I encourage you to watch this inspiring video which recently aired. B'rad will be on GMA January 31 speaking with Diane Sawyer.
http://abclocal.go.com/wpvi/story?section=news/sports&id=5901234
WPVI Philadelphia, PAHOME
The shot of a lifetime
Tuesday, January 29, 2008 12:20 AM
An Action News Special Report
By Jamie Apody
CHERRY HILL, N.J. -- A remarkable young athlete has developed a big following. At first glance, it was just your run of the mill three-pointer in a high school hoops game."He comes down with three seconds to go and makes the final shot. It was an amazing shot," said his dad, Bob Hennefer.And then you notice, the coach on the opposing team came over to shake the Brad Hennefer's hand."It was unbelievable. He got a standing ovation," said John Valore, Cherry Hill East coach.This shot was different. This shot was Brad Hennefer's first-ever Varsity basket. This shot was something that was never supposed to be in the cards."I'm a very good shooter, good behind the black lines," said Brad.
Life has been tough from the beginning for Brad. Born with Down Syndrome, nothing comes easy or guaranteed."We had no idea about Down Syndrome. We had mixed emotions," said his dad.What he did, since the tender age of three, was turn to sports. Now a senior at Cherry Hill East, he has played four years of high school basketball."Being part of a team is always a kids dream. It has been great for him," said Bob Hennefer."His reaction to the excitement of it all just adds a catalyst to the rest of the players and makes them go harder, work harder," said Valore."All the kids in basketball, they look at me and are proud of me," said Brad.
Basketball is not even Brad's best sport. He is thought to be the only kid with Down Syndrome in the country to earn a varsity letter in two sports -- basketball and golf.Brad is set to graduate this year. He has big plans."After high school, I'll go to Camden County College work on business and computers," said Brad.
And wherever life takes him, he'll always have that shot. It's proof that sometimes the biggest triumphs come in the smallest of victories.His teammates call him B-Rad.
The Hennefer family has started a foundation, Golf for Life, in which they travel the country and put on golf clinics for kids with Down Syndrome. For more information on the foundation, visit www.golfforlife.org.
(Copyright ©2008 WPVI-TV/DT. All Rights Reserved.)
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Frosty Fun
The week before last (yes, I'm a bit behind on posts) we had our first substantial snow fall. Our friends up North or in the Midwest may laugh at the amount, but it was enough to make our boys very happy. Nate raced home from preschool to build Frosty. He had patiently waited for us to pick him up as he watched big cotton ball snow flakes fall to the ground from the window in his class. Brian and Nate spent the late afternoon building Frosty and adding all the essentials including a hat, scarf, mittens, carrots for a nose and mouth, and dark chocolate balls as eyes! As you can see below, Matthew wasn't a huge fan of the snow. Too cold for him and Mommy!
Almost two weeks later, very little remains of Frosty. Try explaining this one to a 3 year old....yikes!
Almost two weeks later, very little remains of Frosty. Try explaining this one to a 3 year old....yikes!
Monday, January 21, 2008
Our Senate Staffer - Update on Prenatally and Postnatally Diagnosed Conditions Awareness Act
Matthew could pass as the youngest Senate Staffer after returning to Capitol Hill last week for the third time in support of the Prenatally and Postnatally Diagnosed Conditions Awareness Act sponsored by Senators Ted Kennedy (MA) and Sam Brownback (KS). Brian and I accompanied Matthew to present to the Health Committee in support of the legislation.
Matthew was a star again! He charmed the audience waving, clapping and blowing kisses while the panel presented to the Health Committee regarding the importance of the bipartisan Bill. Brian gave a beautiful testimonial of our story and then stepped in his advocate shoes for all individuals with Down syndrome and other genetic conditions encouraging the Committee to see the importance of this Bill for present and future parents. We were joined by a young lady (34 years old) from Iowa who gave an amazing speech of her life as an individual with DS. Mia's speech brought tears to my eyes. I think she was smitten on Matthew too!
The Bill goes to the Senate on January 30 for mark up. It sounds like it has a great change of passing.
It has been an amazing opportunity to lobby on the Hill for our children. I was so proud of my husband last week. You would have been too!
