GrassrootsHealth shared the news that Carole Baggerly, Founder of GrassrootsHealth, passed away on October 26, 2024, at the age of 82 In an online tribute, the organization shared, "As many of you know, it was after Carole’s diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer in 2005 that she first learned of vitamin D." This lead her to meet the scientists involved in formulating the Scientists’ Call to D*action, and then to launch GrassrootsHealth and the Vitamin D*action project.
Loved ones shared in her obituary: "After a successful career in data management, including running her own company, her diagnosis and treatment for breast cancer in 2005 led Carole to blaze a new trail. As she learned that vitamin D deficiency was a key factor in the development of many breast and other cancers, Carole and her husband set off to learn what they could about vitamin D directly from the preeminent researchers across the U.S. and Canada, and eventually around the world. Armed with knowledge that could benefit public health and save lives, she established GrassrootsHealth, a non-profit organization focused on moving research and knowledge from the scientific and academic realm to the public at large. Her actions helped to raise public awareness of vitamin D and had a positive impact on countless lives."
Carole Baggerly, Founder of GrassrootsHealthBaggerly also helped spread the message in WholeFoods Magazine, writing Can Vitamin D Prevent Breast Cancer, Preterm Births? What does it take? And the organization worked in collaboration with Organic & Natural Health Association, on the Nutrient Power™ initiative, integrating nutrient field studies with consumer education. The initiative included the "Power of D" multi-media campaign and educational website. Collaborating with their extensive database of over 10,000 individuals undergoing regular testing allowed the organization to track health outcomes and their correlation with vitamin D levels.
"Carole Baggerly was an unstoppable force, a person of inspirational influence, full of passion and drive," GrassrootsHealth shared. "Fueled by her desire to awaken the public to the abundance of research demonstrating the many health effects of vitamin D, research that could make a huge difference in the health and wellbeing of others by just a few simple actions, Carole shined her ever-bright light onto the lives of many around the globe."
During November, which is Vitamin D Awareness Month, GrassrootsHealth asked others to join in continuing the legacy Baggerly began by participating in the vitamin D advocacy movement. "You can add your light to vitamin D*action by sharing the knowledge you have gained about vitamin D, from Carole, GrassrootsHealth, or others, and empowering those around you to make informed decisions and to take action to address vitamin D for their health and the health of their loved ones. You can also contribute financially to the ongoing efforts of GrassrootsHealth."
