PARENTS' CORNER

I am the younger sister of an incredible person with Fragile X Syndrome. It is my objective in life to strive for the advancement and equality of mentally disabled individuals. For the past twenty-four years, while living with my fragile X affected brother, Eric, I have been privy to the ups and downs, triumphs and failures, joys and heartaches of a family with a developmentally disabled member. From early on my parents made me aware that Eric had developmental disabilities and required special kinds of attention. Years passed before Eric’s condition had a name - Fragile X. As we are now all aware, Eric’s difficulties result from the most common cause of genetically-inherited mental impairment, Fragile X.

I have been a part of the jovial occasions filled with stomach aching laughter and face-wide smiles, and part of the dark circumstances saturated with fighting, yelling, and buckets filled with guilt-ridden tears. Growing up, I was keenly aware of the fact that Eric was treated differently, mostly with disrespect. Other kids in the neighborhood, children at school, and strangers (children and adults) spit on Eric, called him names, pointed, stared, and mocked him because he was not exactly like them. I always stood up for Eric, and always will.

For example, a local radio station’s morning talk show boasted a special comedian guest. During the conversation between the host and the comedian guest, the guest asked rhetorically, “How retarded are they?” in response to a comment made by the DJ. I called the radio station to register my objection to the use of the word, and the intern who picked up the phone informed me that all comedians use the word retarded and that there is absolutely nothing wrong with it. After I pointed out that comedians such as Jerry Seinfeld, Jay Leno, and Billy Crystal do not refer to people in that way to obtain laughs, the intern hung up on me. Nevertheless, I wrote an email to the radio station and did receive a brief apology letter in return.

My family’s goal has always been to help Eric achieve independence. I am ecstatic to say that Eric currently lives in an apartment at the Jewish Association for Residential Care (JARC) in Boca Raton, Florida and works four days a week at the local supermarket. He has a myriad of friends from JARC and Publix and is extremely happy and proud to be living on his own. I don’t think I’ve ever been so proud of anyone. My everlasting pride in Eric spills over into the work I perform every day at Best Buddies International.

Eric gives a unique meaning and purpose to my life. I am a better person because of him. Let’s all focus our attention on conquering Fragile X.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

The author of this “Parent’s Corner” article is Suzanne Oberman, a 24 year old graduate of the University of Michigan. In 2003 Suzanne earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in American Culture, with a strong emphasis in Psychology and Communications. Suzanne works for Best Buddies International in Miami, Florida and lives in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Best Buddies is a non-profit organization aiming to enhance the lives of those with intellectual disabilities through one-to-one friendships and integrated employment. It was started by Anthony Kennedy Shriver, nephew of JFK and brother of Maria. Please see our website for much more information: www.bestbuddies.org