Carrying the Flame of Hope

We raised $4,515! Thank you everyone for your support. The likes, shares and donations brought us to #1 Fundraising Team in North Carolina - no small feat. There were 106 teams.

Here are a few of the 1000 photos that were taken! It was an incredible feeling to be a part of this event - most likely, a once in a lifetime opportunity.

Our team!

Waiting for the torch to come our way.

This was our group of family and friends who came out to support us.

At the end of our 1/2 mile segment, we passed the torch to a father and son team.

Amy, Jolanda and Lorcan

Hats were meant to be removed, says Ben.

Impressive motorcade of police from Charlotte and Los Angeles.

This team passed us the torch.

Passing on the torch to our team.

Here we go!

All the team members had a chance to carry the torch.

For more photos through Special Olympics, go here.

Comments

Parenting an Adult Child with Disabilities

"Parenting an Adult Child with Disabilities" is a series on eSpeciallyBen. As Ben approached 18, it was clear our role changed as parents. We needed to help Ben transition into adulthood. These stories are meant to assist other families who face, or will face, some of the same challenges. Talking About the Future Guest Post - Matt Wilson Legal Guardianship, Medicaid and SSI Researching Group Homes Questions to Ask at a Group Home Visit Referral Packet for Group Homes Getting Assistance from a Care Manager From Group Home Placement to Discharge Reaching for Independence

Parenting an Adult Child with Disabilities: From Group Home Placement to Discharge

Last August, we moved Ben into an alternative family living (AFL) placement, about 90 minutes from our home in Charlotte. It was a three-bedroom house and Ben was given the largest bedroom with its own bathroom. A typical AFL in North Carolina operates like this: a person with disabilities, the client, moves in with another family, couple or an individual. The client lives in the family’s home and the family receives payment in return for housing, feeding and caring for the client. Ben’s AFL was unusual: A couple with extensive caregiving experience wanted to run a three-bed group home but needed to apply for the license through the state. They were willing to take Ben as the first resident in a house, separate from the one they lived in. The plan, according to the couple, was to get approval for the group home within a couple of months. We ordered Ben a double bed, headboard, 54-inch television, new sheets, towels and blankets. Friends helped us move him in....

Ben is thriving in his group home in Charlotte. I wrote about what he's been up to in this story in Southpark Magazine: Givers: All together Happy Holidays! Photo Credit Grant Baldwin Photography

eSpecially Ben

Search This Blog