Tuesday, February 11, 2025
35.4 F
Roseville

Kevin is a Regular Guy

Kevin Farmer has been through a lot. And his mother Paula Hartman has been there every step.

“Kevin was born premature at seven months and weighed only four pounds two ounces. He has had cerebral palsy since birth and wasn’t diagnosed with it until 16 months,” said 62-year-old Hartman in a telephone interview. She reads this column in the New Bern (NC) Sun Journal.

Brain damage occurring around the time of birth causes cerebral palsy and affects in varying degrees the brain’s ability to control muscle movement.

Said Hartman, “From when Kevin was age 9 to 17, his father was in and out of remission with cancer at least four times, too.” So at a young age while having to adjust to his own disabilities, Kevin had to emotionally adapt to his father’s declining health and eventual death.

At 1990 New Bern High School graduation ceremonies, well-liked Farmer received a standing ovation when his name was announced before getting his diploma. He then attended college three years split between St. Andrew’s College and University of North Carolina-Wilmington. In part, he never completed his college degree due to having regular transportation difficulties getting to class.

As for today at age 39: “(Kevin) is very bright and uses a motorized wheelchair,” said Hartman. “He is unable to transfer (by himself) to the toilet or bed. He uses his right hand for wheelchair controls. He can also use a computer and has a very good speaking voice. You wouldn’t know he had cerebral palsy if you were to speak with him over the telephone. He loves music and has been a DJ for parties. Just speak to him and meet him, and you will know he is a regular guy.”

Kevin has been living independently in apartments since age 20. A year ago, he experienced a tough emotional setback when a long-time girlfriend, also with cerebral palsy, chose to break up with him.

Today, Kevin lives in Jefferson City, Missouri, where he has friends and is “extremely happy,” said Hartman. “In fact, we (Hartman and her second husband) went out a couple weeks ago to visit. I was curious about him. He’s looking for work now and could get a job as a DJ or in an office.” Even though 1,500 miles away, Hartman still contacts Missouri agencies on her son’s behalf.



Brighter Side

Trending

Job Opening: Sr. Manager, Data Management

5 yrs exp. design, modify, dvlp., write & implement software programming apps & code software. BS deg req’d.

LA-Z-Boy Home Furnishings & Décor in Roseville

Transform your living room and bedroom with La-Z-Boy's comfortable home furniture. Shop for sofas, couches, recliners, chairs, tables, mattress in a box, and more today.

Roseville Pleasant Grove Creek Trail closure for critical repairs

Roseville, Calif. - The trail crossing over Pleasant Grove Creek is closed for critical repairs between Old Coach Drive/Phillips Park and the Orchard View Road trailhead parking lot.

RG Philips Park in Roseville

RG Philips Park "This 6.5 acre park features a children’s...

Roseville welcomes US Quadball West Coast National Qualifier to Maidu Park

Roseville, Calif. - Quadball, an action-packed sport that evolved from the Harry Potter novels, will hold its only West Coast national qualifier Saturday, Feb. 8, and Sunday, Feb. 9 at Maidu Regional Park in Roseville.

Topics

Job Opening: Sr. Manager, Data Management

5 yrs exp. design, modify, dvlp., write & implement software programming apps & code software. BS deg req’d.

LA-Z-Boy Home Furnishings & Décor in Roseville

Transform your living room and bedroom with La-Z-Boy's comfortable home furniture. Shop for sofas, couches, recliners, chairs, tables, mattress in a box, and more today.

Roseville Pleasant Grove Creek Trail closure for critical repairs

Roseville, Calif. - The trail crossing over Pleasant Grove Creek is closed for critical repairs between Old Coach Drive/Phillips Park and the Orchard View Road trailhead parking lot.

RG Philips Park in Roseville

RG Philips Park "This 6.5 acre park features a children’s...

Roseville welcomes US Quadball West Coast National Qualifier to Maidu Park

Roseville, Calif. - Quadball, an action-packed sport that evolved from the Harry Potter novels, will hold its only West Coast national qualifier Saturday, Feb. 8, and Sunday, Feb. 9 at Maidu Regional Park in Roseville.

The Crepe Stop in Roseville

The Crepe Stop in Roseville. Savory & Sweet. Crepes, Pancakes, Waffles, Gelato, Boba Tea.

Roseville Today Super Bowl party picks for Eagles and Chiefs game

Roseville, Calif.- This Sunday at the Superdome in New Orleans, the Philadelphia take on the Chiefs in Super Bowl 59. A super-sized rematch and unofficial national holiday of $8 million dollar commercials, food and drink and a little football.

Quarry Oaks Apartments in Rocklin

Quarry Oaks Apartments in Rocklin, Calif.

Related Articles

Local Spotlight

Roseville Sheet Metal serving community’s heating and air needs for over 70 years

Roseville, Calif. - At Roseville Sheet Metal, we’re proud of our years of service to the Roseville area and look forward to helping you with your air conditioning and heating needs.

California Fence and Patio serving Placer County for over 30 years

Loomis, Calif. - California Fence & Patio is proud of their reputation as the premier fencing and patio cover contractor in the Roseville,, Sacramento and Placer County region.

California Recovery Center in Roseville offers treatment for substance abuse and mental health

California Recovery Center (CRC) is a treatment provider for adults with substance abuse and mental health condition, located in Roseville and serving the greater Sacramento region.