Why Special Olympics is Important to Us
The New Frontline...
In state after state, governors rushed to deploy thousands of National Guard members to hospitals across the country. Their activation and arrival on the scene has been in each state heralded as a none-too-soon move as beds filled, staff called in sick and capacity hemorrhaged. While some are medical related, the majority of the troops help in non-medical related roles such as cleaning, transportation, and food service.
But other heroes have gotten lost beside these trained titans. Literally. Next to these six plus, 250 pound gargantuans is Zoey, four-ten, 115 pound, Down syndrome member of the Clinic’s food service team. After a season at the local ball park, she transitioned in 2019 to the Clinic. In the fall, her supervisor called to ask if she would be willing to work some additional hours to help cover staffing shortages. “Sure” Zoey replied in her characteristically cheerful way, “I’d be delighted.”
After a week of it, the supervisor called again, “Would Zoey be willing to work at this increased schedule going forward?”
Of course she was.
Zoey had already borne the chaos of 2020 and the ongoing strain of 2021 where burnout and fatigue have pushed medical personnel to the breaking point. Yet still, as we begin 2022, day after day, week after week, Zoey returned to the fray.
Meanwhile, the “HIRING” signs in windows reveal the all-apparent challenges in the food service industry. Many restaurants have had to reduce hours or shut their doors because they just couldn’t find the staff. And the Clinic is no different. Employees report the effects of kitchens closing across the campuses making it difficult or impossible for nurses and doctors to eat on already short breaks. Even a giant healthcare provider and its giant food service partners, with their seemingly endless resources, seem unable to find enough people willing and able to work.
Except for people like Zoey.
Into the breach — next to soldiers who must obey orders or face court-martial — you have Zoey who charges ahead with a love that is new. Smiling. Like that iconic child whose small fingers staunched a bleeding dutch dike.
This all but hidden exchange between Zoey and her supervisor flies in the face of so many narratives. When a baby is diagnosed with Down syndrome, the expectant parents can be fearful that the child will be a burden on society. Will it be possible to give that child the life they deserve? Perhaps, it would be better not to give it at all… Hence, depending on the country, 60–90% of these pregnancies are terminated.
It's important we reflect on why work matters; both our own internal work and the work of the millions of Americans. Fundamental is the dignity of work and the dignity of the worker. Unfortunately, corporations have largely failed to respect this dynamic, falling perhaps into mindsets that see employees as disposable, not as individuals to be cherished and grateful for.
In a similar manner, oftentimes work programs that hire people with Downs or other developmental disabilities are seen almost as charitable operations, checking a box or meeting a quota; sometimes even public perception is that these businesses are doing pitiable folks a sad favor.
But we can tell you that, with kitchens closing left and right, any harried kitchen supervisor is not trying to do anyone any favors. Zoey's work is valued, her contribution to society is real and tangible, and her coworkers have always known it.
Thank you, dear sister, for changing the way we all think about Life.
