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DEL.ICIO.USUpdate on Candace
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Many AJC readers responded to a series of stories I wrote about Candace Anderson, a former DeKalb County honor student whose senses abandoned her one by one. While a freshman at Mercer University, Candace was so desperate to continue her education in spite of her loss of vision and sight, she begged her mother to send for a correspondence calculus course. Her mother was going to write the formulas on Candace’s forehead. Doctors do not know the cause of Candace’s illness. Her younger sister Sophia has similar symptoms, though far less serious.
Here’s the only story still available as a link.
I haven’t updated Candace’s situation recently, because her health is generally unchanged. But on Saturday I attended a birthday party for Candace’s mother, Sarah. And to my great surprise, Candace was there! The Andersons have a van that enables them to get Candace out of the house. (If it weren’t for the van, Sarah would have missed her own birthday party … she does not leave Candace’s side … ever.) The party was held at the family’s Forest Park church. Sarah said she hadn’t been to a church service in four years.
Now 23, Candace appears comfortable and alert. She does not have brain damage. Her mind is trapped in a body that does not cooperate. It’s unclear whether she can see or hear. She cannot speak or sit up.
Sister Sophia is 21. She is studying to be a nurse and engaged to be married. Her hearing goes in and out, but she has forged ahead with her life.
Japheth, Candace’s loyal boyfriend who helped her across the stage so she wouldn’t have to use her wheelchair when she graduated from Columbia High School, has gone on with his life, too. He is still close to the Anderson family. He and his brothers have a singing group and they performed at the party.
Candace’s father, Charles, told the party guests that he planned the birthday party for his wife after the family celebrated her mother’s birthday in North Carolina. Sarah helped plan the party, but she didn’t go. On the day Candace lost her ability to speak, while at Emory Hospital, her mother promised her she would never leave her. She has kept that promise.
Comments
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By Velatra
November 1, 2005 09:56 AM | Link to this
Thanks a million for the update. Candace and her family are in my fervent prayers.
One favor to ask: Could please give an update on Bridgett Stewart, the former Webster County student who overcame many obstacles to succeed as an honor student? She was featured Rosie O’Donnell’s show and interviewed with Barbara Walters a few years ago. She should be about 20 or 21 years old now. I use her story to inspire my students every year. An update would be the icing on the cake. Thanks.
By Patti Ghezzi
November 1, 2005 10:31 AM | Link to this
My colleague talked to Bridgett about two years ago and she was doing great. I believe she was at Georgia State. My colleague was struck by what an elegant, mature woman she had become, due in part I suspect to her travels and media appearances after the AJC story ran. (Jim Dyer, the story’s author, no longer works here…)
I’ll try to contact her and provide an update.
By Velatra
November 1, 2005 11:45 AM | Link to this
Thanks a million!!!! I have been searching high and low, to no avail. I had e-mailed AJC about a year ago. Once again, thanks for the update on Candace and Bridgett.
By Don
November 1, 2005 03:14 PM | Link to this
What a inspirational story. It amazes me the way Candace and her sister has continued on with their lives despite their afflictions. We should all take note and be grateful for the things we often take for granted.
By HSTeach
November 1, 2005 04:56 PM | Link to this
Wow….I think her story is incredible and I would love to share it w/ my students. Does anyone think this reminds them of ALD?
By kdn
November 2, 2005 09:40 AM | Link to this
I’m not sure if I want to cry or just give that mother of courage praise. I’m certain by what I’ve read Candace doesn’t want any tears, just prayers. I realize how truly blessed I am to have all of the 5 senses God has given me. I hope the mother’s birthday was a great one and the family stays together in prayer. Sarah, you are “better than blessed”.