My name is Jean Ann Dirks. January 8, 2000 was my 51st birthday. I was diagnosed with Williams Syndrome just three years ago. My sister, Kay, read an article in the Houston Chronicle about the WS convention held in Philadelphia, and the description of WS, along with the picture of a young girl, seemed to describe me perfectly. We went to Houston to the Kleberg Genetic Clinic for the positive diagnosis.
I have two sisters and one brother. Kay lives in Houston, Texas. Lisa lives in Austin, Texas. Lee lives in Seattle, Washington - a long way from home, but we talk by phone a lot. I have been living independently at Crestview Methodist Retirement Community in Bryan, Texas, for 3 1/2 years. My parents, Jim and George Ann, live in Huntsville, Texas, which is just 50 miles from Bryan.
I was in Special Education during my school years, except for the third year. A special teacher was chosen for me and I went into her regular classroom that year. I have worked in Sheltered Workshops and have done volunteer work at my church.
This
picture was taken in July, 1999 at the Regional Conference held in Dallas. Two other young
adults also spoke about their life with Williams Syndrome.
I am very fortunate not to have the usual health problems asociated with WS. I did develop diabetes last year, but I have been able to control that with diet and excercise. I also recently discovered that I have sleep apnea, so I sleep with a machine and mask.
Keeping in touch through my Web TV with the WS family is very important to me, and I really enjoy knowing about everyone. The "Best Buddies" organization at Texas A&M University is a wonderful group of students who provide friendship and fun for people with disabilities. My church has a very special place in my life. Frequent visits to Huntsville and visits from my sisters keep us all connected.
My e-mail address is: jellybeanred@webtv.net. I would love to hear from members of the WS family.
