Suzy S.
July 15, 2024
This life story more than anything stresses the need for families to accept, educate and provide for their special needs children. Our Suzy was one of the original members of Scully Learning Center. At the time we met her she was in her late 50s. She was friendly, anxious to make new friends, and open to helping and sharing with them. She was a joy to be around. So, a happy ending, Right?
There were complications at Suzy’s birth and her parents were told she might be mildly “retarded”. We never met her parents so we can’t judge what decisions they made based on this diagnosis. Reality was that when Suzy announced she didn’t like her first day of kindergarten, she was never given the opportunity to attend school again. She spent her life in the home of her parents and was provided no opportunity to develop social skills. Her only comfort seemed to be food and she eventually grew to over 200 pounds. When her mother died she was left with her father who continued the lack of attention. Suzy did have a brother, but he never paid her any attention and left home as soon as he could.
When Suzy’s Dad died she was left alone in a house she had no idea how to manage. Luckily Suzy had guardian angels in the form of neighbors, Carol Ann and Tony, who took it upon themselves to watch over and guide her into a new life. They modified her house to prevent fire or accidents, got her into an exercise program, encouraged a healthy diet and began the process of socialization. Suzy was included in their family gatherings, attended church with them, and was taught The basic good manners we all expect. She lost weight and blossomed. They got her a dog to serve as a companion in the empty house. It was a good time in Suzy’s life.
Prior to his death Suzy’s Dad has started a trust for Suzy with Carol Ann designated as the administrator. He assumed this would also make her Suzy’s guardian. That was not the case. Carol Ann and Tony had no legal or financial support to help Suzy. Suzy’s $600 monthly income from the state was stretched to pay utilities and buy food.
Eventually someone referred Suzy’s case to family protection services and the state stepped in. Her only known relative was her brother in Colorado. He did not want anything to do with Suzy’s care, but the state held him accountable. He moved her to a group home in Colorado and made her a ward of the state. He has never been to see her, Today Suzy does go to a day care program and is able to be with other people. Carol Ann and Tony have visited her and she seems happy. They talk by phone almost daily. Suzy’s room at the home is as big as her closet was in Arizona.
Suzy is a perfect example of why Scully Learning Center Foundation and the other non-profits they are teaming with see the need to create group living conditions for Scully Team members and other community residents. Special needs adults are living longer than in the past. The parents that have these children living with them are aging and are desperate to know their children will be well cared for when they are gone. Most of our Team members are life long friends, even siblings. They should be able to stay together. Someone should even go to Colorado to bring our Suzy back to us, but there are no funds for this. So, please, keep her in your hearts and help us move forward with our grand plan.