Dec. 5, 2024 1:40p
(WGTD)---A Caledonia mother's unrelenting fight on behalf of her disabled son was profiled on last Saturday’s Community Matters program on WGTD.
Kim Zelko’s 23-year-old son nearly died when he rolled his truck 15 years ago, striking three utility poles. Tyler Zelko, who was ejected from the vehicle, suffered a spinal cord injury and spent three months in the hospital. Kim Zelko rarely left.
Because his recovery was slow, a guardian ad litem recommended that Tyler be transferred from a rehab center to a nursing home.
Kim and her husband, a retired physician, fought the move, arguing that Tyler would be better off at home.
Kim lost the legal battle, but kept on fighting even as the ambulance was on the way to facilitate the transfer. "I left a note on (Tyler's) bed because I knew they were coming. I gave them the address of where I was at--come and arrest me. This is where my son is. I kept fighting," Zelko said. "I said no you're not taking my child from me. He wants to be with me.' They never came and she was never arrested.
By then, Tyler Zelko was able to communicate with hand signs.
Today, the 37-year-old Tyler--far exceeding doctors' expectations-- is working part-time at the Inclusive Bean, a non-profit coffee shop in Racine that employs people with disabilities. Tyler is also leading a weekly book club for children. He continues to work to regain full use of his extremities.
Kim Zelko’s number one piece of advice for any parent is make sure they have a signed power of attorney document on file for each child.
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