Photo by: Abby Bellow
Buggy Jo is more than a nickname for Bobby Kern’s son, Josiah, who has Down syndrome – it’s a new take on life.
“We kind of theme his life as like a superhero,” Kern, associate professor of psychology and family studies, said. “He has come through so much already. He spent the first month of his life on a machine and tubes and in a NICU, you know, but he made it through. He spent the third month of his life in a hospital with his chest cut open, but he made it through.”
Kern is raising money for Down Syndrome Association under the name Team Buggy Jo in honor of his 14-month-old son.
Students who know Kern appreciate his willingness to help others. Senior Charina Sullins developed a close relationship with Kern early in her college career. Sullins learned about Josiah in Kern’s developmental psychology class. She says Kern speaks openly about Josiah and Down syndrome in his classes.
“He just talks a lot about when they found out, and their whole process of going through and figuring what is best to do for Josiah,” Sullins said. “He talks about him all the time – he loves him dearly.”
Oklahoma Christian biology professor Al Mikell explained the cause of Down syndrome and its prevalence in the United States.
“This is all due to having a third copy of chromosome 21,” Mikell said. “It could happen to anybody. It’s the most common birth defect in the United States.”
Mikell feels most people have misconceptions about the amount of care Down syndrome children need.
“Caring for Down syndrome kids is very expensive in terms of time and medical expenses, so that is where a lot of help is needed,” Mikell said. “Extra hands, transportation, lots of trips to the doctor… there is a lot more that goes with it.”
Kern says Josiah is an inspiration, pushing through all of the medical challenges he faces.
“It’s like every milestone that he is supposed to struggle with he is pushing through, and so, he is a fighter and that encourages me,” Kern said. “It makes me want to keep fighting.”
Josiah’s condition has taught Kern and his family the importance of relying on God in trying situations.
“It’s just a very humbling, somber experience, and the only way you can get through it is with God,” Kern said. “It’s just really helped my wife, Lisa, and I be better parents to our daughter, Lydia, and to Josiah, and to just value family time and being together and just enjoying what we have.”
The Down Syndrome Association’s 2014 Festival in the Bricktown Ballpark will take place on September 20. At the Festival, teams will walk together around the ballpark on an “awareness lap,” and then participate in games and activities.
Kern’s fundraising group, Team Buggy Jo, is raising money through T-shirt sales on campus to contribute to the association. There was also a benefit night at Alfredo’s Mexican Café in Edmond on September 9.
“The ultimate goal of the association is, I believe, $150,000 this year, and our team goal is $2,500,” Kern said. “Our big fundraiser for the team is selling the shirts… Alfredo’s is also partnering with us next Tuesday, the ninth, and so, all day long, a percentage of their income that day is going to go to the Down Syndrome Association in Josiah’s name.”
Team Buggy Jo has combined forces with Oklahoma Christian this year to raise support.
“Last year was the first year we did it,” Kern said. “This year, OC has partnered with us, so OC is actually helping us with the shirts. So 100 percent of the profits will go towards the association, which is really cool.”
Senior Christian Kincheloe appreciates Kern’s dedication to the cause.
“I think it’s awesome,” Kincheloe said. “I’m really glad [there are] people like him who really fight for research like that.”
Kern wants to encourage students to buy a t-shirt and get involved.
“Buy a shirt, they’re only $10,” Kern said. “You’re not just helping Josiah, you’re going to be helping children with Down syndrome all over the state of Oklahoma.”
More information about Down syndrome and the festival is viewable at www.dsaco.org.
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