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Parent to
Parent of New York State
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This page last updated on
February 20, 2008
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Regional Coordinator I live with my husband Douglas and son Ryan in a small town in Cattaraugus County of NYS. I I have 4 children ranging in age from 36 to 17. My oldest daughter, Maureen lives close by and has 3 children of her own. My son Stephen is making a career of the Air Force and is currently living in Germany with his wife and 2 children. My daughter Amber is living in Ontario, Canada with her husband and 2 children. Ryan, the only child still at home, is 17. Ryan was born with Down Syndrome, a cleft lip and palate and other health issues. He spent his first 2 months at Women’s and Children’s Hospital in Buffalo. Because of his disabilities and medical issues I had to quit my job to take care of him. Due to numerous doctor appointments, early intervention services and hospitalizations, the first year was extremely hectic and nerve wracking. I had no idea what to expect. I didn’t even buy him a toy unless it had some kind of educational value. I read everything I could pertaining to Down Syndrome and attended every conference I could get a scholarship for. I checked out every child I saw who had Down Syndrome to see how well they talked and interacted socially. If I was introduced to the parents I quizzed them about milestones in their child’s life. I was determined to know everything I could about his disability so I could help him develop to the best of his ability. In other words Ryan was saddled with a wacko mom! Eventually I did relax. I let Ryan be himself and allowed him to develop at his own pace. Ryan has taught me to be more patient and to enjoy the little things in life that I took for granted before. I decided that I wanted to help other parents who were struggling with some of the same issues I was. Working as a coordinator for Parent to Parent of NYS allows me to reach out to other parents and let them know they are not alone.
Back row: Lorraine Blum, Western Regional Coordinator; Sara and mother Susie Nettleton, Finger Lakes Regional Coordinator. Front row: Burke and mother Sharon Marrella, Southern Tier Regional Coordinator.
From left to right, three of Lorraine’s children – Amber, Ryan and Stephen.
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Copyright 2008 Parent to Parent of New York State. All Rights Reserved. Janice Fitzgerald -
Executive Director Parent to Parent of NYS - Statewide Office This website is hosted by |
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