Saturday, August 6th was a day that no parent expects to happen; to lose their home and only child. Veteran entertainment journalist and broadcaster Gary C. Clement and his wife, Sheryl Williams-Clement lost both when a raging fire ravaged their Chapel Hill, North Carolina multiple condominium complex. The Clements’ only child, 7 year old Asiedya Elizabeth Clement, also died from smoke inhalation when the family endured to put out the fire before going back to rescue their daughter.
Gary Clement is a photographer of countless concerts, specials. He has interviewed many celebrities from various television, film and recording projects. Mr. Clement photographed the Orlando Magic in Season 2 for the Florida Sun Review Newspaper (Orlando, FL).
Asiedya Clement was diagnosed with autism at age 2. "Asiedya was full of life," says her mother Sheryl. "She was the life of the party and everyone loved her. We wish to establish this foundation because when she was diagnosed, we had the hardest time finding services and the right support system for her. She was a very smart little girl who really cared a lot about people and I know that she would want someone else to benefit from all the services that we were able to find and provide for her. Also, we believe it's very important to identify and quickly begin early intervention. Autism is a disability that a lot of people are not familiar with and we want to help educate people and provide a support system. Asiedya loved her Apple iPad, and that is one of the best tools for children with disabilities. We want to see all children with autism get one."
For monetary donations, please send them to Wachovia Bank, in care of the FLOA Foundation/Sheryl Williams-Clement, to benefit parents with children who are born with autism. It is a well known fact that Autism is a debilitating ailment that has no known cure, yet everyday children are still being born with it. Just ask Holly Robinson Peete (co-host of The TALK) who has a child with Autism and knows of the daily devotion and encouragement that these children require. Yet there is hope especially with those famous noted, people who have overcome, “You Can’t” with “I Can”.
Mr. Gary Clement gave a brief statement concerning the families’ loss, "We are very thankful for all that people are doing for us. We now see the importance of the American Red Cross. They were there the minute the fire trucks pulled up and they went right to work. We could never have imagined that something like this would ever happen. It was a very tragic accident that could have killed everyone, and I am just grateful that God saw fit that I am up walking, which by no grace of my own allowed me to save all of my neighbors, although I was not able to save my little angel, Asiedya. We are deeply hurt that others are suffering with us, but through grace, we all will make it through this trying time. We appreciate all the donations and the concern that people are showing as we rebuild our lives."
For more information please contact:
Angelo Ellerbee / Double XXposure Media Relationsor call (201) 224-6570
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