If you are interested in reading the Bill, you can view at http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c110:S.1810: (Make sure you include : at the end or the link may not work)
Matthew and Mia on Capitol Hill
Matthew was a star again! He charmed the audience waving, clapping and blowing kisses while the panel presented to the Health Committee regarding the importance of the bipartisan Bill. Brian gave a beautiful testimonial of our story and then stepped in his advocate shoes for all individuals with Down syndrome and other genetic conditions encouraging the Committee to see the importance of this Bill for present and future parents. We were joined by a young lady (34 years old) from Iowa who gave an amazing speech of her life as an individual with DS. Mia's speech brought tears to my eyes. I think she was smitten on Matthew too!
The Bill goes to the Senate on January 30 for mark up. It sounds like it has a great change of passing.
It has been an amazing opportunity to lobby on the Hill for our children. I was so proud of my husband last week. You would have been too!
If you are interested in reading the Bill, you can view at http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/z?c110:S.1810: (Make sure you include : at the end or the link may not work)
Matthew and Mia on Capitol HillWednesday, January 16, 2008
Monday, January 7, 2008
Future Fire Chiefs
On Saturday the boys went to a birthday party to celebrate Jack and Andrew's 3rd Birthday. Nate had a great time exploring their house including the big toy room and outside playground. All the kids received a surprise when a big red firetruck appeared. The birthday boys were a little shy about getting in the truck so Nate took it upon himself to be the first one on board. He had a great time exploring the hoses, switches, ladders, etc. He even got to ride in the front seat!
A few pictures of my fire chiefs....
A few pictures of my fire chiefs....
Saturday, January 5, 2008
Happy Zoo Year!
Happy New Year to All!
We spent New Year's Eve evening visiting our friends, Mark and April, who had just moved. Brian and I had a chance to play a friendly game of Guitar Hero on Wii............I now want a Wii!! While we were playing Wii several of our friends were playing with Matthew and Nate. Our friends our smitten over our children. We are lucky to have great friends! We decided to leave shortly before 10:00am after Matthew had overturned a glass of red wine on the new carpet, thank goodness for scotch guard! and Nate had locked himself in the dog cage with their pups, Zeke and Zoe. We were at home and in bed before 11:30pm. So much for watching the ball drop and ringing in the New Year!
On Monday we dumped our plans for taking down the Christmas decorations and headed to the National Zoo. We decided to make a game of it and look for the characters from one of Nate's favorite movies Madagascar. Note to self - next time check the zoo schedule before going. After a long time of walking around the zoo we were only able to find Gloria (Hippo) and Marty (Zebra). The lion den only had female lions - no Alex! and the Giraffes were temporarily moved from the zoo while they build a new exhibit. Nate left the zoo believing Melman (Giraffe) was visiting the doctor and will be there next time. We had a great time looking at other animals including the Pandas who were all out in their play yard. So much more fun than boxing up decorations!
Up close with a panda
Close to the tigers too!
Riding a bear
Zebras are somewhere.....
Matthew is bundled up and along for the ride
We spent New Year's Eve evening visiting our friends, Mark and April, who had just moved. Brian and I had a chance to play a friendly game of Guitar Hero on Wii............I now want a Wii!! While we were playing Wii several of our friends were playing with Matthew and Nate. Our friends our smitten over our children. We are lucky to have great friends! We decided to leave shortly before 10:00am after Matthew had overturned a glass of red wine on the new carpet, thank goodness for scotch guard! and Nate had locked himself in the dog cage with their pups, Zeke and Zoe. We were at home and in bed before 11:30pm. So much for watching the ball drop and ringing in the New Year!
On Monday we dumped our plans for taking down the Christmas decorations and headed to the National Zoo. We decided to make a game of it and look for the characters from one of Nate's favorite movies Madagascar. Note to self - next time check the zoo schedule before going. After a long time of walking around the zoo we were only able to find Gloria (Hippo) and Marty (Zebra). The lion den only had female lions - no Alex! and the Giraffes were temporarily moved from the zoo while they build a new exhibit. Nate left the zoo believing Melman (Giraffe) was visiting the doctor and will be there next time. We had a great time looking at other animals including the Pandas who were all out in their play yard. So much more fun than boxing up decorations!
