Intellectually-Developmentally Disabled Community

Embarking on a very personal spiritual journey, I will be disconnecting from the outside world and will be water-fasting in the desert for 40 days and 40 nights. I hope to accomplish a physical, psychological and spiritual reset. I am seeking clarity and discernment through meditation and prayer.

It is my intention to share my experience with the public, no engagement … but sharing on a realtime ‘output-only’ basis . The goal is to heighten public awareness and garner support for the intellectually and developmentally disabled (IDD) community, and specifically to raise funds for The Chase Foundation in Fullerton CA (https://www.instagram.com/chasecoffeeroasters/)

(https://thechasefoundation.net/).

My commitment to the IDD community is lifelong. I have served on the Board of Directors for the San Francisco ARC chapter from 1990 to 2001, and the Los Angeles & Orange County ARC chapter from 2009 to 2014, and as a Foundation Board Member for Opportunity Village in Las Vegas in 2004. Additionally, my parents were founding board members of Our Lady of the Wayside in Northern Ohio.

This cause is deeply personal. My sister, Mary Catherine, whom we affectionately called Cookie, was severely intellectually and developmentally disabled. Though she never spoke a word to me or walked a step with me, our bond was profound. I have cherished memories of caring for her from my earliest years. Her passing when I was 19 deeply impacted me. She lives on within me and my sister and brothers.

Throughout my journey, I will aim to honor Cookie's memory and continue advocating for individuals like her, who inspire and enrich our lives.