Honorary Garbage Man
February 11, 2010 by kris
Filed under Testimonials
“Our son Zachery battled Tuberous Sclerosis, a rare genetic disorder that causes tumors to form in different organs, for most of his young life. As 2009 drew to a close, Zach finally succumbed at age 17, but not without having realized his dream of operating a garbage truck.
TURN Family Support services provided the rest we so desperately needed. Having a “special needs” child—an understatement!—can be exhausting, especially for the parents. From the time our Zach would wake until at last he would run out of steam and ask to go to sleep, we were constantly on the move to keep up with him. Add to this Zach’s medical condition, and individual conditions including autism and Traumatic Brain Injury (after being hit by a car), it became almost too much to endure. We provided his full care alone for so many years, with only occasional reprieve from family members who would take him for short periods of time. When he was finally approved for DSPD funding at age 12, and could begin receiving the extended services your organization offered, our hearts leapt with joy at the chance for a rest. Through respite care and summer and Saturday camps, our other children finally felt like they had alone time with us. As parents, we know that because of this our other children will now turn out alright. Thanks for all you do & have done for us as a family, and especially for our beloved son & brother, Zach!” –Terry and Heidi Harrison, and family.
