Facilitated by Emily Berheide

On a beautiful Sunday afternoon in July we gathered at the Foley’s home. Korey invited people who were important to him and had impacted his life. Twenty people including his aunts, grandmother, priest, family friends, teachers etc. met on the back porch of their home. Korey and his dad started out the meeting by talking about what Korey wanted for his adult life.

Some of Korey’s goals were: to help other people, especially kids to reach their potential, find new opportunities to work and succeed, make new friends, continue to learn new things while building on the skills he already gained at the Kennedy Day School. Next I invited the guests to share how Korey had touched their lives. Both of his Aunts spoke about how Korey’s presence in their family had taught their own children so much about diversity and the beauty of difference. Their kids had the opportunity to grow up having it be normal for a child to use a wheelchair for mobility and valuing the many forms communication can take way beyond words. The Priests and Sisters from his church spoke about his connection with God and his real understanding of love and acceptance. Others spoke about how in tune Korey is with people. For example, Korey chose the most appropriate music for to soothe his family member when they were in need of support. Korey loves music and DJing. He loves contributing to others and knows he has a lot to offer.