Katie's House...
is much more than just physical living space. It is a true home and safe haven for some remarkable young women. We are pleased to share the stories of two of our residents, Katie and Mary Kate, who against terrific odds, are living their lives their way.
Katie
Evelyn and Conrad adopted Katie as an infant. She was diagnosed with Oral, Facial Digital Syndrome, failure to thrive and not expected to live to reach her first birthday.
Katie's birth parents were young and frightened of her choking episodes and her not being able to eat by mouth, so in her best interest they gave her up for adoption.
Katie would spend the next several years going in and out of the hospital but she proved the doctors wrong as she continued to survive against all odds.
Slowly Katie progressed and at the age of 3 the feeding tube was removed because she now could eat normally. She walked independently when she was 4.
When she was 11 she was diagnosed with Non Hodgkin's Lymphoma and needed 7 months of intense chemo therapy. Again Katie would prove she was strong by fighting the cancer.
Katie continued to thrive but as her adoptive parents were getting older they realized that Katie would never be able to live on her own. They started to investigate into assisted living facilities and became very depressed to see what life would be for their charming daughter when they were no longer here. The dream of a Home Built On Love became a reality with the help of friends and family.
Katie, now 22 years old, is living Her Life, Her Way at Katie's House. She attends the YMCA 5 mornings a week, taking water aerobics and yoga. In the afternoon she volunteers at a local thrift store 2 days a week, a nursery school 1 day and a food co op 1 day. This is possible with the help of several Personal Assistants who care for her and keep her safe.
Katie also enjoys evening cooking classes, sign language classes and other activities with friends her own age.
Katie is a true survivor in every sense of the word.
Mary Kate
Sheryl and Charles adopted Mary Katherine when she was 3 months old. A month later the couple noticed that she could not stretch her right arm across her body. Soon afterwards she was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy and later with multiple disabilities.
She started therapeutic horseback riding when she was 3. During these hippo therapy sessions, Mary Kate was encouraged to feel the horse’s movement. Shortly after starting therapy, she began to walk. She now rides with the Sussex County Special Olympic Team “WHOA” and has won many gold medals in competitions at State Special Olympic Events.
Her disability did not stop her from studying graphic arts at Sussex County Technical School in Sparta and she graduated from Sparta High School in 2004. Presently she is doing clerical work in Newton Hospital as a volunteer. She is involved in many recreational activities, participates in a reading club, takes cooking lessons and is learning sign language. In her free time Mary Kate enjoys doing crafts, drawing, and working on her computer.
Mary Katherine is very happy to be living at Katie’s House. She is living her life her way.
Katie’s House, Inc. Board of Trustees
Evelyn Dudziec, Founder, Executive Director (Evelyn Dudziec's Bio)
Glenn Dudziec, President
Frank Light, M.D. Vice President
Charles Casey, Treasurer
Denis Zoiber, Secretary
Tracey de Waal
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