For Rod and Debi, family has always been at the center of everything. Their story is one of resilience, devotion, and deep gratitude, especially for their oldest son, Chase.
Chase is 36 years old and has been supported at Cedar Lake Lodge for the past seven years. To hear his mother tell it, Cedar Lake has not just supported Chase, it has helped him flourish.
A Determined Beginning
Chase was born on an Air Force base in Oklahoma, shortly before Rod transitioned out of military service. His delivery was traumatic, and Debi instinctively sensed something was not right. As Chase grew, he was not meeting typical developmental milestones. At a time when autism was rarely diagnosed in young children, especially in smaller communities, the family searched tirelessly for answers.
Their move to Shelbyville proved pivotal. There, they found the Child Evaluation Center, which ultimately diagnosed Chase with autism around age five. The Center helped him with feeding challenges, desensitization, and early intervention services that began in kindergarten through First Steps. That early support shaped the trajectory of his life.
Chase attended Shelby County High School until he was 21. He was well liked, social, and fully engaged in school life. He attended every prom, often with classmates eager to be his date. Communication was always important to him. He learned some sign language and embraced AAC technology, using adaptive communication devices long before they were common. Over time, with support from organizations like WHAS Crusade for Children, he received adaptive bicycles and assistive technology, including one of the family’s first iPads. Today, he continues to communicate confidently using his AAC device at Cedar Lake.
A Full and Joyful Life
From a young age, Chase loved swimming and animals. He participated in Special Olympics, rode horses in therapy programs, and remained deeply involved in church, where he was baptized and joyfully immersed himself in music during services.
Family adventures were always a priority. The family made it a point to focus on what they could do together, boating, tubing, and swimming at Lake Cumberland, or vacationing on the beaches of Fort Myers. Chase especially loves watching people water ski and laughing when they tumble into the water.
He looks forward every year to Thunder Over Louisville and the excitement of Derby season. He particularly enjoys watching recordings from 1997 and 2000 on YouTube because of the disco music. The steady, comforting beats bring him joy.
“We didn’t let his disability control too much,” Debi says. “He has always been a good sport.”
She still marvels at moments that once felt unimaginable, like the day Cedar Lake arranged for Chase to visit an elephant at Wilstem Wildlife Park. “I did not dream that he would pat an elephant,” she says. “It was so cool that Cedar Lake picked up on that and made it happen.”
A Brotherhood at Cedar Lake
Chase was placed on the Cedar Lake waiting list at 18. He waited ten years.
While waiting, he attended the Cedar Lake Enrichment Center day training program and loved every minute. When the call finally came, just two years after the heartbreaking loss of their younger son, Keaton, to bone cancer, Debi was not sure she was ready. She now calls the decision a blessing.
Keaton and Chase had shared a deep bond. Despite Chase’s disability, the two were as close as brothers could be. Today, Debi says that at Cedar Lake Lodge, Chase is surrounded by people who love him, especially the men in his suite who are an extension of his family.
When Chase moved in, Cedar Lake welcomed Debi 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Initially unsure about an intermediate care facility, Debi credits Teela Bush, Director of Direct Support Professionals, for helping her understand the possibilities. “Chase would have a bigger life,” Teela told her.
She was right.
Chase has his own bathroom. He loves his suitemates. His DSPs feel like sisters, especially Tory, whom he adores. Debi laughs watching their interactions. What she once feared might feel institutional instead feels warm and homey. The sensory room provides space for decompression, something essential not only for Chase but for many residents.
Two summers ago, Cedar Lake rented a pontoon boat so Chase and others from Cedar Lake Lodge could spend the day on the water. Each resident gets a special day tailored to their interests. For Chase, that is pure happiness.
His upcoming birthday party is scheduled at Lowe’s and The Home Depot, two of his favorite places.
Growth, Trust and Love
“I love how loving he is. He is a sweet guy,” Debi says.
Since moving to Cedar Lake Lodge, Chase has grown into his own personality. His behaviors are no longer the first thing people notice. The team carefully assessed his needs and provided individualized supports. The result has been maturity, confidence, and trust.
He trusts his caregivers. He trusts that they will understand his wants and needs. While he has many favorites, his dad remains his number one person.
Debi now sees Chase’s move to Cedar Lake as a natural life progression, much like college for many young adults. She visits weekly and can reach him in 30 minutes. Cedar Lake’s Lutheran affiliation resonated with their family faith, and its reputation for compassionate care made it their only consideration from the start.
“I found out how much we were going to need Cedar Lake once we lost our son,” Debi reflects. “I was not ready when the call came. But I am so thankful that I did it. He has done nothing but excel and grow.”
Today, Chase lives a life filled with joy. He swims at local pools, attends community outings, celebrates birthdays in hardware stores, and enjoys disco beats from decades past.
Most of all, he is deeply loved.
“Our whole family is impressed with Cedar Lake,” Debi says. “We did not even know how to dream for it.”
For Chase, surrounded by care, friendship, adventure, and the steady devotion of his family, the dream continues to unfold.
