Our Kids

        Casey Christensen, son of Becky Corwell and Reese Christensen was born August 21, 1981 at home in Orem. He was the 1st “water bed delivery" that the Orem paramedics had ever done and made the front page of the Orem Geneva Times. He came into this world full of determination and has never quit since. He was in an early intervention program in Provo from birth to 5 years old. He had open heart surgery when he was just 11 months old and only 11-1/2 lbs. We almost lost Casey 4 times after his surgery due to pericardial effusions. Again, he made history when his heart x-rays were put into the U of U medical books. (It was highly unusual for this to happen so many times and have the baby live).
        Casey attended 1- 6 grades at Hillcrest Elementary in Orem. It was a tremendous learning experience for him as well has his teachers. The 'special ed. units' at Hillcrest needed a real wake up call and Casey was the one to do it. Casey had an extremely rough 4th grade year. He was certain that he did not belong in the same class as the kids with 'special needs'. His recreational therapist would be the one to witness this first hand. On the last day of the year, Miss Ercanbrack had a tradition. She would ask each of the children what they wanted to be when they grew up. As you can imagine, most of the kids had hopes and dreams of becoming a teacher, mom, fireman, store or fast food worker, singer, etc. Never in the 20+ years of teaching had she heard anything as profound as what Casey wanted to be. When she asked him, he thought for a minute......and then he said, “I WANT TO BE A PERSON!"
        Since that year, I tried to 'break the mold' and have Casey integrate into the 5th and 6th grade classes. It was going to take a lot more time than a 15 minute singing time or 10 minute recess to build friendships and understanding with the other children. I went to school nearly everyday to check up on the teachers. Most of the time, they hadn't followed through on the schedule that we had set up. When the kids in the class would tease Casey or try to get him in trouble, the teachers solution would be to send Casey back out into the 'special needs' class. This was not acceptable to me and I was determined to make it happen not only for Casey, but for the others in the years to come. I guess with both of our stubborn streaks, we were determined to keep pushing towards integration all the way. We made it through elementary with him being out of the classroom at least 1/3 of the day during most of 6th grade. We became lucky and during that year Casey had Jon Standing, a new teacher who believed in integration. It was a real struggle with the other 6th grade teachers but would pay off in the next few years. When we went back 4 years later to see Mr. Standing, he had all of his 'special ed. students' integrated for at least 1/2 to 3/4ths of the day!

        Casey was one of the original members of “Up with Downs”, started by Jim and Brenda Winegar. He was also one of the original P.A.L.S. group members, beginning at 8 years old and performing with Mark Shipley until Jr. High. Mark had a huge impact on his life, helping him develop a love for singing, dancing and performing. He especially loved performing at E.F.Y. during the summer. Another singing group, lead by Ruth Melville and her daughter, proved to be a most memorable experience for Casey. He had the opportunity to perform in the Provo Tabernacle Christmas Program, 4th of July program and many other times throughout the year.
        He attended Lakeridge Jr. High in Orem. He adored two of his teachers, Mrs. Batson and Coach Jim Young. They were determined to help Casey have a positive school experience. Jim Young was very influential. He could see the positive results of integration and after Casey went into high school, he went back to school to receive his Masters in school administration, with an emphasis in integration. He has been a great friend to Casey and his degree was so rewarding for us!
        Casey had many wonderful social experiences at Orem High School. Highlights include the monthly dances (even the Proms), setting up and helping with lunchroom duties, helping out with the girls soccer team, and all of the sports activities he could attend. His favorite song to this day is "Eye of the Tiger" for the Orem High Tigers!!
        The most memorable experience at OHS was receiving the "Most Inspirational Student Award" at his graduation. He was able to give an acceptance speech in front of everyone. One of the most touching moments came when the boy who gave him the hardest time at Hillcrest Elementary was the one who introduced him and presented Casey the award. Casey has been part of the Best Buddies program at B.Y.U. He is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He graduated from seminary, has attended some Institute classes at UVSC and is currently attending some Salt Lake Institute classes. He has learned to snow ski, loves to play volleyball and basketball for Special Olympics, loves to travel, hang with his cousins and most of all loves his Professional Wrestling. He has worked at Smith Food King. He is looking forward to being a missionary in the near future.
        Casey is one of the self-advocates on the state board of UDSF.