Check Back Weekly As We Highlight Profiles of Perseverance.
In a year that has tested our collective fortitude physically, mentally, and emotionally, Best Buddies’ program participants have shown a resilience that is inspirational. This holiday season, we continue our celebration of several exemplary participants who represent profiles of perseverance during these challenging times.
Erica Asbury
Our final bit of inspiration this holiday season comes from the perspective of a committed, determined Best Buddies parent, Erica Asbury, from North Carolina. She has demonstrated unwavering faith in her son, Allen, and his capabilities throughout his entire life – even when the odds were against him.
Allen was born prematurely, weighing only one pound with the umbilical cord wrapped around his neck, and the doctors said he would not live. With no hesitation whatsoever, Erica responded, “No. He will be fine.” Allen is now a vibrant 20-year-old, with a wonderful group of friends he met in college and a passion for football and video games.
Every parent’s dream is for their child to live the absolute best life imaginable – especially parents of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), like Erica. Hear how she remains optimistic in the face of adversity by always keeping her dreams for her son in the forefront.
Now that Allen is an adult, how would you reflect on your experience raising a child with IDD?
I loved being Allen’s mom before I even met him. I wanted to be a mom so badly, and the very thought of him made me full of joy. From overcoming medical obstacles to being on the honor roll throughout high school and attending Appalachian State University, Allen has achieved countless milestones that doctors, therapists, and teachers said he never would. I am just so proud of him, and I believe that he is a true gift. His willingness to set goals, accomplish them, and start again is what motivates me.
Allen has achieved so much! How did you feel as he became more independent?
My life as a mom changed when Allen left for college and joined Best Buddies. It was Allen’s first opportunity in his entire life to pick out his clothes, meals, social activities, etc. Frankly, I wouldn’t have been comfortable letting him go if it weren’t for programs like Best Buddies, which surrounded him with people who cared for and understood him.
After Allen was matched with his Best Buddy, Jessica, he said it was like the movie Madagascar 2, when a zebra is able to connect with other zebras for the first time. He wasn’t alone; he had found his place and his people. He and Jessica are still close, and she even drove 3 hours to spend time with him at last year’s Friendship Walk.
What’s been your biggest challenge of 2020?
Keeping our spirits high when everything shut down, the way that racial relations deteriorated, the disconnection from a routine, and the scarcity of everyday items made life feel like nothing that we had ever experienced. For Allen, I also feared that he would lose his fire for being independent. It was tough to go from being in college and totally on his own to being back home with his mom, but he’s found ways to stay connected with his community through Best Buddies.
What are your hopes for the future?
My hope is that Allen has every opportunity that any other young adult has: a quality and affordable education; the opportunity to be employed so that he can be an independent and productive citizen; and the chance to contribute as a subject matter expert concerning the lives of Black men with additional needs.
Allen has completely bloomed before my eyes. It was one thing for me and his family to believe in him, but it has been unequivocal to what he has gained in self-worth by having the university staff and members of the Best Buddies program to see him as a valuable member of the community. I no longer feel like I have to convince people that my child is worth it – they know he is.
Every parent has hopes and dreams for their child, just like Erica. Your support this holiday season gives them the confidence needed to keep pushing forward, knowing that Best Buddies creates a community where everyone is valued and appreciated for who they are.
Make a year-end gift today and have it count toward your 2021 Best Buddies Challenge fundraising!
Thanks to the Ansin Foundation, every donation up to $142,000 will be matched dollar-for-dollar.
Consider making it a recurring gift by becoming a monthly donor!
Olivia DeCaria
In continuing with stories of resilience this holiday season, please allow us to introduce you to Olivia DeCaria (aka “Diva” Olivia – her preferred moniker), a 33-year-old, hilarious, all-around fabulous southern belle who has been a part of Best Buddies for 10 years!
Olivia loves shopping, singing karaoke, having sleepovers, watching Friends and Golden Girls marathons, painting, and going out for coffee. She and her roommate, Brooke, live together in a duplex in Nashville and have kept each other active and entertained; during the pandemic. It’s never a dull moment with those two, but they both very much miss being able to see their friends from Best Buddies in person like they used to.
As Olivia shares more about her journey, it’s undeniable that her confidence and dazzling personality help her rise above any challenge – as do the lifelong friendships she has found through Best Buddies.
