Jeffrey McConnell 39, was born with Down Syndrome. His mom Marlene has been his advocate and coach since day one. After Jeffrey was born, it seemed like everyone was telling Marlene about all the things they thought he would never be able to do. This spurred the dedicated mom to fight harder for her son’s medical and educational needs.
“Everybody deserves the best possible chance in life.”
In spite of the doubters, Jeffrey prevails, from reading the newspaper to bouncing a basketball while he rides his bike. The natural athlete has competed in the Special Olympics since he was eight years old. His events included track and field, powerlifting, roller-skating, swimming, and table tennis. His high point as a Special Olympian was when he represented Team USA New Jersey on the table tennis team at the Special Olympics World Games in 1995.
The athlete’s greatest physical challenge came to light 13 years later. Jeffrey was having difficulty walking and intermittently tripping over his right foot. With the origin of the problem an unknown, doctors thought the problem might stem from his hip. Between 2008 and 2009 Jeffrey and his mom saw a slew of specialists as he grew weaker. One day he fell at work and then a diagnosis was determined. Jeffrey had severe spinal compression at the neck causing incomplete quadriplegia.
Following his surgery in November 2009, Marlene and Jeffrey were offered very little hope in terms of recovery and limited therapy options. The pair decided to go home. His rehabilitation started with a year at home receiving in-home PT and OT. This was followed by five months at an outpatient facility who told them there was nothing else that could be done.
The determined duo beat the odds again. Jeffery got a referral to Magee Rehabilitation and when he started at the facility was only capable of standing and taking a few steps. He received OT and PT from 2011 to 2013 and progressed far enough to use the accessible equipment as a wellness center member. While he is still a wheelchair user, he is on his way back to walking with a posterior walker. Dedication and determination propelled Marlene and Jeffrey to never give up in pursuit of their dreams whether Special Olympic medals or reclaiming mobility.
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