LynLee Judkins
For the past 12 years, Lynlee Judkins has been hitting the books in the DeKalb County School system, but unlike her other peers, the 17-year-old young lady faces an additional challenge—Down syndrome.
LynLee and her mom have faced a variety of hurdles since she was born. "It was a little unnerving,” says Judkins when she was told about her daughter’s condition. “But it doesn’t take long to adapt. That’s how she is, and I have to take care of her. I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
With Down syndrome came several health complications. The little girl has undergone four open heart operations in her lifetime because of a congenital heart defect. She has struggled with sleep apnea and hip problems along with communication issues.
“She doesn’t say a lot of complete sentences,” says Judkins. “But you can understand what she’s saying. I think her speech is pretty good, but she could use some work on it.”
“I’ve kept LynLee many days in life, and spent a lot of time with her,” says step-grandfather Harvey Felts. She doesn’t have any brothers or sisters, but she has aunts and honorary aunts, and people who care a lot about her. We all pitch in and play with her and help keep her.”
LynLee also has touched the hearts of her peers at school. They elected her Class Favorite and Attendant her freshman year. “I couldn’t believe it,” Shana Judkins said. “My sister-in-law was a teacher at the time, called and said, ‘Are you sitting down?’ Oh, gosh! Is this bad? And then she told me she was elected attendant.”
LynLee’s life is filled with school, church, and numerous trips to the lake.
“We have fun [on] the boat,” LynLee says.
“She likes to ride her bicycle,” her mom adds. “She likes to play bowling on the Wii, and of course, she likes to chat with her friends. I think her goal in life is to get as many contacts as she can in her phone or on her iPad. Right now that’s the big thing, getting all these numbers.” LynLee is a good reader and tech savvy, but also mischievous.
“She’s very sneaky,” says Shana. In fact, Judkins says if she turns her head during a meal, sometimes LynnLee will quickly grab a biscuit or other favorite food off mom’s plate. “She’s real funny,” mom says, laughing. “She’s bull-headed too.” After graduation, mom says LynnLee will likely attend the Independence program at Tennessee Tech. But for now, the teenager is ready to shine as the “3.21Run4DS Face of the Race 2018.
For the past 12 years, Lynlee Judkins has been hitting the books in the DeKalb County School system, but unlike her other peers, the 17-year-old young lady faces an additional challenge—Down syndrome.
LynLee and her mom have faced a variety of hurdles since she was born. "It was a little unnerving,” says Judkins when she was told about her daughter’s condition. “But it doesn’t take long to adapt. That’s how she is, and I have to take care of her. I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
With Down syndrome came several health complications. The little girl has undergone four open heart operations in her lifetime because of a congenital heart defect. She has struggled with sleep apnea and hip problems along with communication issues.
“She doesn’t say a lot of complete sentences,” says Judkins. “But you can understand what she’s saying. I think her speech is pretty good, but she could use some work on it.”
“I’ve kept LynLee many days in life, and spent a lot of time with her,” says step-grandfather Harvey Felts. She doesn’t have any brothers or sisters, but she has aunts and honorary aunts, and people who care a lot about her. We all pitch in and play with her and help keep her.”
LynLee also has touched the hearts of her peers at school. They elected her Class Favorite and Attendant her freshman year. “I couldn’t believe it,” Shana Judkins said. “My sister-in-law was a teacher at the time, called and said, ‘Are you sitting down?’ Oh, gosh! Is this bad? And then she told me she was elected attendant.”
LynLee’s life is filled with school, church, and numerous trips to the lake.
“We have fun [on] the boat,” LynLee says.
“She likes to ride her bicycle,” her mom adds. “She likes to play bowling on the Wii, and of course, she likes to chat with her friends. I think her goal in life is to get as many contacts as she can in her phone or on her iPad. Right now that’s the big thing, getting all these numbers.” LynLee is a good reader and tech savvy, but also mischievous.
“She’s very sneaky,” says Shana. In fact, Judkins says if she turns her head during a meal, sometimes LynnLee will quickly grab a biscuit or other favorite food off mom’s plate. “She’s real funny,” mom says, laughing. “She’s bull-headed too.” After graduation, mom says LynnLee will likely attend the Independence program at Tennessee Tech. But for now, the teenager is ready to shine as the “3.21Run4DS Face of the Race 2018.
