Awesome Parents | Vicky Vriniotis and Ann Taylor

by Lorri Benedik

Vicky Vriniotis

In May 2000, Vicky Vriniotis and Emru Townsend welcomed their son Maximus. “We had concerns about Max as an infant – he cried a lot and would not be soothed,” Vriniotis said. “I attributed his difficulties to my postpartum depression and the stress of moving houses when he was six weeks old.” At 18 months, the pediatrician found Max big for his age and falling short of developmental milestones. She ordered a CT scan, bone density and genetic testing, which revealed that Max has Sotos syndrome, a genetic disorder characterized by excessive physical growth in early childhood and some cognitive impairment. The couple put no limit on expectations of what their son could achieve.

Vicky Vriniotis, left, and her son Max Townsend in Dollard-des-Ormeaux in March 2022. Photo courtesy of V. Vriniotis

Max began attending a socialization group two mornings a week at Centre de réadaptation de l’Ouest de Montréal (CROM). Vriniotis returned to her coordinator job at Merck, and soon Max was integrated in the company daycare.

In 2007, Emru Townsend became very ill and was ultimately diagnosed with leukemia. He had chemotherapy but the treatment did not work. His only hope was a bone marrow transplant. The international registry eventually found a match, but the transplant was not successful; they were told he had weeks to live. “Before Emru passed away I told him I was thinking of asking my parents to come live with us, to help with Max,” Vriniotis said. “He thought it was a fabulous idea.”

Emru Townsend died in November 2008, at age 39. “Two months later my mom and dad moved in. Having them with us was incredible,” said Vriniotis. “It allowed me to grieve properly for my husband and begin to find myself again.” Max has always been close to his extended family and friends. “He has a unique connection with each person. Their love for him is layered, like flavours in a gourmet meal,” she said.

Max has enjoyed his involvement with the Special Olympics. Before the Covid-19 pandemic, he competed in bowling and swimming. He attended Summit School for 10 years, graduating in 2021, and recently started at Endeavour – a continuing education program for adults with special needs run through the Place Cartier Adult Education Centre of the Lester B. Pearson School Board.

“Max is joyful, kind and loves saying hello to everyone,” said Vriniotis. “Our happy-go-lucky gentle giant may have a promising career as a Walmart greeter.”

Ann Taylor

In 1985, Ann and Graham Taylor were eagerly anticipating the birth of their first child. When Adam was born, their excitement turned to despair when they learned he had Down syndrome. “The shock was tremendous,” said Ann Taylor. “The doctors spoke of the challenges he would face and what a strain it would be to parent him.” 

From left, Ann, Adam, Rebecca and Graham Taylor at Adam’s high school graduation from Chambly Academy High School in Saint Lambert in May 2005. Adam missed his June graduation ceremony as he was admitted for a bone marrow transplant, so his high school hosted a special graduation ceremony. Photo courtesy of A. Taylor

The couple fell madly in love with their cuddly, sweet baby. They knew little about Down syndrome but stayed positive and chose to focus on his abilities. They were confident that, given the opportunity, Adam would write his own story. Four years later, their daughter Rebecca was born. She and her brother grew to be very close.

The family home, in St. Lambert, offered everything within walking distance. “Adam had a thirst for independence,” Taylor said. “We hoped members of the community would welcome him and ensure his safety.” This worked out well. Adam became acquainted with the local crossing guard, convenience store owner and librarian.

Taylor advocated fiercely for her son and got him into elementary and high school classrooms with technicians to help him thrive. “Adam worked hard,” said Taylor. “He also taught us to celebrate life.”

At age 13, Adam was diagnosed with leukemia. He had invasive treatments and went into remission. “We are grateful that Adam had wonderful high school years,” she said. “He experienced romantic love and sucked as much out of life as he possibly could.”

Adam dreamed of attending Champlain College, but it did not have an integration program for special needs students.
Taylor began working with others to bring such a program to the college. Adam relapsed when he was 17. He endured more treatments, including a bone marrow transplant, which coincided with the first session of Champlain’s brand-new special needs program called Post-Secondary Alternative Community-Based Education (PACE). Adam Taylor was the first student admitted to the program. 

Sadly, one month later, Adam lost his battle with leukemia and passed away. He was 20 years old. After he died, the program was renamed Adam’s PACE, in his honour. The program is a partnership between the Riverside School Board and Champlain College. Taylor has chaired the steering committee since day one and is still at its helm. 

“There are currently eight special needs students in the program,” she said. “It’s joyful for Graham, Rebecca and I to witness these young adults living Adam’s dream.” 

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