What was your life like growing up with Down syndrome?
I was bullied in school. I was overweight, acne all over my face, and people made fun of me and called me the r-word. I was everyone’s target in the hallways and at dodgeball. No one wanted to sit next to me at lunch. I was the outsider and the only friends I had were the staff and teachers.
Fast forward several years after high school to 2010 when I found out about Best Buddies. I got matched with my Buddy, Kristen, and the rest is history, baby! Even though Kristen recently moved back home closer to family, we always stay in touch and I know we will grow very old together (like Blanche and Rose on Golden Girls). I love my new Best Buddy, Sydney, too! She’s someone I can confide in and I still chat on the phone and text with her during these hard times.
What do you want people to know about you when they meet you?
So many things! I’m sweet, outgoing, love my family and friends, I put other people’s needs before my own…basically all the things that Dolly Parton is. Plus, I do have the gorgeous hair and style that Dolly has too.
I also want people to know I’m strong and courageous. I’ve been through a lot, including a major heart surgery that turned my whole life around. I stayed determined and focused during my recovery and lost over 80 pounds!
What has been your biggest challenge in 2020?
This pandemic has been driving me crazy. It’s driving a wedge between me and my man and my diva celebrity life. Do you know the theme song from Cheers? I’m not trying to brag, but “everybody knows my name” around here and I’m missing that. Best Buddies helps me shine like the true celebrity I am and I miss going to events like old times.
But I’m so looking forward to 2021 and I see a bright future with my Best Buddies family!
Olivia’s positive outlook truly inspires us. Best Buddies will continue to do everything possible to support her, and other people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) – but we need your support to do so. This holiday season, help us build a brighter future for Olivia and all of our participants.
Thanks to Andy Ansin, every donation up to $142,000 will be matched dollar-for-dollar in memory of his father, Ed Ansin, and his commitment to Best Buddies.
Consider making it a recurring gift by becoming a monthly donor!
Joseph Parker
Meet Joseph Parker, a 25-year-old from the Bronx who is known for his joyful spirit, eloquence, and award-winning smile. After graduating from the Institute of Career Development in 2017, Joseph was introduced to Best Buddies and attended several social events, including Leadership Conference and his local Friendship Walk. He also joined the Best Buddies Jobs program and quickly landed his first job at an Italian restaurant, while simultaneously continuing his studies of digital design and animation at Hostos Community College.
Joseph was confident about his future, until he got some unexpected news: the restaurant where he was employed for almost 3 years would be closing permanently due to the pandemic. With a positive attitude and help from Best Buddies, Joseph turned this challenge into an opportunity. His renewed confidence is what we hope to rebuild for all of our program participants, with your help.
Hear more from Joseph:
What’s the first thing you want people to know about you?
I’m a lifelong New Yorker. I love city-living and am always on the go. I navigate the streets, busses, and subway of the Big Apple like only a local can. We have the best pizzas and museums, and memories from New York never flow away!
What’s been your biggest challenge of 2020?
Having the restaurant close. That job was one of the best things that ever happened to me. I thought I would work there forever. I was sad at first, but then I realized – I have to keep going. Best Buddies helped me update my resume and look for new positions. I was thrilled when they arranged for an interview at Michaels Craft Store, and next thing I knew I had a new job!
What personal hobbies and interests have you pursued this year?
I’ve been working on my art a lot this year. Art is a part of my soul, and it’s something I’ve always been passionate about. I’ve been sketching since I was a child, and I love caricatures and cartooning.
Your new job is a perfect fit with your love of art! How’s it going?
I’ve been there for about 2 months, and it’s been an unbelievable experience so far. I was nervous to do something new at first, but the Best Buddies Jobs team was there for me and helped me with my training. It was a relief to learn what I am capable of. The environment at Michaels has been great, and I enjoy being surrounded by art at work every day!
What is your message to other people with IDD?
Whatever you feel like doing, you must go for it. You have to believe in yourself. You have to hang onto that rope and never let go. Never give up on your dreams and always push forward to something great – something extraordinary.
Joseph’s Artwork
Joseph stayed humble in 2020. He pushed forward through setbacks and exemplified true perseverance.
Best Buddies needs your help building a brighter future for all of our participants with special abilities. Make a donation today and support people like Joseph. Any amount – big or small – will undoubtedly change lives for the better.
