Alex Ham-Kucharski
2023 Sandra Sagear Wall of Courage Honoree
Thinking about our son, Alex Ham-Kucharski, who has autism, cerebral palsy, and hearing loss, I can’t help but reflect on all of the things we were told Alex would never do: Alex would never talk, and he does—despite stumbles in expressive speech, his receptive speech and written voice are both strong—and he enjoys discussing politics, culture, religion, science and video gaming.
Alex as a young child was expected to remain in a self-contained classroom through age 26 in Michigan and receive a certificate; instead, he has graduated from high school with a diploma; and graduated with a Bachelors of Arts Degree from Portland State University with a major in International and Global Studies with an Asian Concentration and Japanese Language in December of 2022 with a 3.6 GPA; where he is also currently finishing up his first term as a graduate student, working toward a Master’s Degree in Non-Profit Leadership. In the Plymouth-Canton Community Schools, Alex attended Tanger IPSEP program from 2000-2004; Hulsing Elementary 2004-2005; Gallimore Elementary 2005-2009; Discovery Middle School 2012; Plymouth High School 2012-2013. He has also attended schools in Texas, New Jersey, Georgia, and Oregon.
We were told that Alex would never be social—he is!; Alex would lack empathy for others—he is one of the kindest caring individuals I know whether in regard to humans, animals, and our planet (Alex has been volunteering with us for a variety of non-profits since he was three years old—As an elementary student, he was my co-chair for Relay for Life—take your loved ones with special needs with you—out in the community—to serve or observe—even for a few minutes—you and they will be so proud of themselves!).
Besides having spent years being active in Special Olympics and Miracle League, Alex also has volunteered as a camp counselor at Mt. Hood Kiwanis Camp in Oregon, a stay on site camp for children and adults with special needs, and this year he has been hired, as staff, for summer of 2023, as the Horse Program Facilitator for Mt. Hood Kiwanis Camp’s Muscular Dystrophy Camps. He also volunteers as a Garden Monitor at the Portland Oregon Japanese Garden, and has appeared in Portland State University Kabuki performances as a dancer and musician.
We were also told that Alex would never live independently—yet he has—two weeks in Atlanta, Georgia attending Savannah College of Art and Design summer workshops when he was 16; Memorial Day weekend 2018—for three days, solo, navigating Atlanta hotels, restaurants and Momocon; and at age 20—five weeks in Japan in Osaka, Hiroshima, and Tokyo. And while I understand that all our children with special needs have different paths and destinies, I know that I am a better person, teacher, wife, family member, friend, because of the nuances of perspective having a child with autism, cerebral palsy, and hearing loss has given me. Rich Ham-Kucharski, his dad, and I are blessed with a best friend, a son, who may or may not always live with us, who adores all animals, is a video game guru, loves to learn, and is active in his community . . . and he happens to have disabilities.
Submitted by Dawn Ham-Kucharski, Alex’s mother
You can never tell looking at a person what obstacles they have faced in their life. I was super happy and proud to celebrate this young man’s college graduation! He is a kind and caring individual with a beautiful disposition. He speaks German and Japanese. He plays clarinet and loves Japanese anime. He is a horse whisperer that amazed me with his gentle way working with a very large, stubborn horse in Georgia. He loves animals. He cares deeply for his family and although reluctant, he understands that this Aunt will always hug him. I have not chosen to focus on the many challenges he has overcome because I am so proud of how hard he has worked and the choices he has made to succeed! He is a wonderful example of an individual working hard to overcome challenges and not giving up! I am proud of you, Alex Ham-Kucharski and look forward to seeing what your future holds!
Submitted by Jackie Ham
Submitted by Debra Madonna, Alex’s friend