In 2004, at the age of 40, Carole was overjoyed to be pregnant for the first time. Although she understood the potential risks, prenatal testing was never something she considered. This was her child, and she embraced whatever the future would bring.
When Evan was born with Down syndrome, Carole continued forward exactly as she always intended: with love, determination, and an unwavering belief in his potential. Evan has kept her moving ever since. Like many devoted moms, Carole became coach, driver, cheerleader, and scheduler for a busy young man involved in dance, martial arts, and a full slate of after-school activities.
When Carole joined The Arc of Indiana board of directors, Evan became her regular companion at meetings. His presence served as a powerful reminder to every board member of the real purpose behind our work.
Carole became a fierce advocate for Evan’s education, finding a school within IPS that not only believed in inclusion but knew how to do it well. Carole focused on Evan’s future, working every day toward the moment he left school and could begin to build a life on his own.
Evan went on to attend Herron Riverside High School, where he participated in activities like cheerleading, musical theater, and choir. Evan graduated with honors and is now in his second year at IU-Indianapolis in the SITE program. Evan also participates in the Urban Artisans program at ArtMix and is in his third year as a volunteer teaching assistant for Kids Dance Outreach.
From the beginning, Evan was surrounded by family and a community that believed in his worth and his potential. Through his mother’s commitment to advocacy, including her involvement with The Arc of Indiana, Evan grew up connected to a community that champions self-advocacy, inclusion, and independence for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
The Arc’s advocacy and many years of commitment to inclusion helped open doors to meaningful educational and life opportunities, supporting Evan as he moved from high school into college and now life as a young adult in the community.
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