Focus on Friendship

Ned Russell-Sullivan's Fantastic Journey with Best Buddies

2012-03-01T08:19:00.007-08:00

Welcome to March! Did you know that March is Disability Awareness and Best Buddies Month? What better way to kick off the month than to hear from an amazing self-advocate and buddy director at IUPUI, Ned Russell-Sullivan. Thank you, Ned, for sharing your story!

Hello, my name is Ned Russell-Sullivan. I would like to share my personal and fun experiences in Best Buddies with you. I started Best Buddies with my sister when I was in middle school. I remember we did tennis in our group. In my senior year in high school I was in the chapter at my school. When my Buddy and I were matched, we decided to write to each other. Almost every day we would lunch together. We kept in touch by e-mail and any time when we passed each other in the hallways.

When I moved to Indiana, I started back being involved with Best Buddies. When I joined the Indiana University-Purdue University at Indianapolis (IUPUI) Chapter I had more then one buddy. When I talk to my Buddy it makes me happy because keeping in touch with friends is important to me. This year my Best Buddy is Kathryn. What Kathryn and I have done as Buddies is go bowling, eat out and attend chapter events. I really like going to the leadership conference because I feel like there's a job that needs to be done and I like improving my chapter. I am the Buddy Director for the IUPUI Chapter.

Kathryn and Ned - Art of Friendship 2010
I have a lot of fun memories through Best Buddies. I remember when my Buddy was Josie. I took her to see Josh Blue. Josh Blue is a comedian who won the 2004 season of Last Comic Standing. Josh Blue has Cerebral Palsy, is married and a father. I remember going bowling with several of my Best Buddies friends and going to the leadership conference each year and I feel proud and happy.

Today I am working for the Marion County Clerk's office. I work part-time five days a week. I love it. I sort mail and deliver summons to the county courts. I have been working there a year and a half. In my Best Buddies chapter, we had our Holiday Dance in December and we also went to an Indiana Ice Hockey game. All the group activities are so much fun. In group activities, I catch up with the Buddies to see how they are doing with their Buddies.

Ned at an IUPUI chapter activity in October
If I had to pick one word that makes me think of Best Buddies, I feel that there should be two words. Family and Friends. Family, because every time we do a group activity, I feel like we're one big family helping and learning from each other. Friends, because you can always find a friend or someone to hang out with and have a great time!

Missy Spurr's Journey with Best Buddies

2012-02-01T14:18:00.000-08:00

Each month we will be highlighting one of our outstanding supporters in honor of our 10 year anniversary. This month we are pleased to introduce you to: Missy Spurr

How did you become involved in Best Buddies?

Missy enjoying a dinner with her buddy, Jenny!

When I was in high school, I was involved in Project E.A.S.E. (Entering and Accessing School Environments), a club that helped promote inclusion of students in special education classes in the social scene of the high school. I absolutely loved my involvement and was ECSTATIC when I came across the Best Buddies' table at the activities fair at the University of Notre Dame when I was a freshman. It seemed like the perfect next step from my experience in high school. I was matched with Jenny all four years while I was in undergrad and we had a fantastic time together. We still keep in touch to this day and have a great friendship. I was honored to serve as an officer for several years and attend the Leadership Conference. It was exhilarating meeting other students as passionate about Best Buddies as I was. When I started medical school at IU School of Medicine (IUSM), I greatly missed my involvement in Best Buddies. Lucky for me, my brother was the founder and CBD of the Butler chapter and I was allowed to attend group events. Surprisingly, that wasn't enough. I talked with the state office and helped launch a new joint chapter between IUPUI and IUSM. I had two different buddies while in medical school, Ellen and Scott. We had a lot of fun together and got to see the growth of the chapter. I continued involvement in Best Buddies by attending Business Buddies and the gala as well as participating in the walk. Throughout medical school and residency, I have been able to use my experience in Best Buddies to more appropriately talk to parents of patients with disabilities and give them hope that their child can have long lasting friendships with people outside of their family. I am incredibly honored to have been recently invited to join the state advisory board to help give back to an organization that has truly changed my life.

What is your favorite Best Buddies memory?

One of Missy's favorite memories...meeting Chris Burke

Wow, there are just too many to choose from! My friendship with my buddies, my experiences at the leadership conference, meeting Anthony Kennedy Shrive and Chris Burke through Best Buddies' functions, to seeing the growth of Best Buddies throughout Indiana and the world!

