I wrote this as a Letter to the Editor of a newspaper back in January. They didn’t print it of course. And, I have waited to submit it to EnabledOnline.com because of my personal anger at the way the paper handled the death notice. Time has passed, my initial disgust has waned, but I still feel this should be shouted from the rooftops. – Sarah Lopez

On Saturday, January 8, 2005, quietly tucked on page A12, between "Fugitive hid in store closet, ate baby food" and "3 men formally charged in student's death at bar", the local newspaper printed the notice of Rosemary Kennedy's death. The lack of respect shown with such an inappropriate placement breaks my heart. If the newspaper doesn't consider the life of Rosemary Kennedy newsworthy enough to be properly placed, then please, at least list her death notice in the Obituary section.

Rosemary Kennedy is an icon for families and persons with disabilities. She was the inspiration for the tireless work of the Joseph P. Kennedy Jr. Foundation. She was the reason that some organizations (which promote social awareness and inclusion of persons with intellectual disabilities) exist today. Best Buddies and Special Olympics are only the two most prominent examples of the work done to honor Rosemary Kennedy.

Persons with disabilities account for approximately 20% of the United States population. As the population ages, the percentage increases. Policy written regarding persons with disabilities will continue to be influenced by the life of Rosemary Kennedy. Yet, at the end of the newspaper section listing her death notice, the honor given to her said "Compiled from wire reports".