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2022
ROXIE’S WISH: DROWNING PREVENTION WEEK FOR CHILDREN
Due to the death of co-founder Elena Matyas, 2022 was considerably scaled back. Scroll to watch all five videos.
EPISODE 1: A NEW CHAPTER
EPISODE 2: MEDIA MATTERS
EPISODE 3: THE BATTLE BETWEEN PURPOSE & PAIN
EPISODE 4: THE MOST FAMOUS OLYMPIAN AND THE MEOW MEOW FOUNDATION
EPISODE 5: ADVOCACY IS A MARATHON, NOT A SPRINT
MAY 15-21, 2022
Childhood drowning remains a near-epidemic health and safety issue in the United States. Preventable drowning remains the leading injury-related killer of children 1-4 and second for those 5-14.
In 2021, Meow Meow Foundation established legislation that declared every third week in May as “Roxie’s Wish: Drowning Prevention Week for Children.” Our goal with this initiative is to increase nationwide awareness about this enduring child safety epidemic through education, outreach, advocacy and resources.
We are also now beginning to help other advocates adopt this legislative initiative in other states. New Jersey has already introduced “Roxie’s Wish Week” to its legislature. That legislation should be passed by fall of 2022. We are also speaking with representatives from Texas, Washington and Florida about introducing similar legislation and hope to establish enough momentum within 18 months to introduce a federal measure.
We operate from Los Angeles County in California with an estimated 50,000 backyard swimming pools. According to Swim University, California has roughly 3,000,000 swimming pools overall. The United States has about 11,000,000 public and private swimming pools, not to mention the thousands upon thousands of miles of waterfront, including oceans, lakes, ponds, rivers, canals and more. We cannot forget bathtubs, buckets and toilets, also responsible for child drowning deaths and injuries.
Meow Meow Foundation principals Doug Forbes and Elena Matyas have been touched by drowning three times, including their 6-year-old daughter Roxie’s preventable drowning at Summerkids, an Altadena, CA recreational child care facility (otherwise called a camp). If you think it cannot happen to you, think again. So, please join us on this critical journey. We need you.
2021
ROXIE’S WISH: DROWNING PREVENTION WEEK FOR CHILDREN
Due to COVID restrictions, our 2021 event was comprised of 7 compelling hour-long movies that we produced. They involved nine Olympic swimmers, nationally known politicians, aquatics experts, heartfelt family stories, insider looks at Roxie and her family and even an Academy Award-winning and globally renowned musician. Scroll to watch.
ACADEMY AWARD WINNER GLEN HANSARD PERFORMS EPISODE 7!
WHY THIS EVENT
EPISODE #1: DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION IN AQUATICS
EPISODE #2: SWIMMING LESSONS & WATER SAFETY
EPISODE #3: BARRIERS, RESCUES & OTHER SAFETY RESOURCES
EPISODE #4: PARTNERSHIPS
EPISODE #5: EXCELLENT LIFEGUARDS & SAFER WATERFRONTS
EPISODE #6: ADVOCACY & LEGISLATION
EPISODE #7: WE WISH ROXIE WERE HERE WITH US — A SPECIAL GLEN HANSARD TRIBUTE OF THREE SONGS
GLEN HANSARD OVERVIEW
WHY THIS EVENT?
Government data from 2019-2021 shows that childhood drowning is increasing again. It’s already the leading injury-related killer of kids 1-4 and second for those ages 5-14. And COVID-19 distractions have apparently contributed to increases.
There are an estimated 50,000 backyard swimming pools in the Los Angeles area alone. Swim University cites that California has roughly 3,000,000 swimming pools overall. The United States hosts about 11,000,000 public and private swimming pools, not to mention the thousands upon thousands of miles of waterfront, including oceans, lakes, ponds, rivers, canals and more. We cannot forget bathtubs, buckets and toilets, also responsible for child drowning deaths and injuries.
Meow Meow Foundation principals Doug Forbes and Elena Matyas have been touched by drowning three times, including their 6-year-old daughter Roxie’s preventable drowning at an Altadena, CA recreational child care facility (otherwise called a camp).
