Hello Friends! We've created this page as a way to share news and updates about Tom's life for those who are interested. We chose Give InKind because it provides an easy-to-use platform, allows people to sign up if they want updates, and let's us share gift ideas with those who have asked. We are so glad you are here! If you know Tom well, you know he has been a trailblazer and leader since he was an infant! (First baby in Ottawa County to receive Early Intervention Services.) He was the first kid in Port Clinton with Down syndrome to go to public school and the first to graduate from Port Clinton High School. Tom was gainfully employed at Kroger for 28 years, supporting himself in his own apartment. His fully-integrated life included many friends, a bowling league, Friday and Saturday nights out dancing, and fast food favorites. Along the way, Tom (perhaps with support from his family) taught many professionals in the field of developmental disabilities and other community leaders the true meaning of words like "independence" and "self-determination." We know that Tom has been an inspiration to many people, including many family members of people with Down syndrome. Tom has lived with me, first in Florida and now in Virginia, since 2018 when his mental health changed and he needed more support to be safe. With appropriate medical intervention, Tom has been quite stable all these years. We've been two peas in a pod, finding our way as roommates and near constant companions. Life sometimes feels like a high-wire act, balancing health and safety with self-determination. I can't claim perfection on that front, but I have done my best. And trust me, Tom checks me when I get it wrong! Now that balance is shifting once again. As Tom entered his mid-fifties his short-term memory began failing, and his ability to process conversations diminished. Recent "seizure-like events" took us to the hospital where tests confirmed he is aging faster than most of us do. This can be quite common for people with Down syndrome. We've had friends whose loved ones experienced quite a rapid decline, so we are preparing ourselves for that. As of right now, none of the tests are conclusive for seizures or for dementia, and we do not consider anything to be inevitable. We are making sure he gets the best medical care and insisting on the highest-quality support. Tom is trail-blazing again, showing others the way. That's why we thought it was important to be public. So there you have it. We'll use this page to share updates about Tom's life and also about my own journey as a caregiver. Please click the "Follow Page" button to receive an email notification whenever we post an update. We are grateful for each and every one of you! Love, Cathy