Doctors said her son wouldn’t live past the age of 11; he celebrated his 62nd birthday despite all odds
In 1958, the birth of Joey Wittkugle in Struthers, Ohio, was met with a prognosis that would have broken many hearts.
Doctors delivered a stark warning to his mother, Bobbi Wittkugle: her newborn son, diagnosed with Down syndrome, would not live past the age of 11.
They predicted he would never walk, talk, or even recognize her as his mother. The words landed like a thunderbolt, but Bobbi, a young mother at the time, refused to let them define her son’s future.
On June 29, 2020, Joey celebrated his 62nd birthday, surrounded by a community that gathered to honor his remarkable life, proving that the human spirit can triumph over even the most dire predictions.
Down syndrome, a genetic condition caused by an extra chromosome 21, often leads to developmental delays and intellectual challenges.
In the 1950s, societal understanding of the condition was limited, and many children with Down syndrome were institutionalized, hidden from public view, and often dismissed as incapable of meaningful lives.
It was in this challenging climate that Joey was born. Doctors, without even asking Bobbi’s name, urged her to “put him away,” warning that Joey would be a burden, unable to contribute to society.
“He’ll never talk. He’ll never walk. He’ll never know who you are. He will live to the age of 11, and that will be the end of it,” they told her.
The weight of those words was crushing, but Bobbi’s resolve was unbreakable.
She recalled a pivotal moment when a priest offered her guidance that would shape her life: “Bobbi, you were gifted by God, you were chosen by God to have this child. You can’t turn your back on him. When he leaves you, then you will know the purpose of him coming to you.”
These words became a beacon for Bobbi, who chose to raise Joey at home, defying the societal norms of the time that often saw children with developmental disabilities kept out of sight.
“Sixty-two years ago, nobody knew about them, and they kept them in the house. You did not have them out walking or one thing or another,” Bobbi shared in a 2020 interview.
Joey’s life has been a testament to his mother’s unwavering love and advocacy.
Despite the doctors’ grim predictions, Joey learned to walk and communicate in his own unique way, bringing joy to those around him with his infectious smile and gentle nature.
While the specifics of his abilities remain private, his presence in the community speaks volumes.
He has become a beloved figure in Struthers, a small town where his story has inspired countless others.
Bobbi, now nearly 90, has been by his side every step of the way, ensuring that Joey received the care, opportunities, and respect he deserved.
Together, they have challenged stereotypes and demonstrated that with love and support, individuals with disabilities can lead rich, meaningful lives.
The journey of Joey and Bobbi reflects broader changes in how society views and supports individuals with Down syndrome.
In the mid-20th century, life expectancy for those with the condition was significantly lower, often due to associated health issues like heart defects and a lack of specialized care.
Advances in medical treatment, coupled with increased societal inclusion, have dramatically improved outcomes.
Today, many individuals with Down syndrome live into their 60s and beyond, participating in communities, pursuing education, and even holding jobs.
Joey’s longevity is a powerful example of this progress, but his story also underscores the importance of family and community support in overcoming challenges.
On June 28, 2020, the day before Joey’s 62nd birthday, the Struthers community came together to celebrate his extraordinary life.
A vibrant birthday parade, organized by Bobbi and Joey’s family, took place at the Fifth Street Plaza near Save A Lot.
Nearly 100 vehicles—cars, trucks, motorcycles, and even first responder units—rolled through, decked out with decorations, honking horns, and waving banners.
Joey, seated in a decorated wheelchair and wearing a festive birthday hat, beamed with joy as the procession passed by.
Family, friends, and even strangers shouted birthday wishes, their voices mingling with the sound of engines and horns.
The event was more than a celebration; it was a powerful statement about the value of every life and the importance of inclusion.
Bobbi’s motivation for the parade was clear: she wanted to show the world that individuals like Joey are not defined by their limitations but by their humanity and capacity for love.
“I want people to start understanding, when you see one of our children, don’t turn your back at them like they did years ago. They are human, they are special from God, and please learn to love them as much as they love you,” she said.
Her words carry the weight of a lifetime spent advocating for her son and others with developmental disabilities, a mission that has resonated deeply in Struthers and beyond.
Joey’s story is a beacon of hope in a world that often focuses on differences.
His 62 years of life stand as a powerful rebuke to the limitations imposed by early medical predictions and societal stigmas.
Through Bobbi’s love and the support of their community, Joey has not only survived but thrived, touching the lives of those around him with his warmth and resilience.
His journey reminds us that every individual has a unique purpose, and with love and acceptance, they can achieve far more than anyone might expect.
As Bobbi’s words echo, “They are human, they are special from God, and please learn to love them as much as they love you.”
What will Joey’s next milestone be, and how will his story continue to inspire a more inclusive world?
