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Who was George Zajfen?
George Zajfen was the nine-year-old son of Kelly McKee Zajfen, a former model and the co-founder of Los Angeles’ Alliance of Moms, a non-profit organization that supports young mothers in the foster care system. George had a twin sister, Lily, who suffers from a heart condition and wears a pacemaker. George was described by his mother as a “beautiful, kind, and loving boy” who brought joy to everyone around him.
How did George Zajfen die?
On July 21, 2022, George was found unresponsive at his family’s home in Los Angeles. He was rushed to the hospital, but could not be revived. The cause of his death remained a mystery, as he had no known health problems or signs of trauma. His family and friends were devastated by the sudden and tragic loss of the young boy, who had just celebrated his ninth birthday a few days earlier.
What did the autopsy reveal?
The results of the autopsy were finally released on August 15, 2022, revealing the true cause of George’s death. According to the Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office, George died from a rare genetic disorder called familial hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (FHL). This is a condition that causes the immune system to overreact and attack the body’s own cells and organs, leading to inflammation, organ failure, and death. FHL is inherited and usually manifests in early childhood, but can sometimes remain undetected until a trigger, such as an infection or stress, activates the disease.
How did the public react?
The news of George’s death and the rare disorder that caused it shocked and saddened the public, especially those who knew and loved him. Many celebrities and influencers, including Meghan Markle and Prince Harry, expressed their condolences and support to the Zajfen family. The royal couple also donated $5,000 in the name of their children, Archie and Lilibet, to a GoFundMe campaign that was set up to help the family with medical and funeral expenses. The campaign raised over $200,000 in less than a week, surpassing its original goal of $100,000.
What is the legacy of George Zajfen?
George Zajfen’s death has raised awareness and interest in FHL and other rare diseases that affect children. His mother, Kelly, has vowed to honor his memory by continuing her work with the Alliance of Moms and advocating for more research and funding for FHL and related disorders. She has also thanked the public for their kindness and generosity, saying that she is grateful for the love and support that she and her family have received during this difficult time. She hopes that George’s story will inspire others to cherish every moment with their loved ones and to live each day with gratitude and compassion.
