Family and friends created the https://maeveandgideon.org/ website in memory of former Lt. Governor Kathleen Kennedy Townsend’s daughter Maeve and grandson Gideon “to serve as a virtual scrapbook of their lives and those who loved them.”
Maeve Kennedy Townsend McKean and her son Gideon McKean died April 2, 2020, in a boating accident in Maryland.
Family and friends started the nonprofit website. Virtual 5K runs in April will be held in their memory, and residents are encouraged to run their own races this month. The website is to “rally support for the fellowships and funds memorializing them as well as offering a space to learn about and to support the ongoing work being done in their names,” according to the website.
People who support the efforts are asked to donate to any cause they want to in honor of Maeve or Gideon.
“The curation of this website is an act of love. And an imperfect and incomplete one,” according to the website. “We welcome any additions, suggestions, or participation in updating it in ways that will better share their stories. Please sign up to hear about these updates — plans for in-person events — from relay races to conferences and workshops will get underway when it is safe to gather again.”
They ask for those who participate to share photos at maeveandgideon@gmail.com
“If you knew Maeve or Gideon, we hope that as you look through this site you are reminded of all the joy they brought to your life and we hope that you will share any memories or artifacts – photos, videos, letters, voicemails – that bring a strong memory. We also hope that those who love them and those who are just learning about them are able to share in their joy and support causes that they care about.”
The website lists some of the many causes in which Maeve Kennedy Townsend McKean was involved.
“Maeve spent her life working to make the world a better place – in her career and as a parent and community member. As a legal fellow, Maeve brought her legal expertise to CHANGE’s advocacy efforts to promote human rights and evidence-based HIV prevention for women and girls in U.S. global AIDS policy and programs,” according to Serra Sippel, president of CHANGE.
“After her legal fellowship at CHANGE, Maeve went on to work at the Department of Health and Human Services Global Affairs Office and at the Office of the Global AIDS Coordinator at the Department of State. Most recently she was executive director of Georgetown University's Global Health Initiative. She remained a longtime friend and supporter of CHANGE.
“Maeve was a tireless champion of global health and human rights – and an all-around wonderful person with a big heart and infectious smile. The world is a better place because of her,” according to Sippel.
See https://maeveandgideon.org/ for more.