I Just Am

All too often, we shroud ourselves in ignorance, thus preventing us from learning from others whom we consider to be somewhat different. In a book that is both charming and disarming, Bryan Lambke, a young man with Down syndrome, invites us into his world where he lets us know he shares the same dreams and emotions as everyone else.

Bryan Lambke is the son of Tom and Karen Lambke. An avid sports enthusiast, Bryan was just eight years old when he competed for the first time in the track and field events of the Illinois Special Olympics. Fourteen years later, he stood atop the winner’s platform at the 2003 International Special Olympics in Dublin, Ireland.

Now 23 years old, Bryan holds two jobs in the Phoenix, Arizona area (he sorts x-rays for shredding at the Center for Habilitation and works as a meeter/greeter at the Chandler AMF Bowling Center). He dreams of getting a driver’s license, living on his own, and being married. He continues to participate in Special Olympics and especially enjoys bowling, swimming, and basketball. Bryan has two special girlfriends, Nicki and Nicole, and likes going out on dates.

Tom Lambke is also the author of Spirit, Courage and Resolve, the story of Bryan’s road to becoming an International Special Olympics gold medal winner. He is an instructional assistant in special education at Corona del Sol High School in Chandler, Arizona, and volunteers as a coach and umpire for the Special Olympics.

Tom is the past chair of the Special Olympics Arizona Family Boosters Club, and is also a member of the Advisory Board of Best Buddies, a non-profit organization that enhances the lives of people with intellectual disabilities. Along with his wife Karen, he is the founder and former president of Recreation and Athletics for the Disabled. RAD is a non-profit group in Chandler, AZ that financially assists individuals with disabilities to participate in recreational activities. Tom and Karen’s daughter Shauna works with youngsters with special needs at an elementary school and is studying for a degree in nursing.