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Little Pearl Zheng, born 22 August 2002 in China, tragically lost her life due to complications resulting from heart surgery.
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Pearl's spirit and the enormous courage and strength of her parents will remain an inspiration to everyone in the worldwide Special Olympics family. |
Pearl, the only child of Phoenix and Shine Zheng, was a beloved member of the Special Olympics family.
When Pearl was born, she was diagnosed with Down syndrome. Her family reached out, looking for people who understood Down syndrome and could help them. On the very next day, Special Olympics representatives visited the family to welcome them into the Special Olympics community.
In the months that followed, Pearl and her family attended several Special Olympics events. Phoenix and Shine almost immediately pledged their support as volunteers, and looked forward to the day when Pearl could train and compete in Special Olympics sports. Sadly, Pearl's health deteriorated, and she died on 26 May 2005 following surgery.
Pearl's bright light, that promising beacon of unique gifts and accomplishments, has gone out and for that Special Olympics mourns. But Pearl's spirit and the enormous courage and strength of her parents will remain an inspiration to everyone in the worldwide Special Olympics family.
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