Students go abroad more often now than they used to, so I picked up a book referring to a student who died while in Japan and a parent who sued for legislation to "keep America's children and students safe on programs abroad." It was not what I thought it would be. It was a very interesting story about one mother's grief and journey to deal with her son Tyler's death.
Tyler Hill goes to Japan on a People to People Ambassador Trip in 2007 at the age of 16. Although diabetes had not limited Tyler's life choices, it did end up creating complications that unexpectedly and unnecessarily took his life while abroad.
This tragedy has touched thousands of lives beyond the students who were in Japan with him and others from his hometown. Sheryl Hill initiated ClearCause Foundation, (a 501c3). "International travel carries inherent dangers and risks – especially for American youth and students abroad because no United States federal protections or guidelines exist in an industry earning more than 20 billion entrusted with their future and lives."
Besides the legislative initiatives, the book provides a very interesting glimpse into one person's journey with grief over the loss of a child. For a surprise book picked at random, it was a very enjoyable summer read.
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