Patrick and I are accepting donations for our paddle raise at the Colin Farrell Foundation Gala next week in Chicago. Please consider giving a tax deductible donation that is so near and dear to our hearts. As Paddy’s Mom I try to share all the joy he infuses into my life and into the world around him. But however overflowing my heart is with love there is another side to raising a child who will never live independently and it is a suffocating constant and suffocating fear that lives in my mind for what the future holds for Patrick when I am no longer here to keep him safe. You raise your children to live without you. But sometimes that is not a possibility and that is why the work of the Colin Farrell Foundation is so important. They are fighting to bring real transformative change for adult people with intellectual disabilities. They are advocating for critical services and safe housing,adequate day programs with actual skilled support providers and access to quality medical care no matter what state you live in. 750,000 Americans are living with an intellectual disability. Many (most) are waiting for essential services just to survive. The need is so dire! Many critical services END and become inaccessible once your child is no longer in the school system. Together we are changing this trajectory for the new generation of young adults with (I/DD) Every donation brings us closer to a world where people like my son can live enriched lives with safety nets and opportunities for a life of dignity and respect when I am no longer here to provide that for him. Please consider making a donation to the foundation on Patrick’s behalf. No amount is too small. For everyone who supports us and sees my son for who he is and not just his disability I humbly thank you from the bottom of my heart. Happy Thanksgiving and love you all!