Speaking of life ending suddenly and much too early, this morning Students for Life (SFLA) staffer Jon Scharfenberger died from injuries he sustained in a car accident earlier this month. SFLA leader Kortney Blythe Gordon and her pre-born daughter, Sophy, were also killed in that accident. Ironically, or perhaps providentially, Jon lost his voice forever on a day when thousands of young people across the country sacrificed their own voices for the for the Pro-Life Day of Silent Solidarity.
SFLA released the following statement:
The team at SFLA is beyond saddened by the news that Jon Scharfenberger, Pregnant on Campus Coordinator and Campus Support Coordinator for Students for Life of America, passed away this morning due to complications from injuries he sustained from the same car accident that claimed the life of SFLA leader Kortney Blythe Gordon and her pre-born daughter, Sophy, on October 8th.
Jon had many successes in his short time with us at SFLA, including establishing a pro-life campus group at Florida International University that was successful in saving the life of a pre-born baby, a mere one week after its creation. You can read more about this incredible story here: http://studentsforlife.org/2011-2012-success-stories/
We continue to offer prayers of support for Jon’s family and friends and grieve during this incredibly difficult time for our organization and mission.
If you would like to send a message to Jon’s family, please send it via Jon’s email at jon@studentsforlife.org.
Because of your outpouring, the team at SFLA was able to help support the costs for Kortney and Sophy’s burial. We encourage you to promote a donation link we have set up in Jon’s honor to anyone you think would be interested in helping to support Jon’s family. All proceeds are tax-deductible and 100% of gifts received through this page will be donated to the Scharfenberger family to be used for burial expenses. The donation link can be found here: https://jon.sagefundraisingonline.com/3
All of our love and prayers to Jon, Kortney, Sophy, and the Scharfenberger, Blythe, and Gordon families.
“To live is Christ, to die is gain.”
Also, last week, Rebecca Taylor of Mary Meets Dolly shared the sad news that a 12 year old student of hers and dear friend of her family collapsed and was rushed to the hospital where doctors found significant bleeding in her brain stem. She died two days later.
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May they rest in peace. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us now and at the hour of our death. Amen.