Zechariah Hetzler was born with floppy infant syndrome, club feet, and a heart defect. At one year old, he was diagnosed with a form of muscular dystrophy. After his muscular issues began to affect his lungs, he was placed permanently on a ventilator at age 2 and relied on a wheelchair for mobility. In 1999, at the young age of 11, Zechariah succumbed to a necessary surgery meant to relieve the constant pain caused by scoliosis.
Susan Hetzler, Zechariah’s mother, will share his story, and how the challenges of his disability were overshadowed by immense faith, courage and joy! She describes Zechariah as “a gift straight from Heaven…that gives so much more than it ever takes.” Zechariah shared his joy for life in his own words in a radio interview conducted the day before the surgery that took him to Heaven. Click on the audio links below to listen. You won’t want to miss out on this young man’s exuberant personal testimony!
Susan will also discuss the challenges of caring for a child victimized by “ableism,” the anti-life sentiment that the disabled are disposable, a burden, and inferior to the “able-bodied.” She repeatedly fought for Zechariah to receive the same treatment as a fully-functioning child.
From the 67% abortion rate for children diagnosed with Down’s Syndrome, to the denial of medical care experienced by many disabled or elderly people, ableism runs rampant in our nation. This attitude is a threat to all — as any one of us could fall victim to it through an unforeseen tragedy or medical emergency.
Please join us online on Thursday, January 28 at 7 PM, for this important discussion regarding the threats to each of us all along life’s continuum.
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