Posted on February 11, 2026
A Decision That Helped Us Worry Less About Tomorrow.
By Chris Otto
Penn-Mar Parent and Legacy Circle Supporter
Mandy Otto poses with her parents at one of her favorite places, Disney World!
It can be an emotional time for parents when their children grow up, spread their wings, and begin to live more independently. For parents of a child with a disability, that moment often carries extra weight. Along with pride and hope comes the added responsibility of navigating complex systems of support to ensure their child can live a meaningful adult life.
Our daughter Mandy was born with Williams Syndrome, a rare genetic condition that affects physical development, learning, and various health issues. People with Williams Syndrome are often friendly, outgoing, and deeply connected to music, all of which describe Mandy perfectly.
When Mandy was just 18 months old, we moved north of Baltimore to Hydes, Maryland. She lived with us until she was 40, but we knew long before that it would not always be the right long-term plan. We wanted Mandy to have a safe, supportive home where she could continue to grow in independence while being surrounded by people who truly cared about her.
That search led us to Penn-Mar 26 years ago where we met Greg Miller. From the very beginning, we felt a sense of trust. As my husband John and I toured the day program and residential homes, we noticed the care, cleanliness, and attention to detail. More importantly, we saw the respect between staff and the people they support. I remember turning to my husband and saying, “This is it. We don’t need to look any further.”
Mandy moved into her Penn-Mar home in January of 2019. Like any major transition, it came with challenges. The pandemic in 2020 made those early months especially difficult, but the patience and empathy shown by her staff made all the difference. They helped Mandy adjust, feel safe, and truly settle into her new environment.
Over the past two years, Mandy has dealt with some health challenges as well. On one occasion, she needed an ambulance to take her to the local ER. The dedication of her staff was just unbelievable. They constantly visited her in the hospital and created a new diet plan to aid in her recovery. The communication between the staff and our family during this time was amazing.
Today, Mandy has a full life. She has friends, participates in day program activities, works several days a week at the local YMCA, and has become more independent and patient.
Most importantly, knowing Mandy has support gives us peace of mind. We no longer carry the fear of what might happen if we were suddenly unable to care for her. We know Penn-Mar will be there. That confidence is what led our family to include Penn-Mar in our estate plans and become part of the Penn-Mar Legacy Circle.
We are ordinary people. I retired after a career as a nurse in radiation oncology, and my husband retired from the National Cash Register Corporation. Like many families, our lives have revolved around our child. Including Penn-Mar in our plans felt like a natural extension of that care. It is a way to help ensure that the organization that supports Mandy today will be there for her and for others in the future.
The Legacy Circle is a community of people who have chosen to include Penn-Mar in their estate plans, often by naming the organization in their will. It is not about recognition or status. It is about continuity. It brings together families and supporters who share a commitment to making sure Penn-Mar endures to support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities for generations to come.
For our family, this decision was about hope. Hope that Mandy will always have a community that knows her, supports her, and values her life. And hope that Penn-Mar will continue to be a place where people with disabilities can live courageously.