Search
In a poignant narrative that underscores the vital role of Medicaid funding, Cynthia Chadwick, president of the Board of Directors for The Arc of Ventura County, shares her family’s journey through the challenges of raising two sons with developmental disabilities.
Cynthia and her husband, Rich, were blessed with two sons: Thomas, a spirited blond, and Robert, a freckle-faced redhead. Early on, they noticed differences in their boys. Thomas was not developing speech as expected, and subsequent testing revealed he was deaf. When Robert was born, he too faced the same challenge. While Cynthia views their deafness not as a disability but as a challenge, it necessitated her learning sign language to communicate effectively with them.
As the years progressed, the family faced additional hurdles. Both boys experienced seizures and exhibited learning delays, with Robert developing muscular weakness that eventually confined him to a wheelchair. Despite these challenges, the Chadwick family felt fortunate to access essential government-funded services, including Medicaid, which allowed their sons to lead fulfilling lives.
Robert thrived at a nearby Arc day program, where he enjoyed the camaraderie of his peers and the joy of outings. His infectious laughter brought light to the family, and his love for their dog, Nick, and funny Popeye cartoons created cherished memories. Tragically, Robert passed away from a grand mal seizure in 2019, leaving a profound void in the family’s life.
The family’s journey took another heartbreaking turn when Thomas, now 42, developed early onset dementia. This condition dramatically altered his personality, leading to frustration, aggression, and incontinence. Once a sweet, shy teenager who excelled in Special Olympics sports and idolized Kobe Bryant, Thomas now struggles to remember the rules of the games he once loved. He currently resides in a group home, a place that provides the necessary support and care for his needs.
Cynthia emphasizes that both of their sons are unique individuals, embodying both strengths and challenges. Their stories reflect a broader narrative of the disability community and underscore the importance of continued support for individuals like Thomas and Robert.
As the family navigates these trials, they remain deeply concerned about the proposed cuts to Medicaid funding. Cynthia urges policymakers to recognize the critical impact of these services on families like hers. “Please find it in your hearts not to cut Medicaid,” she implores. “Such cuts would be a crushing blow to disabled individuals, their families, and the dedicated staff that serve them.”
Through their heartwarming yet heartbreaking experiences, the Chadwick family exemplifies the importance of advocacy and support for individuals with developmental disabilities. Their story reinforces The Arc of California’s commitment to ensuring that all individuals receive the assistance they need to lead fulfilling lives.
You can join our fight to SAVE MEDICAID by recording your story on video, or emailing us at [email protected]
Click HERE to view their story on video.