Kelly as a baby

Kelly was born with Down syndrome, and was not very healthy when he was a baby. He had pneumonia more than twenty times before his second birthday. With additional family problems, my mom simply could not take care of him. Kelly became a ward of the state and was put into a state institution. The separation was so painful, our family never kept in touch with him.

In 1975 at the age of 13, Kelly moved from the state run institution to Hammer. Everyone loved to be around Kelly with his big and fun-loving personality. He had staff that took great care of him and a stable, safe, and secure environment to live in. Kelly thrived at Hammer. It never would have been like that if he had remained in our family’s care.

A proud graduate!

The staff at Hammer became Kelly’s family, helping him to learn and grow. They taught Kelly how to shave and reminded him to wear his hat and gloves during the cold Minnesota winters. Like a family, they also reminded him to use his manners at the dinner table, when a loud burp would have been a lot funnier to a table of young men.

Living at Hammer, Kelly was very active when he was a teenager. He played softball, was a Boy Scout, joined a weight lifting club, and went to lots of dances and parties.

It is only with the financial support of more than 1000 donors that Kelly has had compassionate staff and a safe home environment to become his best and true self! Others cared for Kelly when my family could not.

Reunited with my brother! I’m so thankful that Kelly has lived a full and meaningful life.

I came to understand just how important Hammer has been to Kelly when we reunited in 2006. We received such a warm welcome from the staff at Hammer. They helped us to reconnect after being separated for more than 40 years. Little by little, our relationship flourished and I came to realize that Hammer is Kelly’s home and his family.

With the diagnosis of Down syndrome often comes early dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, as individual’s age rapidly. At age 53, Kelly enjoys dancing to rock music, but like anyone who is aging, he dances a little slower these days.

Your gift is needed today so Kelly can remain active, age gracefully and stay secure in his Hammer group home. 

Kelly has recently transitioned to Hammer’s McGlinch home in Plymouth, designed to accommodate his increasing needs. His home is equipped with ramps, hand rails, wide doorways, accessible bathrooms, and a handicap accessible van — all the things Kelly needs to stay active in his community, and age gracefully and securely in his home.

Your donation will help provide a lifetime of care and security for all the 286 people with developmental disabilities living at Hammer. Like Kelly, they will need assistance for a lifetime. Please give what you can today. Donate

Forever grateful for your support,

Pat Peterson

You can learn more about Kelly in this video.

The post A Sister’s Point of View appeared first on Hammer.

My sister Joy has Down syndrome. Some may consider having a sibling with a disability to be a burden. In my mind, it is, and always has been, a blessing. Despite being my younger sister, she has greatly shaped my life (whether she knows it or not). Because she is only three years younger, I in fact, don’t know life any other way. I like to think that my life is completely normal. I treat her like a normal “little sister.” I get under her nerves and she gets under mine.

However, I know there are extra “challenges” that come with having a sibling with Down syndrome, or any disability for that matter. But, these “challenges” might actually be blessing in disguise. When I look at my life and try to imagine it without Joy, it is radically different. Currently, I am involved in many ways with individuals with disabilities. At Eden Prairie High School, I am a student advisor for a club that provides integrative support for students with special needs, and I am on the dance committee that organizes the “Prom” for those with disabilities. Outside of school, I volunteer with Hammer Residences as an exercise partner. Without Joy in my life, I’m not sure I would be part of any of these organizations. I also don’t know if I would have the friends that I have today. Worst of all, I likely wouldn’t have the values that are important to me and make me who I am.

Next year, I am off to college to start a whole new chapter of my life. As difficult as it will be to live away from my family and the things that I have come to know best, I know I am fully capable of being on my own. I have learned to be compassionate, diligent, understanding and, most importantly, patient. Because of Joy and the numerous experiences I have been a part of, I have met many different people, both disabled and not. There is a common denominator I have noticed in all people – we all want to be understood. Wherever I end up for the next few years, I want to stay involved with those less understood in the community.

It will be hard to be away from my family. However, I think my sister might have a harder time with the transition. I can guarantee that every night she will ask: “How many ‘sleeps’ until Levi comes back?” I know it is her dream to be independent and live by herself (along with being a rock-star). It will be hard for me and my younger brother to go off to college knowing Joy wants to so badly. Although I do not know what is in store for her future, my biggest hope is that she feels important and needed. Joy may not know it, but she has made a lasting impact on our community, especially on me. I want her to know this and feel loved.

The post The Blessing of Joy appeared first on Hammer.