Special Needs Living Akron/Canton- August 2022

Youth Spotlight

NEED A HUG?

YOU NEED TO KNOW EMMA STONE! LIVING LIFE WITH A CONTAGIOUS SMILE

By Andrea Hurr

Andrea Hurr

“Always see your kid’s abilities, not their disabilities. Encourage them to participate in activities and have fun!” These are the wise words from Sharon Stone, mother to Emma, who has Down syndrome.

Emma lives in Massillon with her mom, dad and two dogs. She has an older sister, Makayla, whom she admires very much. They have a special bond, and Emma looks up to her because “Makayla always helps me and loves me. Even though she lives far away, she always Facetimes me. We have fun jamming in the car. I can always count on her. I love my sister.” Such sweet words from Emma, who wants to work in a bakery one day.

Going back to Sharon’s advice, she always encouraged and set realistic expectations for Emma. Her family would not allow her disability to define her, and through seasons of difficulty and fear, they found support from friends, Service and Support Administrators at the Stark County DD, and other professionals throughout the years to help them find the answers and help they needed. Sharon says, “surround yourself with good, supporting friends and professionals. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Allow your kids to get out in the community and live their lives!”

They are fortunate to live in a community where they have found endless opportunities for Emma, and she has participated in a number of programs over the years. She particularly loves playing tennis with the Buddy Up Tennis program and also participates with Improvaneers and works out at Impulse Training, Whispering Grace Horses, Empower Sports Soccer and ran track in the Special Olympics.

Emma found out about Buddy Up Tennis through Upside of Downs, a nonprofit organization committed to helping service the Down syndrome community through new parent support, recreational activities, raising awareness and advocating for a brighter future. They promote the “Upside” and positive aspects of Down syndrome. Emma has been playing for over five years, and in 2020 she wrote an essay and spoke at the Buddy Up Gala! Her list of accomplishments doesn’t end there – at Impulse, where she has been working out for five years, she does personal training as well as a class for special needs called Hero30. Emma says that she often has people seek her out for her hugs. She has a contagious laugh and enjoys life to the fullest. She owes her “live life to the fullest” mantra to her family, who always encourage her and all the wonderful programs and people she gets to work with and interact with daily. We can learn so much from Emma’s positivity and approach to enjoying whatever life has to offer. Thanks, Emma!