Judy was raised on a charming street in Pottstown, PA. She lived across from her now-husband, Stan, and his brother, who had Down Syndrome – a genetic disorder caused by the presence of an extra chromosome 21 at birth.

Ronnie was affectionate and sweet, yet he was born at a time when families often didn't raise a child with Down Syndrome at home. Instead, they would typically send them to state institutions for what was thought to be better care, a belief that has now been proven incorrect.

Ronnie's family deeply desired to care for him at home, a testament to their unwavering love. However, they encountered numerous challenges and lacked the necessary skills, knowledge, and support to provide him with care. This led them to make the difficult decision to enroll him in a KenCrest workshop in Pottstown. This move allowed Ronnie to engage with the community and provided his aging parents with much-needed respite.

Initially, Montgomery County paid for Ronnie's attendance, but after a while, the county opted to stop funding. The family fought this choice, but the county remained firm. However, KenCrest's recognition of the family's circumstances and appreciation of Ronnie's presence inspired them to allow him to keep attending.

When Ronnie's father passed away, his mother found it challenging to care for him alone at home due to the physical demands. Aware of KenCrest's residential services for individuals with IDD in Pennsylvania, she helped Ronnie transition to a group residential home. And he thrived.