A Mother’s Resiliency and Strength: Diane Butler Named DSP of the Year for Nevada

It’s truly inspiring when you come across a person who, even after tremendous loss and grieving, continues to find the good in all they’ve been through. That describes Diane Butler, the ANCOR Direct Support Professional (DSP) of the Year for the state of Nevada.

Diane was a Host Home provider with Dungarvin for two years, supporting her 27-year-old daughter, Jaime, who had a developmental disability. Sadly, Jaime developed lung cancer, and passed away in February of this year. In a cruel twist of fate, Diane had already been grieving the loss of her husband, who died about a year earlier.

Diane said she was a little surprised to be nominated for the DSP of the Year award. “Because there are so many people who’ve been there longer, but I think Dungarvin knew what a tough battle it was for me and wanted to recognize that,” she said.

In reflecting upon the precious time she spent caring for and supporting Jaime, Diane said she’s thankful to have had the opportunity. “It has opened my eyes so much; it’s given me so much more than any other one thing in my life, and that’s been very gratifying.”

La’Kendrick Thompson, the Dungarvin Nevada Area Director who nominated Diane for the award, said she has shown tremendous resiliency and strength of character. After going through Dungarvin’s Host Home training, Diane devoted her life to caring for and supporting Jaime. This included taking her to medical appointments five days a week. La’Kendrick said Diane did all she could to lift her daughter’s spirits during her illness.

“She engaged Jaime in the activities of her choice, like gem art and puzzles, and she would take her to the Garden Foundation, where Jaime was able to make friends and participate in various activities with coaches in a learning environment,” La’Kendrick said. Also, Jaime was a huge Disney fan and had always wanted to go on a Disney cruise. Diane made that dream come true for her daughter.

Diane described Jaime as perpetually positive. “That girl had a ‘half-glass-full’ view her whole life. She went through a lot of behavior intervention, which taught her to find solutions, to always make the best of it,” she said.

“She never knew she was sick,” Diane continued. “She would say things like, ‘I can’t wait to be brave tomorrow, Mom. I love going to see Dr. so and so.’ I don’t know if she was trying to convince herself or me, but she always had a positive attitude. Never once did she complain and say, ‘why me?’ The worst I ever heard was, ‘Mom, I hope my back feels better soon.’”

Diane shared her advice for people considering a career as a Direct Support Professional: “I would say do it because you want a full and satisfying life, because it will certainly do that for you. You’ll be able to look in the mirror every day and say, ‘Life is precious, these individuals are special, and I’m making a difference.’” The entire Dungarvin organization salutes you, Diane, and celebrates this tremendous honor. Thank you for all you’ve taught us through your loving example.