Carol Echternach was a parent, an educator, and an advocate for people with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder. She was the former director of CalFAS, the California Fetal Alchohol Spectrum Organization, and she passed away a few days ago in her sleep.

She will be missed.

I did not know Carol Echternach personally, but I corresponded with her for this blog and I also have been reading her posts to the Russian adoption lists over the years. I think her presence on those and other adoption lists have probably educated and comforted thousands of parents who knowingly or unknowingly adopted a child with Fetal Alcohol Related Neurological Disorder.

For a fascinating look at Carol, her struggles and her thoughts, look at her on-line journal. It can be found here.

Here's what the CalFAS website says about services and donations for Carol:

Information Regarding Services for Carol:

Fairhaven Memorial Park Mortuary

1702 Fairhaven Ave

Santa Ana, CA 92705

phone (714) 633-1442

Open casket viewing: Wed, July 12th 4 PM to 8 PM

Services: Thursday, July 13th, 2:30PM




In Lieu of Flowers:

CalFAS has been asked to pass on this information for the Echternach Family:

It is very important to our family that the CalFAS organization remain dedicated and carry on their mission and to keep Carol's Spirit alive.

The family is asking that donations be made to CalFAS in lieu of flowers.

Thank You,

Echternach Family

I will be thinking about her and her mission today...


To find out more about Fetal Alchohol Spectrum disorder read my past blogs on the subject or go to this page on the adoption.com website.