My name is Kirby, and this is my story.  In 2002, I was diagnosed with brain cancer. I was living in a nursing home with no hope of ever returning home to my young daughter.  I was told by many that I would live the rest of my life in assisted living/nursing home and my daughter would be in foster care.  I knew I could not let this happen. One day my sister met an advocate from Independent Lifestyles (ILICIL), who explained their nursing home relocation program and how it could help me.

In late August 2005, an advocate from ILICIL met me at the nursing home, and staff from the nursing home told her I could never live independently again.  However, the advocate disagreed and stated that modifications could be made to my home, and I could receive personal care assistance (PCA) at home.  The ILICIL advocate also helped me learn how to advocate for my own rights. The fight for my independence began……

With ILICIL's assistance and Advocacy, in September 2005, I moved out of the nursing home and back home with my daughter.  PCA services were scheduled for 24-hour care.  After retuning home, an accessibility specialist from ILICIL came and designed a ramp so I could get into my home easier.  An Independent Living Specialist, also visited and performed an Independent Living Skills Assessment (ILSA) According to the ILSA, I learned I have the ability to live independently without 24-hour care!  That’s when I decided I only needed assistance for the hours when I am awake.

Now for the best part…since coming back home, I am now cancer free!!

I have been living at home since that day in September and continue to have a clean bill of health.  Due to a brain aneurism I still have left side paralysis, and I attend rehabilitation and do all I can to stay independent in my home.  I am only 43 years old and have a long life ahead of me; I wish to spend as much time as I can with my daughter, family, and friends. 

The advocate from ILICIL is my hero -- she saved my life by helping me go back home.  I am again living the life I deserve. Thank you to all of the staff at Independent Lifestyles for all you have done and continue to do for me and for others.

This is an example of the type of  assistance that ILICIL can provide to people with disabilities.  ILICIL is a private non-profit agency who depends on State funds to operate, with the help of donations, we are able to provide a wide range of services for people with disabilities.  If you would like to help people with disabilities get more resources to live independently you can give a donation to ILICIL.  Your donation is tax deductible and you will receive a thank you letter with a tax donation receipt.  You can send your donation to Independent Lifestyles, Inc.  519 2nd Street North, St. Cloud, MN 56303 or call for more information (320) 529-9000.