Legacy Society Member Connie Horton

Connie Horton says Easterseals played a life-changing role for 10 years of her daughter Tami’s life. Tami was born prematurely and was eventually diagnosed with cerebral palsy. When Tami began using Easterseals services at the age of 24 she had been through many surgeries and therapy, had long since completed public school, and after a stint in community college wanted to try something new.

“Tami was a bright young woman. We searched and searched for somewhere she could go and be actively involved,” Connie said. “I remembered that when Tami was 2 years old a neighbor had mentioned Easterseals. He said it was a wonderful organization and it was his charity of choice although he had no special need individuals in his family. All those years later, the phone call I made to Easterseals was one of the best and most important calls I’ve ever made in my life.”

For a decade Tami was an active participant in Easterseals Adult Day Services. “She learned to live as independently as possible, make her own decisions and built a community of friends,” Connie says. “She was active and social. She rode public transportation, went on field trips, attended meetings and made decisions on spending her money. Most of all she was happy.”

Connie also noticed that Tami’s independence had a positive effect on the rest of the family too. “To know Tami was in good hands and safe gave us comfort and peace. I learned Easterseals helps not only the individual with special needs, but the entire family.”

Sadly, Tami’s health began to fail and her father passed away suddenly. “Tami’s grief was so deep she could not express it but she wanted to go to Easterseals. Her Easterseals coach made sure Tami was comfortable and happy as much as possible. The compassion and understanding from all of those who worked with Tami are beyond words,” Connie said.

At age 34 Tami passed away. In honor of Tami’s memory, Connie has chosen to recognize Easterseals in her estate plan and has joined Easterseals Legacy Society. “Because of the importance of Easterseals in our lives, I will continue to do as much as I can to promote the organization. I’m thankful for my neighbor and his words many years ago. I now understand how he felt about Easterseals because I feel that way too.”