autism, ted lindsay, foundation, philanthropy, oucares
2024年9月16日
韦德体育app官网's 约翰 Young, vice president for Communications and Marketing, 和他的女儿凯蒂, 被授予 2024 泰德·林赛基金会 Family Courage Award for their perseverance and courage during their own family’s autism journey and for their community contributions in assisting others over the years.
The Family Courage Award annually recognizes a person or family who has been challenged by the diagnosis of an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and honors their commitment to live and thrive despite the disorder.
The award presentation of a recognition plaque and a check came during the annual 泰德·林赛基金会 Celebrity Golf outing on September 9 at the Detroit Golf Club.
“约翰 and 凯蒂’s story is one of resilience and unwavering dedication to creating a fulfilling life for the boys in their family despite significant challenges,” wrote award nominator Mike Westfall. “I have been deeply inspired by their proactive approach in dealing with the labyrinth of government funding and other administrative hurdles and I admire their remarkable fortitude as it relates to dealing with the challenges of autism.”
约翰的两个儿子, 凯蒂的兄弟, 乔纳森和乔, found themselves navigating the complexities of living on the spectrum during a critical phase of their lives when they tragically lost their mother, 梅林达, who served as their primary caregiver. It was during that critical time, when they were transitioning from boys into young men, 他们的姐姐, 凯蒂, 还有他们的父亲, 约翰, 无私地介入, making personal sacrifices to provide the care and support the boys needed.
生活在 罗彻斯特山, 密歇根, the 年轻的家庭 faces the daily reality of caregiver shortages, which exacerbates the already demanding nature of managing ASD. With a single parent and two special needs individuals, they confront obstacles that most families cannot imagine. 然而, they have shown steadfast determination to forge ahead, meticulously planning for the unpredictability that ASD often brings.
“The world is not set up for this situation,” 约翰 Young explained. “然而, there is only one option -- we move forward each week sorting out each situation as it comes up -- some predictable and many not so much. I have had to learn about the alphabet soup of government funding and the endless forms, the challenges of finding programming to support the boys, the unpredictability of sleep patterns for people with ASD and the daily reality of helping the boys deal with various levels of anxiety.”
约翰 and 凯蒂 have tirelessly advocated for 乔纳森和乔, ensuring they have access to essential services and opportunities. Through resourcefulness, and with support from programs like the 达顿农场 日间课程及 OUCARES编程 at OU, 乔纳森和乔 have been able to grow and transition during and after high school.
The 年轻的家庭 also advocates for others with a spirit of generosity and community involvement to support other families facing similar struggles. 为他们, advocacy is not just a responsibility, but a passion to improve the lives of other individuals with ASD and their families.
了解更多有关 泰德·林赛基金会, their mission and their community work.
了解更多关于 韦德体育app官网’s Joanne and 泰德·林赛基金会 Autism Outreach Services -OUCARES.
了解更多关于 达顿农场 以及他们的日间项目.