Kim the Interpreter has died... Ten years later...

IamMine

From Kim's sister on donations for her son 10 yr old Connor:

My family and I have been overwhelmed with the outpouring of love and support during this tragic time...especially for Connor. We haven't been able to respond to every message or post, but please know we are reading them and you've touched our hearts in a way we won't ever forget. Many of you have asked what you can do for Connor, and as a family we have decided, for now, to focus on his immediate needs with school and the activities and sports that bring him so much happiness. It's what Kim would have wanted. An account has been established in his name for just those things and the money will only be used for Connor. For those who would like to contribute please send a check to Connor Johnson, mailed to 2525 Valley Brook Drive, Florissant, MO 63031 or via PayPal to crjkrs13@gmail.com.

3days

I didn't know Kim, and I wasn't at that St Louis show, but I am stunned nonetheless. Based on what I saw, and what I read, she seemed like a really vibrant person. Seems like a shame to lose her.

Given2Fly-Fish

So sad to hear this news. GTF has always been one of my wife and I's favorites. This video helped draw her to the band and PJ live. It is impossible for me not to remember Kim whenever I hear GTF....Its amazing how one small moment can influence so many peoples lives.

Muttonchops73

Really sadened to hear R.I.P. Kim.

HesCalledDyer

Sad to hear the news; such a young age. I will be sure to send a donation for Connor!

IamMine

Kim is mentioned on Pearl Jam activism page! Thanks so much from the bottom of my heart, Pearl Jam and Kevin Shuss! http://pearljam.com/activism/news

And I also appreciated all the comments in this thread, thank you! ❤️

demetrios

http://pearljam.com/activism/news/1/22606/a_letter_from_kevin_shuss_pearl_jam_videographer_&_archivist_about_kimberly_rae_schaefer

A Letter from Kevin Shuss, Pearl Jam Videographer & Archivist about Kimberly Rae Schaefer
March 24 2015

I Didn’t Know Kimberly Rae Schaefer

I’m the videographer for Pearl Jam. I’ve been fortunate to work with them for many years. During those years, I’ve worked & filmed during some pretty amazing moment. Moments when the band and crowd connect – and in that instant, it’s more than just another concert. It becomes an event. A special memory.

After the 2000 tour, when we decided to try to make a concert DVD, we sat around and tried to figure out how to do that. Would it be one show from one city? Would it be a best-of?

The one constant in all those discussions was the song “Given to Fly” from the October 11, 2000 show in St. Louis, Missouri. Something special happened during that song that night. Something that stuck in all our minds after filming all those different shows.

“We have to use the footage of the woman doing the sign language interpretations!!”

When Eddie noticed her and mentioned it from stage, and then went over and helped her up onto the side of the stage, it started this moment that has become transcendent in Pearl Jam history.

It’s my favorite part of touring band. It’s the song I get more comments on than anything else about that DVD, when I meet fans or talk to people about that.

Pretty powerful stuff to be able to do your job with such love & passion that you inspire a bunch of people that are able to hear just fine. I can only imagine the joy Kim must have given the people with hearing loss, as she did her job.

I never knew Kimberly Rae Schaefer but she touched my life in a way I will never forget. 15 years on, and it’s as clear as yesterday….

Thank you Kim!
Job well done!

-Kevin Shuss, Pearl Jam Videographer and Archivist

IamMine

Thanks for copying/pasting the news from that page and a direct link, Demetrios.

FYI, this thread is being shared a lot by those who knew Kim and it made them smile.

Kim's mom said Connor is being kept busy with basketball and baseball. That's what Kim would've wanted for her son. Thanks for the donations to help Connor stay busy in school and activities. I know Kim would have greatly appreciated that and with a sigh of relief that Connor is being taken care of.

hedonist

Despite the sad reason for it, what a beautiful thread - and testament to her spirit.

HughFreakingDillon

demetrios said:

http://pearljam.com/activism/news/1/22606/a_letter_from_kevin_shuss_pearl_jam_videographer_&_archivist_about_kimberly_rae_schaefer

A Letter from Kevin Shuss, Pearl Jam Videographer & Archivist about Kimberly Rae Schaefer
March 24 2015

I Didn’t Know Kimberly Rae Schaefer

I’m the videographer for Pearl Jam. I’ve been fortunate to work with them for many years. During those years, I’ve worked & filmed during some pretty amazing moment. Moments when the band and crowd connect – and in that instant, it’s more than just another concert. It becomes an event. A special memory.

After the 2000 tour, when we decided to try to make a concert DVD, we sat around and tried to figure out how to do that. Would it be one show from one city? Would it be a best-of?

The one constant in all those discussions was the song “Given to Fly” from the October 11, 2000 show in St. Louis, Missouri. Something special happened during that song that night. Something that stuck in all our minds after filming all those different shows.

“We have to use the footage of the woman doing the sign language interpretations!!”

