A success story

"Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any other." --Abraham Lincoln

Every so often I like to highlight a success story of one of the people we serve. The reason why is that people with disabilities, in many instances, are thought of by society as being weak or sick and not being able to function independently in the community.

If you think about it, we are all disabled in one way or another in terms of independent living skills. I know people with disabilities who cannot cook, but I also know people who do not receive our services who cannot cook.

I know people with disabilities who cannot drive, but I also know people who do not receive our services who cannot drive. The list goes on and on. I would rather think of a person's abilities, than their disabilities anyway and that is why I have chosen this person to highlight.

His life has not always been easy. His mother told us that when he was born that her physician recommended that she should put him up for adoption. Her doctor told her it was because he would never amount to anything and that it would be much easier on her.

I can tell you that the physician was definitely wrong! This person not only went on to attend school, but graduated and has been receiving our services since that day. To say that he has been successful would be an understatement considering his achievements.

He is currently employed in the community part time and also does part-time janitorial work for Tri-Valley as well. He enjoys the independence and freedom that employment brings. He also has his own apartment where he cooks and cleans for himself and is known throughout his complex as someone who is always willing to lend a helping hand.

In fact, he is willing to volunteer for any project as long as it will help someone out. He can be seen at local high school football and basketball games cheering the team on, at Humboldt Speedway, Little League sporting events and anywhere where there is a sport going on.

You can even hear his voice every morning on the local radio station with his special birthday messages and "shout outs" to all of his friends.

His positive personality and warm, friendly smile have helped him develop strong relationships with his people in the community and he is not afraid to ask for a ride to an out of town game or event.

He is an example of someone who has been completely integrated into the community and been very successful. That young man's name is Brandon Moon, the Moon Man.

Brandon's story is one of many similar stories of people who were told they would never be successful.

Through personal perseverance and assistance from their families, school system and Tri-Valley, they are able to reach the goals they have developed for themselves. I am proud to say that the services provided by Tri-Valley have helped individuals with special needs, whose doctors did not think they would amount to anything, become a successful part of our community.

Editor's Note: Tim Cunningham is the executive director of Tri-Valley Developmental Services, which serves developmentally disabled people in Allen, Bourbon, Neosho and Woodson counties.