Sarah Elfreth: “last month, Maryland lost a son, brother, grandson, teammate, mentor, and friend, Darren Foxwell, far too early. Darren…”

“last month, Maryland lost a son, brother, grandson, teammate, mentor, and friend, Darren Foxwell, far too early. Darren grew up playing Little League and working as a camp counselor at the YMCA. He had just graduated from Easton High School, ready to start college and take the first steps in his beautifully bright future this fall. At just 18, he was already described by his peers as kind when no one was watching and with maturity and wisdom beyond his years. Yet, on an early Tuesday morning in June, the world lost Darren in a tragic car accident. Darren's family has asked me to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the first responders on Maryland's Eastern Shore and the nurses and doctors at the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center, who, they described, "treated him with urgency and dignity, and cared for us like family . . . even when they knew he wasn't going to make it." I add my gratitude to the best-in-the-world trauma system and its passionate team for their tireless work to save Darren's life, just as they work tirelessly to save the lives of thousands of patients every year, bringing that same compassion, urgency, and tenacity to heal those facing the worst emergencies imaginable. May we carry Darren's loved ones--his sister, Colleen; his parents, Kerry and Len; his grandparents; and his teammates and friends--in our hearts.”