Rick Schirmer

Embracing the Journey: A special-needs child's remarkable story Rick Schirmer

Matthew was born in September of 1997 with a rare genetic disorder called trisomy 22. His parents were told by the genetic director that he would be severely mentally retarded and never walk, never talk, or have much of a life, that they should not waste their time caring for him and put him in an institution for care. He has endured fifteen surgeries, thousands of therapy sessions and requires 24-7 care. Although he is now twenty-one years old and cognitively he has developed only to the level of an infant, Matthew has proved the genetic director wrong in many areas. He is one of the happiest boys you will ever meet, has positively impacted the lives of so many, and continues to live a very rewarding life. His life journey has provided so many tremendous lessons that can apply to everyone, and certainly to parents of a handicapped or disabled child. Matthew's journey showed his parents and all those fortunate to interact with him that laughter is much better than crying, that any simple gesture of kindness can move mountains, and that there are many special individuals that will make a significant impact on a special-needs child's life and their family's life if given the opportunity.