SEAN KING
Fund for Inclusive Practices

Sean Alexander King was a beloved member of his family and community who transformed the lives of others through his brilliant and charismatic character. Sean was born on September 26, 1997 with Down syndrome in the Mt. Airy section of Philadelphia.  At eight months he was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia.  He recovered at 18 months and continued his young life fully participating in all aspects of his community and school.  From an early age, Sean was given the same opportunities as his older brother and sister. He went to a neighborhood child-care and preschool.  

In 2004, his family moved to Ardmore, Pennsylvania.  In that local public school community, he was educated in a regular classroom and was involved in extracurricular activities such as intramural sports, chorus, Wii Club and the school play. In the community, he participated in religious education, local sports, community theater and dance. In these environments, he received the support and services geared to his strengths and unique to his learning needs to achieve academic progress, pursue interests and develop friendships. It is hard to say who benefited more from Sean’s inclusion– Sean or the adults, other children and young teens around him.

Sean loved movies, particularly Star Wars, and the most current pop music. He was a fabulous dancer and was well known as the ‘life of the party’ on the dance floor.  He loved eating ice cream, chicken tenders and pizza.  At home, he was able to take care of his own day to day needs.  He did chores and got an allowance.  He saved up for an iPad which he filled with videos of himself singing. He wanted to learn to ride a motorcycle.  He aspired to be a chef or movie director.  He certainly would have achieved a lot and continued to be a role model for peers of all abilities.  

In Sean we learned about the essence of love and our ability to develop diverse friendships and to create welcoming environments for ALL, regardless of perceived differences.  Sean truly lived his life purpose and died on January 13, 2012 from a sudden massive stroke.  In the end, we realize that “Love is All There is”.

His family and friends created the Sean King Fund for Inclusive Practices to honor and remember Sean.