Doug and Elena have introduced legislation that will hopefully make a big impact on preventing kids from drowning. One of their efforts is ACR-39 which declared the third week of every May in California “Roxie’s Wish: Drowning Prevention Week for Children.” This event will help the state and nation gain momentum toward turning the tide on preventable childhood drowning.
ACADEMY AWARD-WINNING MUSICIAN
Glen Hansard
Photos by Patrick Glennon… a wonderful photographer, an incredible advocate for musicians and a beloved friend who builds unforgettable bridges to people and their art.
About Glen
Glen Hansard plays three songs as we celebrate the memory of Roxie Mirabelle Forbes.
Glen Hansard is a three time Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter and one of the creators behind the award-winning movie and musical Once. The song “Falling Slowly” garnered Best Original Song at the 2008 Academy Awards and the musical would go on to win eight Tony Awards in 2008 including Best Musical.
Hansard is one of the founding members of Irish rock band The Frames, the musical act
The Swell Season and has maintained a healthy solo career. Having performed all over the world, he has graced the stage with such icons as Eddie Vedder, Bruce Springsteen and Bono.
Foundation founder Doug Forbes and Glen first met years ago. Upon hearing of Doug’s journey to raise awareness for this cause, Glen offered his support. Please pull up a chair to our virtual fireside and join us for this very special performance during this very special week.
VERY SPECIAL THANKS … Howard Greynolds and Overcoat Management.
SATURDAY
THE IMPORTANCE OF COMMUNITY, DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION IN AQUATICS
Kick-off with your hosts Doug and Elena from the Pasadena Boys & Girls Club
We hear from Assemblymember Chris Holden, State Sen. Anthony Portantino and Olympians Lia Neal, Maritza McClendon and Janelle Atkinson
Celebration of International Water Safety Day
Discussions: Including Diversity in Aquatics and Nic Askew, swim coach for Howard University. How and why drowning affects Latinx, Black, Asian and socioeconomically disadvantaged youth at higher rates and how communities can rally around prevention and swimming opportunities to live better lives.
Musical guest — a moving tribute to Roxie from harpist and Roxie’s teacher, Elva De Jarnett and we are awaiting word from a very special guest!
Your videos from around the nation: Michael Phelps Foundation, BlackKidsSwim, Team Kareem, No More Under, The Root, Anu Athanikar and family and more.
Special recognition of select families who have suffered a childhood drowning
SUNDAY
SWIMMING LESSONS & WATER SAFETY
Broadcast from the world-renowned Rose Bowl Aquatics Center
We hear from Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti and 4-time Olympic gold medalist Lenny Krayzelburg!
Celebration of aquatics programming/adaptive swimming for children with special needs/limited resources
Discussion: Vital swim safety guidance ahead of the summer season
Musical guest — To be announced shortly!
Your videos from around the nation: Jasper Ray Foundation, Swim Angelfish, SwimRight Academy, Goldfish Swim School, Abbey’s Hope, Lil’ Guppies, songwriter Jeanne Newhall, Pat and Kate Amsbry, Fabienne Hadorn of the Arroyo Nature School, Katie/Bryson/Boden Mattey and more.
Special recognition of select families who have suffered a childhood drowning
MONDAY
BARRIERS, RESCUES and OTHER SAFETY RESOURCES
Broadcast from Doug & Elena’s Pasadena Headquarters
We hear from health and safety officials such as Dr. Ben Hoffman, Chair of the American Academy of Pediatrics Council on Injury, Violence and Poison Prevention and 7-time NCAA champ and Olympic gold medalist Darian Townsend!
Honoring first responders, medical personnel and others in their courageous fight against drowning
Discussion: From CPR and “Reach and Throw Don’t Go” to Life Jackets, Pool Fences and Water Watchers
Your videos from around nation: Consumer Products Safety Commission Pool Safely, Miss Tristan Foundation, Doctor Phyllis Agran, a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics, ProTrainings, Parkview Health, City of Pasadena EMT and Aquatics, Safe Kids California, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Colin’s Hope, Abbey’s Hope
Special recognition of select families who have suffered a childhood drowning
TUESDAY
PARTNERSHIPS
Broadcast from Doug & Elena’s Pasadena HQ
We hear from Pasadena, CA former mayor Terry Tornek. We also hear from National Drowning Prevention Alliance Executive Director Adam Katchmarchi, Stop Drowning Now Executive Director Sara Biskie and 4-time Olympic gold medalist John Naber!
