DePaul Expressions Vol XXIV Num1

Giving Vivi a Life She Loves Story by Alison Wickline-Burns | Photos by Kylie Hinson Photography

DePaul was Jim’s first call. His daughter, Vivian, was graduating from high school, a place she had found inclusion and community. Jim and his wife, Kelly, were wondering what the next step would be. How would they give Vivian (or Vivi, as they affectionately call her) the same happiness and experiences in this new phase of her life? “You realize it’s coming, but it keeps feeling far away,” said Jim. DePaul’s Sponsored Residential Program helped them answer that question. The program made it possible for Jim to leave his job and become a sponsored provider for his daughter. Vivi has Rett syndrome, which affects her motor skills and her ability to communicate. When Vivi was diagnosed at the age of 4, Jim and Kelly made it their mission to give her a full life with as few limitations as possible. “We do what we can to keep her strength, to keep her moving,” said Jim. Vivi loves smiling and socializing, listening to music, riding her adaptive bike, swimming, and

riding horses. Most mornings you can find Jim and Vivi at their local YMCA. Some days she rides her favorite horse, Snoopy, at Mesa Vista Therapeutics. Some days she volunteers. On Wednesdays, she attends a music class. And some days, you’ll find her at one of the engaging events hosted by Jacob’s Chance. Jim and Kelly’s fear that their daughter would lose her light once school ended has faded. They have built a new community around Vivi where she is welcomed, included, and supported. “My hopes and dreams are that she remains happy and healthy and has the opportunity to do things she loves every day,” said Jim. This new routine does take work. It has been an adjustment for Jim to transition from his former full-time career to being a full-time caregiver. But adjusting and adapting has resulted in a newfound appreciation for the small things, a recognition of all the little moments that make up Vivi’s life. “The best part is the time we spend together, not only time but true quality time,” said Jim. “I just want Vivi to look forward to life.”

“My hopes and dreams are that she remains happy and healthy and has the opportunity to do things she loves every day.”

— JIM

4 | SPRING 2026