My son Joshua is my inspiration for this foundation. When he was 16 months old, Joshua was diagnosed with Smith-Magenis Syndrome. This is a very rare chromosomal deletion in the short arm of chromosome 17. The doctors didn't give us much hope for him. They stood there and told us good luck and watched us walk out the door, but Joshua has proven everyone wrong! He is the most amazing person I know. He is smart, funny, and has beaten all the odds.
When Joshua was first diagnosed, I felt very alone. I didn't feel like I had anyone I could talk to or share how I was feeling. Then, through a friend, I was told about a support group in our town. I met so many wonderful people and learned so much from all of them. Due to funding, this support group is no longer in existence. I have a great support group within my family and friends, but sometimes it's nice to talk with someone who understands what we go through day to day as a family with a child with special needs.
For the last few years, I have found myself wanting to share Joshua's stories of ups and downs. I feel like I have so much to offer in advice and resources, yet also the ability to listen. That's when it came to me that I wanted to start a foundation.
I want to help families with children with special needs! I don't want other parents to feel alone! So I have started another support group in Burlington. We meet the first Tuesday of every month at the West Wood Center behind West Avenue Church on West Avenue in Burlington.
It takes a village to raise a child, but it takes an even bigger one to raise a child with special needs!!
When Joshua was first diagnosed, I felt very alone. I didn't feel like I had anyone I could talk to or share how I was feeling. Then, through a friend, I was told about a support group in our town. I met so many wonderful people and learned so much from all of them. Due to funding, this support group is no longer in existence. I have a great support group within my family and friends, but sometimes it's nice to talk with someone who understands what we go through day to day as a family with a child with special needs.
For the last few years, I have found myself wanting to share Joshua's stories of ups and downs. I feel like I have so much to offer in advice and resources, yet also the ability to listen. That's when it came to me that I wanted to start a foundation.
I want to help families with children with special needs! I don't want other parents to feel alone! So I have started another support group in Burlington. We meet the first Tuesday of every month at the West Wood Center behind West Avenue Church on West Avenue in Burlington.
It takes a village to raise a child, but it takes an even bigger one to raise a child with special needs!!
