Doug was born normal in Mesa, AZ on 2/28/81.
By the time he was age 3 he was only 17 lbs and dying from abuse and neglect. Around this time his Great Aunt Pat managed to get court custody and has raised him ever since. Doctors had told Pat that she shouldn't expect him to live past 15, but today he is 23!
Doug has a subtle but distinct personality. He likes country music and baseball and, true to his gender, he is enthralled by cheerleaders. He can be sly or sneeky, such as when he feigns sleep. He can be happy, sad, upset and feels pleasure and pain, but since he can't talk, it takes a while to get to know him.
Pat, his guardian, is 69 and now legally blind. Her husband Jay is 75.
They are surviving on a little over $1,100/m combined social security. Doug gets SSI payments of $350/m which is supposed to help with his incontinence supplies and the utilities. The State pays for Attendant Care (that's me and Cindy).
Pat is beginning to worry about what will happen if Doug should outlive her! |
