Diane

A mother’s greatest joy is her children; this is especially true for Diane. Diane and her husband Frank are the parents of Rebekah and two other children, all special needs adoptions. Their daughter Rebekah, 17, is a miracle child.  Diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy and mental retardation, she is fed by a tube and requires constant care from her parents and a nurse. Despite her special needs and because of her mother’s devoted love, Rebekah is a vibrant young lady, who enjoys music and being around people. <Read their full story>

Andrea

When Ally was 18 months old, her mother, Andrea, noticed signs of developmental delays. Ally was eventually diagnosed with autism.  At five, Ally still could not speak.  After traditional treatments failed, Ally’s doctors prescribed a special therapy, which TennCare agreed to cover.  After less than 20 hours of therapy, Ally spoke her first words, “Hold me.”  Andrea had never heard sweeter words. <Read Andrea's full story>

Jean

Carol is extraordinary.  Born with cerebral palsy, her accomplishments have surprised everyone – except her parents.  Jean and Bill have raised her to be a feisty, self-confident, vibrant young woman.  Using her computer speech synthesizer, Carol has testified before Congress and gives motivational talks to children with disabilities.  From nursing Carol through illnesses she was never expected to survive, to taking notes for her in classes, Jean has been a super-mom.  A disabilities organization just recognized Jean as Mother of the Year. <Read Jean's full story>

Shelly

Like other mothers, Shelly nurtures special dreams for her children, Ellie and Wayne.  These dreams gave way to fear that she couldn’t even keep them fed.  After Ellie needed surgery for a life-threatening neurological condition, Shelly had to stay home to care for her.  When she tried to go back to work, the state cut the family’s food stamps, a calculation that resulted from an erroneous double counting of the family’s child support.  Fearful but determined, Shelly insisted on fairness.  Officials admitted the policy was wrong but refused to change, saying it would be too difficult to reprogram the state’s computer.  Shelly’s local attorney referred her to the Tennessee Justice Center. <Read Shelly's full story>

Elizabeth

Shortly after her baby, Emilee, was born, Elizabeth was told that her infant daughter had a rare and complicated life-threatening condition.  Although little Emilee’s condition could be corrected with surgery, Elizabeth received the devastating news that TennCare refused to authorize the surgical procedure.  Why?  There wasn’t a doctor in Tennessee who could perform the surgery because Emilee’s condition was so unusual.  Although Emilee urgently needed care, TennCare would not authorize surgery. <Read Elizabeth's full story>

Wanda

Wanda’s sons are the lights of her life.  Ten-year-old Christopher has cerebral palsy, developmental delays and is blind.  When he was born, Wanda was told to institutionalize him.  She refused, believing she could give her son a better life. <Read Wanda's full story>