Sun City woman's disabled adult son a priority

SUN CITY, Ariz. - Alice Wilcox of Sun City West isn't one to back down from a challenge.

Her son, Judson, was born with his esophagus going into his lungs instead of his stomach.

Emergency surgery when he was a day old saved him, but by that time, brain damage had already occurred.

And when doctors said her son would not talk until he was 12, and would never read, Alice set out to prove them wrong.

``That made me angry,'' Alice said. ``'Now, do you know what a mother and prayer can do?' I asked him. I dug my heels in- you can't walk away, you have to dedicate your life.''

Alice, who calls herself stubborn and defiant, quit her job as a teacher and made Judson her focus, refusing to accept her son's dismal prognosis.

Alice, 87, dedicated her life to elevating Judson's abilities to staggering levels, enlisting therapists and professionals to help.

Judson, 48, is now an excellent conversationalist, has a part-time job at Sunview Care Center in Sun City West and has lived in the Banner Special Adults Residence in Peoria for seven years.

``I'm a pushy mother,'' Alice said. ``I would ask for services, 'Isn't that what I'm paying taxes for?' but would always be fair about it.''

Alice said Judson always loved books, so she would have him sit with her while she read aloud, pointing to the words on the page as she read.

Sometimes she would test him by saying the wrong word, or turning the page before finishing reading the text.

And Judson would correct her.

``He would say 'Uh-uh', before he could talk,'' Alice said.

Alice said when he was 13, she took Judson back to the same doctor who gave him such a poor prognosis, and the doctor raved about how miraculous it was that Judson was doing so well.

``I told him, 'Let me tell you something, it's very wrong for you to put a child in a box','' Alice said. ``You don't understand what love, determination, and prayer can do.''

Judson is classified as educable mentally handicapped, which places his IQ at about 50-75, and means he can progress academically to a late elementary school level.

Alice said she always expected Judson to work and have his own spending money.

``Most (special needs) adults are capable, and working is an important part of their lives and a reason to get up and do something,'' Alice said. ``He has his own money to go on vacation (with me), and for dentist bills and it helps with self-esteem.''

Judson said he has a great boss at Sunview Care Center, where he works in housekeeping by doing vacuuming, laundry and other duties.

In addition to working, Judson volunteers at the Lakeview United Methodist Church in Sun City on Sundays, riding along in the courtesy van to pick up homebound seniors. He and his friend from the home for special adults joined the church on their own.

``I like helping people,'' Judson said. ``I go around and help pick up people who live in rest homes, who use wheelchairs and walkers.''

Alice said all special needs adults need someone to serve as their advocate.

But most importantly, they need the support and encouragement of family.

``You don't have to have teacher training.'' Alice said. ``They have been hurt and rejected, and know they haven't been accepted.''

``I still worry constantly,'' Alice said. ``And when my husband was alive we worried together.''

Alice said one of her worries is about how Judson will cope after she passes. So she has taken steps to ensure he will be financially secure.

She has set up a trust fund and a legal guardian to administer it.

``Hopefully the money will last, with the economy the way it is,'' Alice said.

In addition, Judson also will have a fiduciary for people with disabilities to manage the funding and make sure his needs are met.

Meanwhile, Judson loves visiting her at Grandview Terrace in Sun City West, which is next to his job. She sees him several times each week.

``He has grandparents all around,'' Alice said. ``And some of them are taking him to the ballgame tonight.''

She said seeing special needs adults in the Sun Cities is becoming more common.

``They don't hide anymore,'' Alice said.