Marty's Story

Oh Brother: Living, Loving and Learning

Marty is my younger brother who lives and works in Lafayette, Indiana. My parents raised Marty, along with my older brother Marc and I, in Kokomo, Indiana. Marty works at Payless and a grocery store, and volunteers at a local food bank. He lives in an apartment with a roommate and he recently returned from Texas where he served as a groomsman in a wedding of a long-time friend. Marty loves music, movies, television, socializing with friends and working out at the Y.M.C.A. On the surface, his life is not that different from that of other young men in their late twenties. So why am I writing this article about him? Well other than the fact that he is a great brother and friend, Marty has Down Syndrome.

I was almost four years old when I answered the call from my Mom at the hospital letting me know that Marty had arrived. I do not recall any sadness or hesitation in her voice in sharing this news, but I was so excited that I hung up on her. Mom and Dad later shared with our family that the delivery room went silent as Marty arrived. The doctors and nurses knew that something was wrong, but they were not ready to make a diagnosis. After a few weeks and some trips to Riley Children's Hospital for genetic testing, the doctors diagnosed Marty with Down Syndrome. Being a new father, I cannot begin to imagine the thoughts crossing through the minds of my parents as they digested this news. What I can tell you for certain is that the parental instinct of wanting the best for their child was very strong from the beginning. Mom had been a teacher until Marc arrived seven years before Marty, so she knew that Marty's education would be an uphill battle. Mom and Dad tirelessly fought for Marty's education from the moment he arrived to the moment he walked across the stage to a standing ovation to receive his Certificate of Completion at his high school graduation ceremony.

They still battle for what is best for Marty, a battle that continues to get tougher as Medicaid cuts spread throughout the system.

Their continued efforts paid big dividends as Marty blossomed into the man he is today- a great son, brother, uncle and friend. As the disability community continues to strengthen and minds continue to open, resources and opportunities for individuals with disabilities and their families become more available. Organizations such as the ARC, the Indiana Down Syndrome Foundation, Dads Appreciating Down Syndrome and Best Buddies Indiana provide support and opportunity for individuals and their families to find success much like Marty.