What are you doing today?

Missy and her fiance, Dan.

After completing my pediatric residency, I started a two year genetics fellowship. I will be finished in July and am planning on joining a practice here in Indianapolis. I am also lucky enough to be a faculty advisor for the IUPUI/IUSM Best Buddies chapter and to be a new appointee to the state advisory board of Best Buddies Indiana.

What is ONE word that makes you think of Best Buddies?

Friendship

Happy New Year - Celebrating 10 Years of BBIN

2012-01-19T19:32:00.000-08:00

Dear Friends,

Welcome to our 10^th anniversary celebration blog! It is hard to believe Best Buddies launched an office in Indiana 10 years ago. The office opened in January, 2002 at 21 Virginia Avenue in downtown Indianapolis. We spent a short time downtown before moving to the Schull-Rausch Mansion at 3050 North Meridian Street, which was home to Best Buddies Indiana for more than five years. Continued growth brought more change and the office relocated to the Castleton area in 2009. We have been very happy in our new space and will be able to grow and expand as needed over the next several years.

Of course the most significant news since our office opened 10 years ago is the enormous number of individuals we have impacted through the Best Buddies Friendship Programs. In 2002 we opened 8 chapters at High School and Colleges in the state that served 200 participants. Today, as we celebrate 10 years, we are ecstatic to report that we offer programs on 4 Middle School, 46 High School and 16 College campuses in Indiana, serving more than 4,600 individuals annually.

We would not have been able to accomplish so much without the hard work and dedication of our staff and the Best Buddies Indiana Advisory and Honorary Boards. We thank each of you who have served Best Buddies Indiana during the last decade. Because of you, we have brightened the days of our buddies and their families.

Throughout 2012, we will be highlighting former volunteers and participants who are part of the Best Buddies family on this blog. We invite you to join us on our journey as we celebrate the thousands of friendships that have been created over the last 10 years. Together, we are Best Buddies!

Sincerely,

Sarah Baldini

State Director

A Common Bond - December 2011

2011-12-08T12:47:00.000-08:00

Brad Herman, a freshman at Purdue, first met Shawn Rector at a beginning of the year social for Best Buddies Purdue. They really hit it off, and a friendship started to blossom. Brad and Shawn were officially matched at the Match Party a few weeks later. Brad has been deeply impacted by having Shawn in his life. He says:

Brad and Shawn hanging out at a Best Buddies event.

“Having the opportunity to meet Shawn at the Best Buddies meeting this year has been one of the brightest moments for me. We were able to talk about our faith, life, and other interesting things about us. We have similar stories growing up, both being in a fatherless home. I believe being able to relate to each other in this area has made our friendship stronger. He and I are able to talk about anything. To me, I believe open communication and loyalty are the two most important things in any relationship. We try and talk daily to see how everything is going. I had the privilege of attending the Halloween dance for Best Buddies of Purdue this year with Shawn. We all danced, sang, and played corn hole. It was a great night. Also, Shawn and I met up at one of the local restaurants on campus to get something to drink/eat and connect with other people involved with Best Buddies. I look forward to continuing our friendship, knowing many great things are planned ahead. I hope to become a great leader in his life, as much as he has become one in mine.”

A Bright Friendship - November 2011

2011-11-11T07:00:00.000-08:00

Blair and Madisyn, from the Pendleton Heights Best Buddies chapter, have been matched for the past three years and have developed an incredible, five-star worthy, friendship with a very bright future. They enjoy hanging out together and going to the movies. Below is a picture of Blair and Madisyn looking cool in their 3-D glasses at the movie "Transformers", proof of their favorite one-to-one activity. Blair describes his friendship with Madisyn,

"She [Madisyn] is a one-of-a-kind friend! It [friendship with Madisyn and Best Buddies] has made me more confident in myself and in making friendships with others."

Blair and Madisyn were featured in the the Pendleton Heights chapter video that can be seen here! Pendleton Heights was awarded the 2011 Indiana Chapter of the Year. Friendships, just like Blair and Madisyn's, abound!!

A Rockin' Friendship - October 2011

2011-10-11T12:27:00.000-07:00

Nick Gibson and Evan Imel, Buddy Pair from Fishers, have been matched for the past two years and have developed an incredible friendship and brotherhood that will last a lifetime. Nick and Evan enjoy a kind of friendship that most teenage boys strive for and have a mutual love of all things Metallica. They even sang karaoke to Metallica at one of Fisher’s many, fun chapter events. Rock on!

