Learn more
		Where your money goes How we support children, youth and families
Print version Forward this Article Subscribe to e-mail

Sara was Bill and Margaret Ptacek's first child. Nothing in the prenatal visits ever indicated Sara was in trouble, but when she was born it was obvious she was profoundly disabled. Diagnosed with a rare syndrome, Sara wasn't expected to live more than three years. "In years past, she would have likely been put in an institution," Bill explained.

The Ptaceks first received help for Sara from their local United Way in Idaho. After relocating to Seattle, they became involved with United Way of King County. Sara needed around the clock attention, and the family received help from programs United Way of King County invests in, such as Elder and Adult Day Services. This support allowed both Bill and Margaret to return to work to help pay for Sara's medical bills.

"No one gives you a road map on how to raise a child, especially a profoundly disabled child," Margaret said.

Things seemed to be going well, but about the time that Sara was to exit school, Bill was diagnosed with what was believed to be an incurable form of cancer. Sara would no longer be at school, and with Margaret working full time and Bill undergoing cancer treatments, they didn't know how they were going to ensure Sara was cared for during the day.

The couple contacted ARC of King County, a United Way of King County grantee, for additional support. They convened a circle of friends and, with program support from the agency, created a life for Sara that would be as full as possible - even if Bill didn't survive his treatments.

Both Bill and Sara beat the odds. Bill went into remission and Sara, who was expected not to survive past the age of three, is now in her late 20's. "United Way of King County is one of our favorite organizations to give both our time and money," Bill said. "It gives back so much to our community and many of the agencies it supports have helped us to give Sara the best quality of life she can possibly have."

"We can tell she's happy and she's got the fullest, richest life she can have-things that wouldn't have been possible without United Way of King County's investments," Margaret added.

United Way of King County works to ensure that children with profound disabilities and their families have the support they need for the best quality of life possible.

Back to Success Stories