Hello! I'm David and I'm pleased to be here this evening to support Family to Family Network.

I am 19 years old and just graduated from Spring Hill High School in Longview Texas.   I currently attend Kilgore College.   I own my own truck and am working toward getting my drivers license soon.   I work part-time at a Presbyterian church camp as a grounds assistant and have recently started my own lawn service business, which is called "Buckner's ExtraMile Services." My motto is "Going the Distance for You."

I have been going the distance for a long time.   When I was 3 months old I had my first seizure and my doctors discovered I have a disease called Tuberous Sclerosis.  Mom and Dad were told that I would probably not ever walk or talk, but I proved them wrong!

I went to school just like all the other kids, even though sometimes learning was hard for me.  I don't have much of a math brain, but my brain is good with mechanical stuff.   I had help from a lot of people, including other kids in my classes. I attended regular classes all the way through high school.  I studied government, US history, the periodic table of elements, Beowulf, Julius Caesar and Hamlet.   I was voted "Most Compassionate" by my senior class, which was a real honor.

But I also went a different kind of distance.   You see, I am a distance runner.   I was a four-year Varsity runner for our Cross Country and Track teams, and a 5-time Regional Qualifier.  I earned this letter jacket and all these patches and I have over 50 medals at home.  I used to run with my team at school and then we would eat together at the Chik Fil A.  We hung out and talked about all kinds of stuff. I loved those times and hanging out with my friends.

In addition to running and working, I love spending time with my model trains and working on small engines with my Dad.   I have a busy life!

I am one of the lucky ones.  My Mom and Dad got connected with groups like Family to Family Network early and learned what is possible for kids with disabilities.  They never let my disability get in my way and they taught me how to reach for the stars.

My Mom asked me what I would say to parents whose kids are young and struggling with disability. I would tell them: "Don't give up. It's just beginning!  There will be doors that will open along the way and you have to take a chance. You have to let your kids learn and let them get used to different things. Don't keep them by your side too much or they won't get the experience they need."

Family to Family Network gives parents the information they need to help their kids reach for the stars. Thanks for supporting Family to Family Network.