Layla, Daniel, and Layla's youngest son Ralph
I am from Puerto Rico and the youngest of four siblings. I was fortunate to enjoy a very active and privileged life contrary to my other siblings who endured the challenges of leaving communist Cuba at young age. After more than 18 years in exile from Cuba, my parents were finally enjoying the American dream of possibilities and prosperity. They helped me pursue an education abroad here in the United States, and now I enjoy a career in communications. Given my talents in the communications field, I feet it is my obligation to help others to learn about Shallow Water Blackout, specially among Latino families.
Our family lost my nephew, Eduardo Jose, at the young age of 19. He drowned in my home's backyard pool as he was playing water games holding his breath and challenging my son Daniel who at the time was only 7. Ironically, Eduardo Jose was actually taking care of my son Daniel, when this terrible accident happened.
Now 18 years later, after losing my sister Lourdes Alo ( Eduardo's mother) to lung disease, I decided to join the Shallow Water Blackout prevention organization to help generate awareness, and do this on behalf of my family. I live in Miami Lakes, FL and will be raising awareness in the surrounding communities and helping Shallow Water Blackout Prevention include content in Spanish.
Daniel, who is a musician now, wrote this song about drowning in memory of Eduardo. The name of the song is "Lungs Filled with Water".
http://houseofi.bandcamp.com/track/lungs-filled-with-water
Welcome to the SWBP family, Layla! Thank you for all your hard work. We are thankful to have you on board.