Small Victories, Big Milestones: A Mother’s Story of Raising Oliver
July 17, 2026
Denver mother Huong shares her family’s journey raising her 7-year-old son, Oliver, who has Down syndrome, and how Rocky Mountain Human Services’ Denver Mill Levy Program has helped him thrive. From learning to swim and ski to building confidence and independence, Oliver’s story highlights the power of individualized support and inclusive opportunities. Through Mill Levy funding, Oliver has been able to reach important milestones at his own pace while gaining skills that enrich his life and strengthen his family’s well-being.
The following blog is guest authored by a Denver mother, Huong, whose 7-year-old son, Oliver, has Down syndrome. Her family has been supported by RMHS’ Denver Mill Levy Program for the last five years. The Denver Mill Levy Program assists Denver residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) in accessing service and supports that are right for them.
“I might hit developmental and societal milestones in a different order than my peers, but I am able to accomplish these small victories on my own time.” — Haley Moss, leader on disability inclusion, autism, and neurodiversity
We learned that my son Oliver, now 7, had Down syndrome during the second trimester of my pregnancy. Like many parents receiving that diagnosis, my husband and I were overwhelmed. We read everything we could find, trying to prepare ourselves for the unknown. Medical complications, developmental delays, long lists of possible challenges — the information was daunting. We had so many unanswered questions and worries.
But the day Oliver was born, every fear faded the moment we held him in our arms. He was not a diagnosis. He was our son.
Oliver is full of personality. He loves to pretend play with his younger sister, Maddie – his favorite person. Together, they play school, restaurants, doctor, and more. Oliver also has a bit of a daredevil streak and loves roller coasters.
From the very beginning, Oliver has done things in his own time. He didn’t walk until after his second birthday. His classmates didn’t hear him speak until pre-kindergarten. I will never forget the day my husband picked him up from school and several children ran up excitedly saying, “Oliver used his big boy voice today and said ‘here’ during attendance!”
What may seem like a small moment to others was monumental for us. These are the victories we celebrate — hard-earned, meaningful, and deeply cherished.
We raise Oliver with the same expectations and opportunities as his sister. If she signs up for a sport or activity, so does he. Inclusion matters. Confidence matters. Access matters.
But living those values is not always simple.
For children like Oliver, reaching milestones often requires additional support, specialized instruction, and opportunities that can come with significant financial strain.
Five years ago, we were introduced to Rocky Mountain Human Services and the Denver Mill Levy Program. Since then, Mill Levy funding has been life-changing for our family.
One way Mill Levy has supported us is through swim lessons. Swimming is not just a sport — it is a life skill. Oliver has been taking swim lessons since he was two years old, and because of Mill Levy support, he can attend lessons consistently every week. He loves the water, and what started as therapy has become confidence, independence, and joy.
Two years ago, Mill Levy funded Oliver’s indoor ski lessons. He loved learning in that safe, supported environment. When we later tried to take him to the mountains on our own, fear took over and he refused to put on his skis. That moment showed us how critical trained instructors and structured support truly are.
This past February, thanks again to Mill Levy support, Oliver returned to the mountains with a professional ski instructor. The difference was extraordinary. He smiled the entire time and completed two full days of lessons without a single complaint. Even after waking up sore and telling us his calves hurt, he insisted on going back out for another full day. His determination and resilience are unlocked when he is given the right support.
Adaptive ski instruction helped Oliver build confidence on the mountain.
Without Mill Levy funding, Oliver would not have access to these opportunities. He would not experience the pride of skiing down a real mountain slope. He would not build the independence, strength, and confidence that come from mastering something that once seemed impossible.
Mill Levy does more than pay for activities. It creates possibility. It transforms fear into achievement. It allows children like Oliver to reach milestones — not on society’s timeline, but on their own.
And those victories, no matter how small they may seem, change everything.
About the Denver Mill Levy Program:
The Denver Mill Levy Program supports individuals with I/DD and their families who live in the city and county of Denver by connecting them with items, services, and resources that align to their unique needs. Some examples include:
- Respite: a much-needed break for parents and caregivers
- Training, support, and therapy for caregivers, families, and siblings
- Developmental toys and books
- Adaptive equipment and specialized items
- Basic needs such as clothing, food, and diapers
- Quality of life experiences such as recreational activities and creative skill building
- Community connections such as day programs, clubs, and camps
Learn more about the Denver Mill Levy Program and the flexible supports it can provide to Denver families.
