Having a sibling with a disability shapes your life, possibly in a very different way than other sibling relationships. Hear three adults talk about their experiences growing up with a sibling with a disability and reflect on how their experiences shaped their faith.
This event is open to all and free to attend!
Gabriel Aliaga is a senior at The Catholic University of America majoring in Philosophy with a Pre-Law track and minoring in Politics. He currently serves as the Program and Website Coordinator for Summer Sessions in the School of Professional Studies. Born in New Jersey and raised in Columbia, Maryland, Gabriel is part of a close-knit family of four. His older brother, Alejandro, who is on the autism spectrum, attends one to two classes per semester at Howard Community College. Growing up alongside a sibling with a disability has profoundly shaped Gabriel’s sense of responsibility, deepened his empathy, and broadened his understanding of family life. Outside of academics and work, Gabriel finds joy in reading classic literature, delving into theological reflection, and spending time in nature.
Dr. Kate Andrzejewski is a parishioner at Mother Teresa of Calcutta parish in Topeka, KS and works as a scientist for the Kansas Geological Survey. Together she and her husband Kolbe enjoy living on their hobby farm in rural KS and raising their two daughters. A native of Topeka, Kate grew up surrounded by incredible faith-filled role models including her younger brother, Josh Ruoff, who serves as a disabilities advocate for the Archdiocese of Kansas City, KS. Faith has always served as the foundation to face challenges, including when her younger brother was born with spina bifida and faced many difficult obstacles. Though there still remain barriers ahead, Kate is blessed to be a witness of God’s grace working in her family’s life to help overcome whatever life’s journey brings.
Rick Mason, CNP, CTRI, is a graduate of Benedictine University. In 2020, Rick left a lucrative career as a territory manager in orthopedic reconstruction & trauma device sales to embrace a deeper calling to serve in the charitable sector and currently serves as volunteer CEO of Equine Dreams, a faith-based 501c3 non-profit organization that provides free therapeutic equine assisted services to children and adults with disabilities. The inception of the organization with inspired by Rick's brother, Andrew, who has Angelman Syndrome. What started as a small family-founded charity in 1996 has blossomed into a large internationally accredited organization, faithfully dedicated to improving the quality of life for those living with disabilities.
