAS, after reading a book called "Wonder", by R.J. Palacio, an award-winning children's book about the importance of friendship towards those with differences, told Irom the perspective ofa young boy with a condition similar to Mary Cate's, Kerry Lynch began making school visits and conducting assemblies regarding understanding differences and the importance of being kind; and
WHEREAS, Kerry and Mary Cate Lynch have visited over 100 schools around the Chicagoland area to reach young, impressionable children about the importance of choosing kindness and the strength and courage to stick up for other vulnerable people who may be the victims of bullying; and
WHEREAS, to bolster the school outreach efforts, the author of "Wonder" will attend an event in Chicago and partner with the My Mary Cate organization to raise awareness ofthis outstanding cause; and
WHERAS, the efforts made by the Lynch family to raise awareness for this cause and tirelessly advocate for not only their daughter, but all young children with differences cannot be understated. By using a talent for connecting to young people with a passion f...
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