Timmerman family wins iPad2 in library contest

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Neighbors | Submitted.Austintown's Matty Timmerman now has his very own iPad to help him pass the time when he undergoes monthly treatments to bolster his immune system. Timmerman has Down's syndrome.

Matty Timmerman, a 16-year-old with Down syndrome, is now the owner of a brand new iPad2.

The iPad2 was won by Mattys mother, Sandee Timmerman, in the PLYMC-Mobile Contest at the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County (PLYMC).

The contest, which ended June 30, gave away an iPad2 in celebration of launching a new mobile application, available in app stores for all web-enabled smart phones, such as the iPhone, Droid, Blackberry, and others, and for iPod and iPad users.

Matty has had experience using an iPad and has wanted one of his very own, but they are expensive, his mom, Sandee explained.

“He likes to play games, watch ‘Wiggles and Barney’ on YouTube, and listen to music. It is calming for him, as well as educational.”

Matty, whom is in need of constant medical attention, can take the iPad2 to help him pass the time when he undergoes monthly treatments to bolster his immune system.

Matty is in the multiple disabilities class at Austintown Fitch High School and participates in the Special Olympics in track, bowling and challenger baseball.

Sandee and her husband, Bill, reside in Austintown. They are parents of four adopted special needs children: Michael (20), Matty (16), Marlena (14) and Marcus (13). Sandee also has two adult children, Paul and Kristee.

Sandee explains why she chose to adopt four special needs children.

“The Lord called me to do this. It’s an honor to be their parents.”

She is active in several organizations and wants to get the word out about children with special needs.

“It’s very important to share resources and knowledge with others,” she said.

Sandee was on the Mahoning County Board of Developmental Disabilities for 12 years, the Easter Seals board for more than two years, is a member of the Down Syndrome of the Valley and serves on the Hines Foundation Survey Subcommittee for the Youngstown Foundation.