Mack McCarty has participated in all three pillars of Buddy Up for Life—Health & Wellness, Independence, and Friendship—but he especially thrived in Safety for Life this summer.
“Even long before Safety class, Mack always wanted to be a doctor when he grew up,” said Lisa McCarty, Mack’s mother. “He would get the Ace bandage and the ice pack out of the linen closet and put on his doctor’s coat and take care of us. He’d always say, ‘Dr. Mack is here!’”
Safety for Life was a great fit for Mack, described by Lisa as inquisitive and social. The Lifework assignments gave Mack the opportunity to film himself while practicing basic treatments at home, and then share those videos with his class.
“Safety for Life was fantastic,” said Lisa. “Mack is very talkative. He loves talking through things and acting things out. The videos were so fun for him.”
Lisa continues to see the positive impacts, even after the class has ended.
“Now he handles some things on his own. He got a cut on his finger recently, and he went right over to his first aid kit and took care of it. He didn’t need Mom or Dad. It was so great for us as parents to see him learn those necessary life skills.”
When asked what keeps Mack coming back to Buddy Up for Life, Lisa cited the volunteer Buddies.
“They are so engaged and they really just see Mack and engage with him for who he is without trying to make him conform to something else. He talks a lot and likes to be funny, and they just take him for who he is and help him grow in his skills. It’s amazing to see, and we’re very grateful.”
Interested in getting involved with Buddy Up for Life? Click here for more information!