A Mother’s Hope: Judy and Daniel’s Journey with Aspire

“What will happen when I’m not here?” It’s the question that quietly lingers in Judy’s mind—the same one every parent eventually faces. Like any mom, she wants her son to be happy, loved and cared for. But for Judy the role of caretaker never ended. As Daniel grew older, her days still revolved around his needs—helping him with meals, establishing routines, and feeling connected to the world.  

Every moment with Daniel is filled with love, but they also come with challenges that have shaped his family’s life. He faces developmental delays and behavioral needs that require full-time hands-on care. Everyday she faces the reality that small disruptions—a spill on his clothes, a sudden change in plans, or a noisy environment—are overwhelming and often trigger outbursts. 

After high school, Judy and her husband hoped a new program would help Daniel become more independent. But after several difficult experiences, running away, refusing attendance, and feeling overwhelmed, it became too much for everyone. 

Judy found herself at a crossroads. Their lives were in a constant state of disruption, and every decision had to be made with Daniel in mind. 

“Eventually, he just stayed home,” Judy recalls. They hired a full-time caregiver, and Daniel was happier at home but longed to explore new places and interact with people. Judy reflected on this time, “He was isolated.” Judy knew her son deserved more. 

Years passed that way. Like so many parents and caregivers, Judy began to carry a growing fear: what would happen to Daniel when she and her husband could no longer care for him?

“I want to make sure he is taken care of and has a place to live,” Judy states. She also began to realize that while the support system she had built was loving and safe, it wasn’t helping Daniel grow or learn the skills he would need to live more independently. 

That worry, the quiet, unrelenting fear of any parent, began to ease the day Judy found Aspire. Finally, a place that could offer Daniel the connection, structure, and friendships he needed.  

Daniel is now 37. He is a loving, affectionate man who lights up when he’s around people. He can be noisy at times, enjoys offering high fives, and showering his mom with kisses. He likes listening to music, watching SpongeBob, and his absolute favorite activity is exploring new places. 

Finally, he was somewhere that would embrace his needs, his personality, and his potential.  

Beginning a new adventure at Aspire was scary, but Daniel quickly learned to embrace and enjoy his days at the Academy. For three days a week, his time is filled with the social interactions he craves, walks in the fresh air, and new places to explore.  

Judy says, “On the days he goes to Aspire, he’s happier, more content.”  

That fear that once weighed on Judy is slowly lifting, realizing that she has found a place that helps Daniel experience the world the way he wants to and the way she has always hoped he could. 

Aspire isn’t only a step forward for Daniel, it’s a lifeline for Judy. For the first time in years, Judy can breathe. “Aspire gives me peace of mind,” she says softly.

“It gives me time away from the constant complexity of caring for him. It gives me a sense of myself again.”

She’s studying again, keeping up her medical license, and starting to feel hopeful about Daniel’s future. He’s now on the waitlist for an Aspire Community Home, a milestone that once felt impossible. “I hope he continues to build his independence and stay surrounded by people who care about him,” she says. 

For families like Judy’s, Aspire is more than a place to go or somewhere to receive services. It means relief. It means community. It means knowing their loved ones can live meaningful, connected lives even when parents can’t always be there. 

Judy’s hope for Daniel’s future is layered with love and honesty. “I am looking forward to Daniel having a different life,” she says, “but I don’t want him to leave me.” It’s the delicate balance every parent faces, wanting their child to grow while still hoping to hold on. For Judy, Aspire makes that balance possible. It’s where Daniel is learning, connecting, and finding joy, and where Judy can finally look ahead with peace and gratitude. 

Want to help more families like Jude and Daniel’s find hope and peace of mind?

Your generosity helps people with disabilities thrive — and gives families like Judy’s the comfort of knowing their loved one is cared for.

Give today at https://aspirechicago.com/donate and help more families experience the comfort and confidence that Aspire brings every day.