If you knew Suzy

Suzy turns ‘nevers’ into milestones and obstacles into stepping stones

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Every so often, a story walks into your life which reminds you of the power of never saying never. Jane Fischer’s is that kind of story.

Jane’s life started like many others. A bright college graduate, she stepped into the classroom as a teacher, fueled by a passion to shape young minds. Then came marriage and children. The first few chapters of her life read as expected until the arrival of Suzy, her second child.

Suzy was born with severe medical and developmental challenges, and the prognosis was grim. Jane, then just 24 years old, was handed a laundry list of nevers: Suzy would never walk, never talk, never learn. But Jane wasn’t interested in anyone else’s script. Instead, she rolled up her sleeves, wiped away the tears and wrote her own. And now Jane, a resident of New Jersey in the United States, has written a book about the story of her fight and journey for Suzy. If You Knew Suzy: Pushing Past the Boundaries of Never. (September 2024, G&D Media)

“At 24, I had no idea where to start,” Jane says. “But I knew I had to start somewhere.”

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Suzy’s early years were a whirlwind of hospital visits, therapies and sleepless nights. Jane plunged into the world of special needs, armed with nothing more than fierce maternal love and a refusal to accept limitations. She became an advocate for Suzy, eventually earning her certification as a teacher of special needs children and later working as a learning consultant. Jane’s advocacy did not stop at her daughter’s needs. She spearheaded socialization programs, founded special education PTAs and fought tirelessly to ensure children like Suzy weren’t just present but truly represented.

But this story isn’t about Jane. It’s about Suzy, an extraordinary individual whose determination to persevere and find joy in life serves as a constant source of inspiration, despite the significant challenges she has faced throughout her life. Over the years, a phenomenon Jane calls “The Suzy Effect” emerged. Doctors melted, skeptics softened and strangers became friends, all drawn to Suzy’s radiant smile, pure-hearted kindness, sincerity and lack of guile. “Suzy has this uncanny ability to reme-mber a lot of facts and details about people—she’s become my memory,” Jane said, “Her ability to connect with others is miraculous. She has melted the hardest of hearts just by being kind and good.”

Suzy’s story is a chronicle of challenges, living with significant medical complexities, including a rare genetic syndrome that’s required two kidney transplants. But from a young age, she defied expectations, surpassing predictions from medical professionals. Suzy has been a volunteer at a preschool for over 20 years and views her work as the “best medicine” which keeps her motivated and fulfilled, a dazzling light of positivity, charming everyone she meets with her remarkable memory and warmth.

Self-advocacy came naturally to Suzy, whose vibrant personality effortlessly drew people to her. Continued advocacy remains a central part of Jane’s life, extending beyond advocating for her daughter to champion others with similar challenges. Jane’s latest advocacy effort is a book chronicling Suzy’s journey, If You Knew Suzy: Pushing Past the Boundaries of Never. It’s written to honor her daughter’s life and to inspire other parents who are navigating the labyrinth of raising a child with disabilities. “I wanted Suzy’s story to be remembered,” Jane shares. “She may never marry or have children, but her life has made a difference.”

The impact of raising Suzy rippled across Jane’s family. Suzy’s older sister became her first teacher and cheerleader, weaving therapy into games of house and school. Her younger brother, seven years Suzy’s junior, grappled with complex emotions as he surpassed her developmentally. Despite the challenges, both siblings emerged kinder, more empathetic—champions of inclusion and acceptance. And then there’s Jane’s husband, a silent hero working long hours to support the family’s needs. “He knew there was no stopping me,” Jane laughs. “But it took both of us—in our own ways—to keep this ship afloat.”

Suzy’s family have embraced the journey, remaining immovable by her side, nurturing her growth and celebrating her achievements. When asked what message she would share with the world, Suzy’s response is simple and profound: “Don’t ever give up. Keep on fighting and never say can’t.” It’s a mantra she’s lived by, turning nevers into milestones and obstacles into steppingstones. Jane shared, “We went to a book signing a few weeks ago, and Suzy was asked, ‘How do you keep your upbeat personality?’ And her reply was, ‘I guess I was just born that way.’ Jane continued, “With her beautiful smile and always a kind word, I truly believe that she is God’s child—an angel on this earth!”

Jane wants Suzy’s life to resonate long after they’re both gone, to remind the world that every life, no matter how challenging, has infinite value. If You Knew Suzy: Pushing Past the Boundaries of Never is a legacy about every parent who has been told their child’s future will be a series of closed doors. “No one knows your child like you do,” Jane insists. “Listen to your gut. Don’t let anyone sentence your child to a life of nevers.” Society tends to fit everyone with a disability into one-size-fits-all molds but Jane’s advocacy underscores the need for tailored support and resources. Her message to policymakers: “We need more options, more education and more support—for families, for siblings, for everyone involved.”

The journey has not been easy, but Jane wouldn’t trade it for anything. “Suzy has taught me more than I ever taught her,” she says. “She’s my greatest teacher, my angel.”

And what does Suzy think of the book? Ever the optimist, she’s ready for stardom. “She thinks she’ll be on Oprah,” Jane chuckles. “She doesn’t realize Oprah’s book club is no more, but who knows? Suzy’s got a way of making things happen.”