Honoring the work of government organizations such as the Consumer Products Safety Commission and NGOs including Safe Kids Worldwide, the American Academy of Pediatrics and family foundations
Discussion: The reality of the preventable childhood drowning issue today and partnerships fighting to end the plight tomorrow
Musical guest — Phenomenal post-rock notables Red Sparowes and a tribute from Roxie’s Dad.
Your videos from around the nation: Swim With Mike Foundation, Chantel Lowery of Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Helen Arbogast of Safe Kids California, Becky and Kris of Lythgoe Family Panto, Janice Masoud of Under the Nile, Jimmy Francis of the Rose Bowl Aquatics Center, Allyssa Woodford of The Locket Sisters, Karen Stoteraux The Family Room, Melissa Sutton of the Drowning Prevention Coalition of Arizona, Blake and Kathy Collingsworth of Josh the Otter, Dr. Sarah Salamon of Huntington Health Physicians, Liliana Coronado, Charles Brown and their sons Charlie and Mateo and more.
Special recognition of select families who have suffered a childhood drowning
WEDNESDAY
LIFEGUARDS & WATERFRONTS
Broadcast from Lake Cachuma and the glorious Gaviota Beach on the Pacific Ocean
We hear from Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger and 4-time Olympic gold medalist Janet Evans!
Honoring heroes who literally saved the lives of others imperiled by non-fatal drowning
Discussion: Must-know updated information about lifeguarding and safety at pools, oceans, lakes, rivers and other bodies of water
Musical guest — To be announced shortly!
Your videos from around the nation: Dr. Justin Sempsrott of Lifeguards Without Borders and StarGuard ELITE, Summer Harrison of SwimOutlet (also a beach lifeguard), President of US Lifesaving Association Gus Avila, Dana Gage of The LV Project, California State Parks Lifeguards, Dr. Chris Thurber, Dr. Frank Pia of Pia Enterprises, Pasadena Unified School District Superintendent Brian McDonald, Heather Murray of Carissa’s Caution, Jennie and Elizabeth Vermeulen, Mick Barbi, Allison Haley, Jamo DeJarnett and more!
We honor select families who have suffered a childhood drowning
THURSDAY
ADVOCACY
Broadcast from Pasadena City Hall
We hear from US Congressman Adam Schiff, U.S. Congresswoman Judy Chu, Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chairwoman Hilda Solis, Pasadena, CA Mayor Victor Gordo adnd councilman Tyron Hampton and 10-time Olympic medalist, the one and only, Gary Hall, Jr!
Honoring those who passed critical local, state and federal legislation that saved lives, including Kathy Baker of the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act and Sen. Amy Klobuchar and Rep. Debbie Wasserman-Schultz along with the courageous Taylor family and Alan Korn who made it happen.
Discussion: How drowning prevention legislation and local advocacy can be a game-changer, plus updates on Doug and Elena’s pending legislation that affects more than 6 million students! And, more on the National Water Safety Action Plan.
Your videos from around the nation: Susan Pascal of PODS Swimming, Sadie Francis, Beth Rucker of Just Be You, Kian Quinn, John and Kori DelaPena, Molly Chidgey and more!
Musical Guest: To be announced shortly!
Special recognition of select families who have suffered a childhood drowning
FRIDAY
CLOSING CEREMONY FEATURING ACADEMY AWARD WINNING MUSICIAN GLEN HANSARD and THE ROCK N ROLL HI-FIVES
Broadcast from Doug & Elena’s Pasadena HQ
Closing ceremony with speeches from Doug and Elena in honor of their beloved daughter, Roxie Mirabelle Forbes, and we hear from 5-time Olympic gold medalist Missy Franklin!
Appearances by SwimBrayv MerModels, SuperMeow
Discussion: preparing for the summer season and final event celebration of children and families - an emotional night, indeed.
Musical guest — THREE songs recorded/videotaped specifically for this event by beloved Academy Award-Winning singer-songwriter Glen Hansard (Swell Season, The Frames)!!! Plus, America’s favorite family band, The Rock N’ Roll Hi-Fives (new live song recorded specifically for this event).
More videos from around the nation.