Nick Gibson, Chapter President at Fishers, reflects on his friendship with Evan and how they have grown:

Evan and Nick at the 2010 Fishers HS match party.

“If I were to recount all the memorable moments Evan and I have had throughout our friendship and be timely about doing so, it would be like trying to provide a ten minute segment on the events of the past decade. Impossible. I have known Evan since the beginning of my sophomore year (I am now a 2^nd semester junior) and we have participated in most Best Buddies events our school hosts, and several of other chapters. We are always eager to hang around each other. Going to basketball games at Fishers High School and watching Colts’ games in my basement are just a couple of many activities Evan and I have enjoyed together. For most of the year we hang out at least once every two weeks, and talk everyday in school. Even in our busy summer months we still easily find time to go to Taco Bell (our favorite eatery) or grab some ice cream. Being with Evan is never dull—we rarely go 5 seconds without talking or laughing! I do not believe that I have simply changed his life, but he has also had a significant impact on mine. This great person, who I once merely saw in the hallway, is now one of my best and closest friends. In the future we both have ambitions to be very active members of Best Buddies in high school, go to college, and maintain a friendship for life, no matter how separate our paths may be. We are brothers…and brotherhood lasts forever.”

A Conference Connection - September 2011

2011-09-13T11:24:00.000-07:00

Angie Cain and Brittney Glaze first met when they roomed together at the 2010 Best Buddies International Leadership Conference in Bloomington, Indiana. The ladies hit it off and developed a really great friendship in a short amount of time! A friendship so great that they requested to room together again at this year's conference. Brittney discusses her Leadership Conference memories that she shared with Angie:

"The first summer that I spent with Angie at LC was beyond amazing. I knew after the first day I spent with Angie that she and I had a very special friendship forming. We spent nights dancing to her iPod, talking about our families, singing karaoke like our lives depended on it, and sharing secrets. By the end of the weekend, it was clear that Angie and I had found an amazing bond that I am so grateful for! I didn’t want to return to LC with any other roommate but Angie!

Brittney and Angie walk hand in hand at the 2010 BB Leadership Conference.
Angie and I shared many great moments throughout the weekend. The greatest thing about Angie is her compassion for those around her. Whether it was her texts throughout the day, her compliments, her encouragement, or her genuine smile, I knew that she was truly happy to be spending the weekend with me. I wanted to make sure that she knew how happy I was to be spending the weekend with her as well. One evening, karaoke night to be exact, Angie and I didn’t get the chance to share our great singing skills. We were both a little bummed about this, so after we returned to our room, I got out my hairbrush and handed it to Angie. She knew exactly what to do, and immediately turned on her iPod to her favorite song. A couple other girls came in to join us, and there we were, in our PJ’s, swaying back and forth as Angie rocked out to “I Got Friends in Low Places.” Seeing the happiness on her face that night meant the world to me!"

Angie and Brittney are all smiles at the 2011 BB Leadership Conference.

An Above and Beyond Friendship - August 2011

2011-08-17T08:36:00.000-07:00

Meghan Delaney and Ashley Nowling, Buddy Pair from the Westfield High School chapter, have the kind of friendship that we are all seeking. Meghan and Ashley share in all the usual activities that friends do while in high school: they attend basketball games together, spend time with their families, go to the movies, and occasionally go for a slice of pizza. However, Meghan and Ashley have taken their friendship a step deeper. They have taken the time to learn about their individual lives. Ashley has learned about Meghan’s gluten free diet and has adjusted to getting their occasional slice of pizza at places that offer gluten free options, so they are both able to enjoy. Their families have gotten to know each other and they often celebrate birthdays together. They are going above and beyond just “meeting the commitment”. Meghan and Ashley are living the commitment.

Ashley and Meghan at Leadership Conference

Ashley recently reflected on how her life has changed as a result of being paired with Meghan:

“My friendship with Meghan Delaney is one of a kind. She is one in a million and my love has grown so much for her over the previous year. She has made my passion for Special Education grow immense amounts. Spending time with her is always so much fun. Her attitude and smile brightens up my day. We have such a strong bond that will go on to last a very long time. I have grown close with her family and vice versa. Being involved with Best Buddies has opened my eyes to a whole new world, and I have Meg to think for that”.