When Eddie noticed her and mentioned it from stage, and then went over and helped her up onto the side of the stage, it started this moment that has become transcendent in Pearl Jam history.

It’s my favorite part of touring band. It’s the song I get more comments on than anything else about that DVD, when I meet fans or talk to people about that.

Pretty powerful stuff to be able to do your job with such love & passion that you inspire a bunch of people that are able to hear just fine. I can only imagine the joy Kim must have given the people with hearing loss, as she did her job.

I never knew Kimberly Rae Schaefer but she touched my life in a way I will never forget. 15 years on, and it’s as clear as yesterday….

Thank you Kim!
Job well done!

-Kevin Shuss, Pearl Jam Videographer and Archivist

hrd2imgn

Remember that day, was a special moment
Bless her for all the help she did for others

jonposey

So sad. She created a very special memory for a lot of people that night and through the video. Thoughts and prayers...

derbydave

Just saw this pop up on Facebook:



Pearl Jam Activism
Our thoughts go out to the family and friends of sign language interpreter, Kimberly Rae Schaefer. Read a letter written by our own Pearl Jam Videographer & Archivist, Kevin Shuss reflecting on Kim’s impact in the PJ community.

http://bit.ly/pj_kim

Hunger Strike

I too must say how sad I am to hear this. I always loved that version with Kim on stage, to see the interpretation of the song that way, it was truly amazing, and how awesome to get the dance in the end! RIP!! :(

samjam

demetrios said:

http://pearljam.com/activism/news/1/22606/a_letter_from_kevin_shuss_pearl_jam_videographer_&_archivist_about_kimberly_rae_schaefer

A Letter from Kevin Shuss, Pearl Jam Videographer & Archivist about Kimberly Rae Schaefer
March 24 2015

I Didn’t Know Kimberly Rae Schaefer

I’m the videographer for Pearl Jam. I’ve been fortunate to work with them for many years. During those years, I’ve worked & filmed during some pretty amazing moment. Moments when the band and crowd connect – and in that instant, it’s more than just another concert. It becomes an event. A special memory.

After the 2000 tour, when we decided to try to make a concert DVD, we sat around and tried to figure out how to do that. Would it be one show from one city? Would it be a best-of?

The one constant in all those discussions was the song “Given to Fly” from the October 11, 2000 show in St. Louis, Missouri. Something special happened during that song that night. Something that stuck in all our minds after filming all those different shows.

“We have to use the footage of the woman doing the sign language interpretations!!”

When Eddie noticed her and mentioned it from stage, and then went over and helped her up onto the side of the stage, it started this moment that has become transcendent in Pearl Jam history.

It’s my favorite part of touring band. It’s the song I get more comments on than anything else about that DVD, when I meet fans or talk to people about that.

Pretty powerful stuff to be able to do your job with such love & passion that you inspire a bunch of people that are able to hear just fine. I can only imagine the joy Kim must have given the people with hearing loss, as she did her job.

I never knew Kimberly Rae Schaefer but she touched my life in a way I will never forget. 15 years on, and it’s as clear as yesterday….

Thank you Kim!
Job well done!

-Kevin Shuss, Pearl Jam Videographer and Archivist

So beautiful. Sharing memories of someone in any way helps keep their spirit alive, so this is really wonderful.

on2legs

Is he the same Kevin Shuss that designed the Wrigley Crackerjack poster?

HesCalledDyer

on2legs said:

Is he the same Kevin Shuss that designed the Wrigley Crackerjack poster?

Yep

on2legs

HesCalledDyer said:

on2legs said:

Is he the same Kevin Shuss that designed the Wrigley Crackerjack poster?

Yep

Cool. Had no idea he worked for the band. Thanks.

whispering hands

hedonist said:

Despite the sad reason for it, what a beautiful thread - and testament to her spirit.

This times a billion Google!! I was very saddened to read this this morning, and it has made me smile again to see the outpouring live if the PJ community.. THIS is the human affect at work, and it gives me faith.. Cause how awesome that everyone here has welcomed her family as one of our own.. All thanks to one video, where she showed us her spirit, her true self, as one with all of you they were there.. That moment that we all live for from tour to tour.. That moment of Synergy that buzzes through you for HOURS, sometime DAYS afterwards.. And that moment lives on in infamy. In a really special and unique way.. Kim can NEVER be forgotten. I hope Connor can watch it whenever he misses his mom, and feel close to her; she whom has been Given To Fly.

Lost In Ohio

on2legs said:

HesCalledDyer said:

on2legs said:

Is he the same Kevin Shuss that designed the Wrigley Crackerjack poster?

Yep

Cool. Had no idea he worked for the band. Thanks.

He had a mention in the PJ20 movie. At an early show, they ran out of merch early, so he grabbed a camera and filmed.

The world needs more people like he and Kim.