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Recognizing and honoring Assiah's Liver Fund for its extraordinary work in educating communities of color about organ donation and transplantation, as well spreading joy and awareness through children's books.
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WHEREAS, Assiah's Liver Fund was established in 2009 by Rasheena Phinisee as a tribute to her daughter, Assiah Phinisee, who has endured several liver-related health complications; and
WHEREAS, In May of 2008, Assiah was diagnosed with drug induced hepatitis via breastmilk. By July of 2008, Assiah began experiencing debilitating effects of biliary atresia from her drug induced injuries which eventually led to liver failure; and
WHEREAS, By 2010, Assiah had already endured multiple surgeries - including a Kasai procedure and a failing liver transplant performed in 2012. On July 9, 2012, Assiah received her second transplant: a partial liver whose other lobe was transplanted to 1960's teen idol and fellow Philadelphian Robert Ridarelli-better known as Bobby Rydell; and
WHEREAS, Assiah, now 11, has overcome her health complications to share her story with the world in her children's book I am a Flower Pot Made for a Plant and coloring activity book Transformer Kids Crew, which aim to inform communities of color about organ donation, transplant, and careers within the medical industry; and
WHEREAS, Assiah's Liver Fund is a KYW News Radio award winning nonprofit that works to engage, educate and empower communities of color about organ donation and transplantation using a three-part approach; and
WHEREAS, The first part of Assiah's Liver Fund's approach is working with organizations within the faith based, healthcare, mental health, educational and nonprofit industries to produce resources that educate, engage and empower communities of color about organ donation and organ transplantation; and
WHEREAS, The second step is engaging families affected by pediatric organ failure by providing them with resources, support and materials that explain...
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