After SHU Student Dies Tragically, Sorority Sisters Carry On Her Charity Mission

FAIRFIELD, CT — After a beloved Sacred Heart University student died tragically this past weekend, her sorority sisters are coming together to carry on her charity mission and keep her love of giving back alive.

Caitlin Nelson, 20, died after choking during a pancake eating competition during a Greek life event on the Sacred Heart University campus.

Caitlin, of Clark, New Jersey, was the daughter of the 9/11 Port Authority victim James Nelson.

Her death left Sacred Heart University mourning the loss of a young woman who was dedicated to giving back. A vigil mass was held in her honor on the campus.

"Last night, more than a thousand students, faculty and staff gathered at the Chapel of the Holy Spirit for a Mass in remembrance of Caitlin. Most were forced to stand outside the doors of the building. I don’t believe I have ever seen as big a turnout at the Chapel," said Sacred Heart President Dr. John J. Petillo on the university's website.

"Many of you did not know Caitlin, but you consider her family anyway. Here at SHU, when one of us is hurt, we all hurt; when one of us excels, we all celebrate. Whether you knew Caitlin or not, you came together to express your love for her, your love for each other and your love for SHU," he wrote.

And, he added, "Finally, if you are looking for another way to honor Caitlin’s memory, I have a suggestion. Caitlin was the philanthropy chair for her sorority and had set a goal to raise $15,000 for their national charity event called Shamrock the Runway for Prevent Child Abuse America (PCAA). PCAA works to promote the healthy development of children and prevent child abuse before it can occur with the goal of helping children grow up and contribute in their communities. The event takes place on April 11, and Caitlin was already two third of of the way to her goal. If you would like to remember Caitlin in this way, you can click here to make a contribution. Please also continue to remember Caitlin, her family and friends in your prayers."

The tragedy is the second to hit the Kappa Delta sorority in recent years: The sorority was also rocked by the death of Kaitlyn Doorhy, who died at 20 in a tragic accident in 2014 when she was struck by a car while at SHU.

Kaitlyn’s sister, Carly Doorhy, 18, who is well known in Long Island for her work with Kait's Angels, an organization formed to honor her sister’s memory through angel acts of kindness, had already been continuing her family's legacy of philanthropy while at college, before tragedy struck her friend.

Carly, who also attends Sacred Heart University, is also a member of the Kappa Delta sorority, and has also been involved with "Shamrock the Runway," and raising funds for its cause, Prevent Child Abuse America.

"Child abuse is a very serious issue in America that needs to be recognized and stopped immediately," she said, during a prior Patch interview in March.

Child abuse, she said, is all too often reoccurring, and is evidenced in physical, sexual and psychological abuse.

"I believe it is highly important to recognize when a child is in danger or in need of help, which is why I rushed Kappa Delta. Philanthropy had a huge impact on my perspective of each sorority. Already having a great passion for kids, I felt that by helping Prevent Child Abuse America I can continue to better myself and the world around me. Please help my Kappa Delta sisters and myself support a great cause that can change the lives of innocent children for the better," she said.

Carly said she's a "proud member of Kappa Delta," an international women’s sorority with more than 230,000 initiated sisters.

An important part of our KD sisterhood is helping others, its mission says. Prevent Child Abuse America, one Kappa Delta's philanthropic focuses, "continues to affect our members, their friends, families and acquaintances at an astounding rate; and, as a sisterhood, we have joined together in a revitalized effort to help all children that are impacted here in the United States," Kappa Delta says.

And after the recent tragedy and loss of a friend, Caitlin's sorority sisters vowed to join hands and hearts and continue raising funds and helping others in her memory.

On her fundraising page, Kappa Delta Philanthropy Chair Caitlin Nelson had written, "Kappa Delta's history is rooted in generosity, compassion, and commitment to our sisters and the greater good. On top of helping to support the philanthropic causes of our fellow Panhellenic organizations, members are dedicated to raising awareness and educating others for Prevent Child Abuse America. This issue is one we stand behind as something that affects children all over the country. Founded in 1972 in Chicago, Prevent Child Abuse America works to promote the healthy development of children and prevent child abuse before it can occur in order to help children to grow up and contribute in their communities."

This year, the Shamrock the Runway event will be held on Tuesday, April 11. The goal, Nelson said before her death, was to raise over $16,000 for PCAA this year.

And without her, her sisters, will carry on: So far, they've raised $21,031. To donate, click here.

Written by Lisa Finn (Patch Staff)

Patch photo courtesy of Facebook.