Can one mom’s devotion to her kids overcome lifelong FASD struggles?
From left: Deyna Pardue, Carol Hatch, Will Seward, Simone Hope, Kellen Swanson, RJ Galeshoff, baby Lily Schablein, Gifford Benoit, Ari Schablein, Chase Benoit and Leah Morgan-Carroll. (Photo by Marc Lester/Anchorage Daily News)
To the Daily News:
I read with interest about the ADN project regarding alcohol and the tremendous influence it has on the people of Alaska. I would like to offer my family’s experience living with the effects of alcohol misuse.
I am the adoptive single mother of 6 children, all of whom struggle with the birth defect of prenatal alcohol exposure and several with substance abuse, along with many mental health issues. They are now from 18 to 28, all currently living at home, and I see no end to them needing my support.
I am writing to talk about education, family life, community support, the criminal justice system, the foster care system and any other part of our lives that could help make a difference in their daily lives. I have lots of experience in this area!
Please let me know if I can help.
Carol Hatch
As part of the State of Intoxication series, Marc Lester, a Daily News photographer and reporter Kyle Hopkins spent nine months following the Hatch family. Our special report begins here.
1. Carol Hatch steers six alcohol-damaged children into adulthood
3. Ari considers her pregnancy
6. Will takes charge of dinner
8. Leah’s academics, Simone’s relapse
10. Simone phases up to Clitheroe
12. Leah, Simone and RJ at the job fair
15. Carol talks about parenting
16. A last check-in with the Hatch family
Originally published May 2, 2014 by Anchorage Daily News in Anchorage Daily News.