Teen adopts best friend with Down syndrome to keep him from moving to a different state

Jay and Lucy became friends in high school after Jay expressed his love for her during gym class.

“The first time I met her, I was walking downstairs with my headphones, my CD player, and my golden shoes. I went downstairs, and there she was on the floor. I sat next to her and said, “I love you,” said Jay.

They quickly grew close and began meeting twice a week in gym class.

Lucy recalls seeing Jay about twice a week, which is how they initially met and started to become her BFF with Down Syndrome.

“It started with, ‘Can Jay come over? Can Jay hang out for the weekend?’ and then, ‘Can Jay come for the day?'” Lucy said.

Their casual school hangouts evolved into Jay regularly visiting after school and joining them for dinner.

Over time, he began spending weekends with them and eventually stayed for extended periods.

As Lucy was getting ready for college, she learned that Jay’s mother was moving out of state. Lucy promptly discussed this with her mom, Dawn.

“She said his mom was moving away, and that he could go live with his dad, but Jay wanted to live with us instead,” said Dawn, Lucy’s mom, during an interview with AJC. ”

Lucy said she was taking him to live with her in Tuscaloosa where she was heading to college. I said, ‘No, you’re not!'”

Lucy initially planned to adopt Jay and take him to college. However, Dawn had a different idea.

“I said, ‘I love the idea that you want to do that, but he’s going to stay here with us,'” Dawn recalled. “That’s how he came, and it’s been 10 years.”

Jay expressed his feelings when Lucy brought him home to meet Dawn. He told her, “Mom, Dawn, I love you and your kind heart. I want to be part of your life.”

Jay moved in and quickly became part of the family right from the start, having already spent so much time with them that it felt completely natural.

Their connections only grew stronger over time. Lucy clarified that she was Jay’s sister.

“I can’t imagine my life without Jay; I don’t think any of us could,” said Lucy.

Over time, Jay started affectionately calling Dawn “Mama Dawn” and proudly declared himself her Mini-Me. He even dressed up as her for Halloween once.

“He makes every one of us a better person. Every one of us,” Dawn added.

Dawn believes everyone should have the chance to know Jay and thinks many exceptional individuals contribute positively to our world.

Meanwhile, Lucy started Happy Feat when she was in high school, which initially organized proms and Halloween events before becoming an official nonprofit.

Happy Feat is a nonprofit organization that offers a day program for adults and children with special needs, providing them with post-school opportunities to learn life and community skills.

It aims to address the challenge of limited transportation and job opportunities for individuals who have aged out of traditional education, offering community engagement, occasional work options, and social activities to build friendships.

Jay said he’s happy to be part of Happy Feat, where he meets Will, his friend who has autism.

While Jay, Lucy’s BFF with Down Syndrome, isn’t autistic, he deeply values the kindness and camaraderie found within the autism community.

Lucy highlighted that at Happy Feat, individuals often surpass expectations when given opportunities.

They organize events like waiter nights at local restaurants, such as the recent one at Mellow Mushroom.

These events offer a unique experience for those unfamiliar with interacting closely with individuals with special needs.

Lucy observed that witnessing this interaction can be transformative, even if some initially hesitate due to unfamiliarity.

She stressed that these opportunities allow individuals to thrive, showcasing the joy and love they bring to life.

Dawn emphasized that Happy Feat’s mission extends beyond helping the individuals they serve.

They strive to foster a kinder, more compassionate world, highlighting everyone’s valuable abilities.

Dawn noted their collaboration with Tim Tebow and Gwinnett Church for a prom, which supports individuals navigating a world with growing disabilities like autism and Down Syndrome.

She stressed the significance of promoting love and inclusivity in today’s society.

Meanwhile, Jay shared his dream of being in movies or on TV, longing for an experience he had never had.

Dawn recalled how Nanny, Jay’s grandmother, was his biggest supporter. She frequently reminded Jay that he was a star.

Dawn also said that Jay has ambitious dreams of becoming a movie star in Hollywood, a goal he often expressed to her.

She recalled Jay always telling her, “Mom, I’m going to leave you here one day and go live in Hollywood because I’m going to be a movie star.”

She also stressed the importance of making a movie about Jay, saying it would show everything she has said about him.

She emphasized Jay’s talent and the need to tell his story so people understand his impact.

Lucy shared warmly about her bond with her BFF with Down Syndrome, describing how she embraced Jay as part of her family.

She admired Jay for his capacity to spread unconditional love and happiness, which she believed brightened the lives of those around him.

Lucy hoped more people could share in the joy and positivity that Jay and their friends brought, seeing it as a way to make the world better.

She highlighted the important role their friends played in their lives. She emphasized Jay’s invaluable presence and significance to her and everyone close to him.

“Hanging with Lucy is more love and happiness, always,” said Jay. “My nanny (grandma) always said to live life by the moment, but she also said to love the people you love the most.

Watch Jay’s heartwarming interview below:

Visit madewithlovethemovie.com to learn more about Jay, the film, and make a donation to help turn this award-winning screenplay into a movie that spreads love and raises awareness for people with Down syndrome.