A Message from Sister Thaddeus

My Dear Friends,

Each day I am struck anew by the extraordinary efforts and the magnificent accomplishments of our children and adults. I stand in awe and humility before them because I am keenly aware of how valiant their efforts, how deep their love, and how grand their successes.

They are my heroes.

I have witnessed children and adults touch a tree for the first time on our newly built Saint Francis Nature Trail.

I have witnessed adults able to communicate for the first time in decades.

I have witnessed teens learn how to feed themselves for the first time.

I see others dancing, painting, sewing-those who once had been told by others that there was no hope.

And I still see others learning job skills that are, at once, motivating and liberating.

While certainly extraordinary, none of these experiences are out-of-the ordinary at McGuire Memorial. These are the types of experiences happening daily.

At McGuire Memorial, we are committed to helping each and every person in our care grow in a compassionate, healing environment. Where we help them to achieve their hopes, dreams and desires. Where we bring them a fullness of life. Where they are loved and valued.

The children and adults we serve enjoy a normal rhythm of life similar to that of any other child or adult. From breakfast in the dining room in the morning, to a day of either school or job training for adults, to evening recreation, we strive to ensure a fullness of life no matter the severity or extent of one's disability. We strive to enable everyone at McGuire Memorial grow and participate in a life of meaning and purpose.

Much has been accomplished. Yet there is much to be done, for the need is great.

In all that McGuire Memorial does, one fundamental belief prevails, as it has since its founding by the Felician Sisters in 1962:

We look at each and every individual we serve as a gift from God-a gift that is to be treasured, and a gift that is to be enhanced so that they may live life to the fullest. As God's gift to us, each and every individual we serve is to be treated with dignity and respect.

I invite you to visit McGuire so you, too, can witness the extraordinary taking place each day. Where you, too, can meet 'my heroes.'

I can't help but think they will become your heroes, too.

Thank you for your interest in McGuire Memorial.

Sister Mary Thaddeus Markelewicz, CSSF
Executive Director — McGuire Memorial