Living With Down Syndrome - What Will Happen To Andy?

Ana Maria Miyares has been by Andys side his entire life. Her 25-year-old son has Down syndrome and, though dependent on Ana Maria and her husband, Carlos, hes achieved a great deal. Andy has set world-class swimming records in the Special Olympics and now holds a job in the organization's Florida office. He also has had a steady girlfriend for eight years. But now that Ana Maria is 70, she worries about Andys next stage of life - what he will do after she and her husband are gone.




Ana Maria isnt alone. An estimated 717,000 disabled adults live with caregivers who are over the age of 60. Although her experience with Andy has been a valuable road map for other families in her community who have Down syndrome children, Ana struggles with how to plan for her sons future. Her greatest hope is that, with help from his siblings, Andy lives an independent - and successful - life.

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• special olympics
• florida
• disabilities
• disabled
• handicap
• caregivers
• Ana Maria Miyares
• Andy
• Miami
• Down syndrome
• swimming
• Kat Keene Hogue
• AARP Bulletin Today
• AARP Bulletin
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[authorgirl87]

This is a beautiful family.

[MadameMorticia1706]

Thank God this young man has siblings who will look out for his best interests after the deaths of his parents. Otherwise, he'd be at the mercy of the system.

[Progo35]

The disabled community continues to fight for Money Follows the Person and the Community Choice Act. This is what we need to help ensure that people like Any have the best life possible, even if family members pass on.

[Ema9Zack]

This mom is one of the greatest mom in the world. I am a special education teacher and I feel so inspired by watching this video !

[roddo63]

God bless you. Your family is beautiful!

[the49bus]

Can anyone identify the type of pen andy is using. I cannot find a pen like that anywhere

[newsontheshore]

Well if shes worried about what will happen after she dies, she has nothing to worry about! He seemes and does everything a normal person would do. :] God bless him <3

[watcher4234]

God bless you for giving this boy a chance at life instead of aborting him. I would rather have children with D.S. than giving birth to a future Ted Bundy.

[laurielouwho]

Rock on. You as a family are looking at the reality of care that is needed. Great job. I'm sure many people wait to long to look at planning for a safe, happy, and rewarding future for their children with disabilities.

I see a great futrue for my daughter age 8 with DS. I hope someday she can find a soul mate like Andy has and have a well rounded rewarding life. I don't see any reason why that won't happen. I am EXTREMELY proud of her. ;)

[BarbieDee77]

so beautiful.

[HeatherandChris7]

Wonderful!!

[peope1976]

I don't know what to say.

You seem like very nice people.

You have my respect.