Editor’s note: This spotlight feature focuses on local agencies which receive funding from the United Way of Freeborn County. Written in their own words, each agency highlights the importance of the work they do for local and area residents. The United Way’s annual fund-raising campaign is under way, with a goal of $515,000.

By Barb Mange, Special to the Tribune

Fourteen years ago my husband and I, along with our 5-year-old son were blessed with a child named James. James was born with Down syndrome.

At first we thought, &uot;How could this happen to us?&uot;

Our hearts sank, we were numb. We felt everything had come to an end for us. But James has pulled us closer as a family, and now we feel that we are lucky to have James in our lives.

With Down syndrome came many challenges. At one-month old, James was diagnosed with an Endocardial cusion defect and needed open heart surgery.

We were very frightened.

Surgery went well, but two weeks later he started breathing funny, and his airway began to close.

We almost lost him.

A tracheotomy saved his life.

James we then in and out of the hospital during most of his first five years.

He had croup, had his tonsils and adenoids removed, and several ear infections which led to several sets of tubes put in his ears.

Every time we kept thinking, what could possibly happen next!

When I was told James was developing slower than a normal child was, I was angry and sad.

It was like all the time I spent teaching James, watching him learn and grow was just shot down.

To me, he was just like any other child, but just needed a little more help.

James is now a wonderful, energetic, and happy teenager.

With the love and support of many people including the school district, Arc and the United Way, James has been able to be a part of the community.

He doesn’t get put aside.

He gets the opportunity to be involved.

He gets to bowl, and compete in track and field for Special Olympics, and he loves the monthly dances sponsored by Arc.

With James being able to get involved and feel important, he made the B Honor Roll all through this past year at school.

People care, and for that, James has learned to care also, which makes everyday for him fun and exciting.