Impact Story: Rita & Heather

We would like to introduce you to Rita & Heather. This family is very special to Rising Above Ministries, and we know you will love hearing their story.

I have made life-long friendships that I cherish, and the joy [Rising Above] has brought into Heather's life is priceless.

-Rita Reagan  

Tell us a little about your family.

I have 3 grown children. Christina is 43. Heather is 37. Jacob is 33. I also have 7 grandchildren ranging from 4 to 23, 6 boys 1 girl. We love family trips like going to Disney or camping. 

Which member of your family has special needs?

Heather is deaf and intellectually disabled. She is very high functioning but cognitive age is 10-12. She has a bright and sunny attitude and loves to dance!

What was your response to your child’s diagnosis? How did it affect your other children?

Honestly, I cried all the way home from the Pediatric Neurologist office. He very bluntly said she was deaf, had Cerebral Palsy and would never walk, sit up, or do anything. She would be a vegetable. Heather's father left the day before her 1st birthday. He has been absent from her life since. So, learning all this as a single mom with other kiddos at home was overwhelming to say the least.

Like all siblings, it was a mix of rivalry and love. Heather is a lot for all of us but we wouldn’t trade this journey for anything!

How did you first learn about Rising Above?

I was attending River Community Church in Cookeville and a friend invited us to a Rising Above community night where Jeff was preaching. We have been a part of RAM ever since.

Are there specific things that Rising Above offers that your family is able to use or participate in?

What a blessing it is has been to be a part of a ministry that understands the needs of the special needs community!

I have had needs met that I didn't know I had. I have made some life-long friendships that I cherish. The joy Rising Above has brought into Heather's life is priceless. Heather has friends that she has prayed for as long as I can remember. 

We love all of events. 2 of our favorites are Heroes Ball and Night to Shine because we love dancing with our friends! 

How has Rising Above impacted your life?

Having other moms that understand this journey and seeing good fathers being involved with their special needs children is a blessing to see and encouraging. I love people, Heather does too. We have a hard time with all the isolation. The zoom groups have really saved us from loneliness and depression. 

We are grateful for so many donors and volunteers who make stories like this a reality every day. Your partnership makes it possible for us to continue to pursue our mission of bringing the love of God and hope in Christ to special-needs families in the Upper Cumberland, across the nation, and around the world.