MERRICK RESIDENT JILL LEVINE NAMED “2009 NEW YORK STATE SENATE WOMAN OF DISTINCTION” BY SENATOR FUSCHILLO

State Senator Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr. (8^th Senate District) recently named Merrick resident Jill Levine a 2009 New York State Senate Woman of Distinction in recognition of her efforts to protect the lives of children and adults.

“After enduring an unimaginable tragedy, Jill has dedicated herself to ensuring that lifesaving technology is available to those who need it. There are cardiac arrest victims who are alive today because of her efforts. She is an inspiration to all, and I am proud to present her with this honor,” said Senator Fuschillo.

Ever since the tragic death of her nine year old son Robbie, who died from sudden cardiac arrest during a little league practice, Jill Levine has worked tirelessly to prevent other families from having to face the same heartbreak her family was forced to endure.

Following Robbie’s death, Jill and her husband Craig founded the Forever 9-Robbie Levine Foundation in his memory. The foundation helps educate the public about the importance of defibrillators, which are small electronic devices used to revive cardiac arrest victims, and fights to ensure that defibrillators are in public places and easily accessible when needed.

In just over 3 years, the Forever 9-Robbie Levine Foundation has raised over $250,000 to purchase over 150 defibrillators for over 100 different youth organizations throughout New York and across the country. These efforts have helped prevent tragedies; just recently, a defibrillator donated by the Robbie Levine Foundation to a Sayville Soccer League was used to save the life of an individual who went into cardiac arrest.

Jill’s efforts have previously earned her recognition as one of CNN’s “Heroes” and “Woman of the Year” by the Merrick-Bellmore Pnina Chapter and Dayan Lilah Group of Hadassah.

The “Women of Distinction” program recognizes outstanding women living and working in New York State whose contributions have greatly enriched the quality of life in their communities and beyond.