Up close with a panda
Close to the tigers too!
Riding a bear
Zebras are somewhere.....
Matthew is bundled up and along for the rideWednesday, January 2, 2008
Holiday Tour
You know the song......"On the road again, just can't wait to get on the road again..." I was ready to get off the road! We took a 10 day whirlwind tour of Pennsylvania and Virgina to visit family and friends at Christmas. We started in Pittsburgh the Friday evening before Christmas where we stayed with Grandma. We had daily visits with Pappy and spent time with Aunt Diane, Uncle Steve, Stanley and Katie. Brian and I went on a date!! We had tickets to the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra and had a nice dinner beforehand. We had a great time. We also visited our friends Chris, Kelly and Ryan who we haven't seen in almost a year. Our five days of Christmas - literally - started on Christmas Eve. The kids had presents to open from different people for five straight days. They received wonderful gifts from everyone.
On Christmas night we traveled back home for the evening. Just long enough to unpack, do laundry and pack the car again. Nate had a horrible ear infection on the way home. As we were driving through the mountains he would scream and cry. Only later did we learn his tube had fallen out.....off to the ENT in a few days.
We arrived home late in the evening but both boys were wide eyed after sleeping the whole 4+ hour drive. Santa had stopped by our house while we were away. We had a great time seeing what Santa had brought and trying out new toys.
We left for Nana & Goddy's house in Virginia - a 2+ hour drive - on Wednesday. We spent a lot of time with Nana, Goddy, Aunt Tef-Tef and Uncle Bobby. The kids had a lot of gifts from them and Aunt Bes and Uncle Bernie who we didn't get to see. On Friday we had Christmas with the Wines. Brian and I went on another date. Woo hoo! We double dated with Steph and Rob to see National Treasure 2. Visiting grandparents gets you instant babysitters.
Christmas was fantastic! A lot of boxes, wrapping paper, tissue paper, toys needing batteries and shiny plastic gadgets. We had a great time but were relieved to finally be home! Next year...........let's just say we may open our house to others. Traveling over the Holidays is draining!
We hope you had a wonderful Holiday Season with your loved ones!
Matthew in his new nap mat
Nate testing out his new scooter
Matthew opening presents and sitting in his new chair
Matthew, Ryan and Nate
Nate, Matthew, Pappy, Katie and Stanley
Cousins - Matthew, Stanley and Nate
"I got a present!"
Nate being Santa's helper and passing out gifts
Matthew wearing his new backpack
On Christmas night we traveled back home for the evening. Just long enough to unpack, do laundry and pack the car again. Nate had a horrible ear infection on the way home. As we were driving through the mountains he would scream and cry. Only later did we learn his tube had fallen out.....off to the ENT in a few days.
We arrived home late in the evening but both boys were wide eyed after sleeping the whole 4+ hour drive. Santa had stopped by our house while we were away. We had a great time seeing what Santa had brought and trying out new toys.
We left for Nana & Goddy's house in Virginia - a 2+ hour drive - on Wednesday. We spent a lot of time with Nana, Goddy, Aunt Tef-Tef and Uncle Bobby. The kids had a lot of gifts from them and Aunt Bes and Uncle Bernie who we didn't get to see. On Friday we had Christmas with the Wines. Brian and I went on another date. Woo hoo! We double dated with Steph and Rob to see National Treasure 2. Visiting grandparents gets you instant babysitters.
Christmas was fantastic! A lot of boxes, wrapping paper, tissue paper, toys needing batteries and shiny plastic gadgets. We had a great time but were relieved to finally be home! Next year...........let's just say we may open our house to others. Traveling over the Holidays is draining!
We hope you had a wonderful Holiday Season with your loved ones!
Matthew in his new nap mat
Nate testing out his new scooter
Matthew opening presents and sitting in his new chair
Matthew, Ryan and Nate
Nate, Matthew, Pappy, Katie and Stanley
Cousins - Matthew, Stanley and Nate
"I got a present!"
Nate being Santa's helper and passing out gifts
Matthew wearing his new backpack
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