In the fall of 2008 I went to Amy Armstrong's house as green as her front lawn. She was one of my first interviews as a big girl, full-time journalist. I was there to talk to Amy about her toddler, Larkin, and Amy's advocacy initiative, Larkin's Place at the Stephens Family YMCA. Fifteen years later, Amy and I talk about the next phase of Larkin's life and how Amy and her husband have to prepare to legally take control of Larkin before the age of 18 hits.
Listen as this momologist and long-time resident explains the list of Larkin's diagnosis and why Down Syndrome is the least of their concerns-the hidden disabilities being the most worrisome. Infantile spasms, Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome, epilepsy, Celiac disease and Autism occupy the family's mental space and sometimes makes them feel alone. Comparison being the thief of joy doesn't mean you don't notice what your daughter will never get to do or experience, even if she doesn't notice herself.
I’d like to thank this episode’s sponsor, the Champaign Central C-Club. On Saturday, December 6, the public is invited to honor these local athletes as they are inducted into the Champaign Central Hall of Fame. Cocktail hour will begin at 4 p.m. at 2501 Village Green Place next to Jupiters at the Crossing. For tickets, visit this link or contact Phillip.Swartz7@gmail.com.
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