Carl “Buddy” Kodish

During the time that my brother, Carl “Buddy” Kodish, was in rehab for his right knee replacement, we had a song list that we played for inspiration and encouragement. “We Are the Champions” by Queen was at the top of the list. The lyrics ring true for Buddy’s life, not just the time spent recovering from his surgery. He has fought through adversity for all of his life.

Buddy was born with intellectual disabilities at a time when the educational system did not have a place for him. No local school could meet his needs. Our parents were forced to make a decision that was heartbreaking and at the age of 10, he was sent to the Allentown State Children’s Hospital where he remained until he was 16-years-old. While he was in the institution, we were only able to visit him once a month. He came home for Christmas and one week in the summer. Buddy endured his time in Allentown and then entered into a special Adolescent Unit at Harrisburg State Hospital. The goal was for him to learn enough skills to attend/work at a newly conceived sheltered workshop, Skills of Central Pennsylvania. Being the champion that he is, Buddy was able to come home to live and had a 49-year career at Skills.

Buddy had another hurdle to overcome when our mother became unable to care for him at home. We found a group home for him in the McVeytown area and he transitioned there with no problem. He likes to recall how he came out to wave goodbye to me and mom with a smile on his face. It made our mother happy to see him so at ease in his new home as an independent man.

Buddy has one goal in life-to make you smile. He is always eager to please and looks for ways to make you happy. After his first week in the group home, some of the family met at a local restaurant to see him and hear from him about his new home. His niece, Brooke, asked him for some advice about life. Here is his response: “Behave. Live a good life. Have fun. Be happy.”

Buddy is a champion in my book. And I know that he will keep on fighting till the end.

Submitted by Margaret Kodish Zook, Reedsville