A Beautiful Sisterhood - July 2011

2011-07-28T06:57:00.000-07:00

Shannon Egold and Amanda Taylor, Buddy Pair from Franklin College, have been matched for several years and are truly a connected sisterhood. They have built a deep and meaningful relationship based on trust and sharing. They attend church together, spend time with other Buddy Pairs, and make a point to see each other on both their good and bad days. They are both recently engaged and share their friendship with their fiancés as well.

Shannon spoke about her friendship with Amanda:

“Amanda and I usually attend church together every Sunday. We both love that that time is understood to be just ours. We worship together and Amanda calls us sisters through God, which I absolutely adore. This has been an emotional month for Amanda because her grandma's health is declining at a rapid rate. She calls me almost every night trying to sort out her emotions. One day this past week I ran to the cafeteria between classes so I could see her because she had called me several times that morning. I had had an exceptionally rough day and when I found her cleaning tables we both just started to cry and stood in the middle of the lunch rush hugging each other. Those are the moments I live for. You know you have made a true friend when you can just look at one another and know exactly how the other person is feeling.”

Shannon and Amanda enjoying a game of bowling...fun times!!

A True Committment of Friendship - June 2011

2011-06-02T07:18:00.000-07:00

Jennifer Hagarbome and Jeff Zolezzi from the IUPUI chapter embody what the Best Buddies program is all about. They have made a true commitment of friendship to each other and have impacted each other’s lives in ways that will shape both of their futures. When Jennifer first met Jeff, she was fairly certain that she wanted to pursue a career in education. Within her first year of involvement with Best Buddies, she knew she wanted to be a Special Education teacher and remain in the Indianapolis area after graduation.

Jeff’s mother, Mary Beth Zolezzi, had this to say in a letter she submitted to Best Buddies Indiana:

"The Best Buddies IUPUI chapter has been a wonderful experience for my son Jeff during these past four years. Jeff is a moderately mentally handicapped young adult living in an apartment with another young man such as himself. They have staff that comes in on a daily basis, but none brighten his day as much as his Best Buddy Jennifer!

Jennifer call Jeff once a week and during the school year she tried to see him once a week. It is always more fun to hang around with a peer: to go get a hamburger, see a movie, play miniature golf, etc. Jennifer brings such happiness to my son and helps to make his quiet life much more interesting."

Jeff and Jenn were first matched in 2008

A Special Bond - May 2011

2011-05-05T09:38:00.000-07:00

Bryce Needham and Jacob Wright, Buddy Pair from Delta High School, are an incredible example of the effect that a friendship through Best Buddies can have on your life. They have been a great addition to the small, but passionate chapter in their school.

Kasey Needham, Chapter President at Delta HS, commented on the amazing experience she has had watching the friendship between Bryce and Jacob grow:

“Bryce is my brother, but in Best Buddies, I have seen a different side of him than normal. Bryce used to be quiet and shy, but now he has come out of his shell. Jake provides a challenge for him. Jake cannot talk very well due to a tumor that continues to grow and keeps him from being his true self. This does not hold Jake back. Jake likes to go to a local ice cream shop and get his favorite flavor with Bryce. He also loves to bowl and has come to Bryce's tournaments for Delta's bowling league. Bryce and Jake share a special bond that I have never seen before. Bryce is always teasing, and Jake is always laughing. Jake adds so much to Bryce's day. They do something together about two to three times a week such as movies, festivals, bowling, car rides, Chuck E. Cheese’s, and playing video games. They do it all. It has been great seeing both of them participate in our chapter activities and be excited to see each other. They are a great Buddy Pair!”

Jacob and Bryce (with their parents) at the 2011 Friendship Walk. The boys received the Buddy Pair of the Year award presented by Best Buddies Indiana.

What Best Buddies Is All About

2011-05-04T11:29:00.000-07:00

The most important aspect of Best Buddies Indiana is the many friendships that are formed through our college, high school and middle schools programs across the state. For those of you that are new to our organization, Best Buddies is a nonprofit organization dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Through our school based programs, which pairs individuals with special needs into a friendship with general education students at schools across the United States and around the world, we have seen many lives changed for the better.

What better way to describe Best Buddies than to tell the story of our amazing Buddy Pairs across the state of Indiana. Every month, this blog will chronicle an incredible Buddy Pair that truly demonstrates the mission of Best Buddies...friendship, acceptance and respect!

Follow along on our journey through the world of Best Buddies Indiana, as we "Focus on Friendship".

Jenna and Adria (Carmel High School chapter) have been matched for the past two years!