Source: United States Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn)
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) issued the statement below following the passing of Paula Goldberg.
“This is a heartbreaking loss. For more than 45 years, Paula stood up for kids with disabilities and their families. With visionary leadership, she co-founded Minnesota’s PACER and built it into a national organization to empower parents, nurture children, and support those who work with them.
“I got involved in PACER when I reached out to Paula after our daughter was born with an unexpected serious swallowing issue. I didn’t hold elected office but Paula counseled me and took me under her wing with so much kindness, just like she did for so many parents. We later learned that our daughter did not have a permanent disability, but getting to know Paula and the families she worked with was a lifetime gift. I later had the privilege to serve on PACER’s advisory board.
“Through our decades of friendship, I watched Paula advocate with such joy. She improved so many people’s lives. She never rested on her laurels. She was always ready to take PACER to the next level.
“Paula referred to herself as a ‘pragmatic optimist,’ with a plaque in her room reading ‘nothing is impossible!’ It is that spirit that she brought to her work, to her friendships, and of course to her loving family.
“We will miss her.”
###