Extraordinary Moments Made Possible By You
We often speak of the “extraordinary” we encounter here at Ability Beyond—it only happens from the generosity and compassion of our friends! It only happens because of YOU; you have created an Extraordinary Beyond in so many lives we serve.
We count on your generosity even more than you can imagine so that the joy and empowerment YOU’VE made possible is never diminished.
Lives of the people we serve continue to be blessings that unfold daily in heartwarming, exciting, and monumental ways! I’m thrilled to share a few Extraordinary people in our care whose dreams, talents and spirit continue to inspire us.
An Extraordinary Love Story
Ability Beyond’s FIRST and ONLY married couple—Esther and Roger fell in love and recently celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary!
In 1984, with prodding from dear friends to finally ask Esther out, Roger’s date request went well beyond his own wildest hopes and dreams when he suddenly got down on one knee and ALSO blurted out, “WILL YOU MARRY ME?” Esther enthusiastically resounded, “YES!”
On June 11, 1985, Esther and Roger married at First Congregational Church in Danbury, CT, celebrating along with their families; Roger’s brother, Larry, as his best man; hometown friends, their Ability family, in a big joyful reception.
These soulmates were both diagnosed at birth with developmental disabilities. Esther spent her youth at Southbury Training School before becoming part of a Danbury Ability Beyond group home in 1980.
Roger had lived with his family in Taunton, MA until a work injury blinded his right eye. Also in 1980, Roger’s family found the same supportive Ability group home for him in Danbury. Made possible by generosity like yours!
Ability’s innovation toward greater independence for candidates who would thrive from supported independent living, out in the community, led to their move away from their group home setting. Luckily, they both ended up in apartments on Farview Avenue in Danbury.
Over the years, Roger’s Parkinson’s Disease progressed to the point where they had to leave their independent living condo for an Ability home with medical support. Our staff moved mountains to ensure they could stay together. And they are living happily ever after with daily care for Roger’s needs—awaiting their 41st anniversary in June!
As donors—YOU’RE also by their side! Please know how much YOU have Esther and Roger’s love and gratitude!
A couple now in their late 70’s and early 80’s, Esther salsa dances, laughs readily, is quick, clever and open-hearted in her affection for Roger.
Roger is a staid, soft-spoken New Englander with an encyclopedic history of their life together that he readily shares. His blue eyes twinkle—then tear up when he speaks about meeting Esther and finally asking her to marry him!
Their long, happy journey included numerous Special Olympic gold medals they’ve won together, dancing and bowling with friends, plus health challenges faced by drawing strength from each other throughout the years.
“Roger saved my life,” Esther whispered as she spoke about the tumor Roger felt behind her ear many years ago. Roger contacted Ability staff who got Esther into Yale New Haven Health immediately for a consultation where she had surgery and radiation for the metastatic tumor that would have taken her life. Again, YOUR kindness over the years has helped SAVE and EMPOWER their extraordinary life together—YOUR generosity supports many lives and fills them with the hope and meaning that we all need and deserve!
An Extraordinary Leap
Michael never walked more than a few steps, then none at all—but he got wings to feel freer than ever! Mike, an Ability TIP Squad guru, was born with a rare neurological disorder called Lesch-Nyhan Syndrome affecting his speech and movement. This past October 8th, Mike strapped himself to his dive partner and made the first leap out of his physical and earthly boundaries!
Mike is a beloved housemate at his Ability home; he helps create and test adaptive devices for his peers. The freedom of skydiving is MIKE’S NEW BEYOND. Stay tuned—he’s certain to have more innovations and HUGE THRILLS AHEAD!
An Extraordinary Talent
Is it Max or is it Memorex? Did you know that perfect pitch is a rare gift to only 1 out of 10,000 people? At Ability Beyond, 300 people we serve take part in a music and drama program run by professional musician Billy Ayres. Out of the 300, Billy has identified 25 who have perfect pitch!
One recent afternoon at our Leir Center, the most angelic sound of Art Garfunkel’s high tenor singing “Bridge Over Troubled Water” could be heard coming from our day program.
Around the corner I spotted Max, one of our 25 singers with perfect pitch. “I’m on your side when times get tough, and friends just can’t be found, like a bridge over troubled waters—I will lay me down,” as he followed the tender final chords of the song to conclusion.
This was another Extraordinary moment your support made possible, and it’s all part of Ability’s mission to discover, build and celebrate the ability in all people!