Dear Readers,

As we close out the final issue of 2024, I find myself reflecting deeply. This issue has been particularly challenging to bring to completion—not because of the content or layout, but because life has thrown a few extra curveballs my way.

Many of you may already know that Differentiate Magazine was born out of the loss of my son, Terry. This year marked the third anniversary of his passing. While April, the month of his birth and death, is always hard, the period from October through the New Year has proven to be even more difficult. And this year has been the hardest yet.

Terry wasn’t dealt an easy hand in life. He was born with a rare genetic condition called Smith-Magenis Syndrome, which brought with it developmental delays, self-injurious behaviors, and a host of challenges such as an inverted circadian rhythm that disrupted melatonin production. Receiving his diagnosis at age three was a pivotal moment for our family. It felt like the loss of the child we thought we had. But after taking a deep breath, we chose to move forward with love and acceptance for the child we had—the one we were learning to know.

It wasn’t an easy path. Terry’s condition impacted every aspect of our lives, and our two older children bore a heavy burden because of it. Trips, activities, and the simple joys of childhood often had to be sacrificed. Terry’s behaviors—meltdowns, destruction of property, and unpredictable actions like grabbing the steering wheel or breaking keys—made outings nearly impossible. Our older children became essential supports, often giving up their own experiences and opportunities to help care for their younger brother.

In November 2020, Terry developed a dental abscess. We sought treatment immediately, and while his dentist was able to buy us some time by draining the abscess, it was clear that the tooth needed to be extracted. The process to secure a hospital appointment stretched on for five long months. Despite numerous phone calls, rounds of antibiotics, and mounting desperation, it wasn’t until April 2021 that we finally had a date for the procedure.

That day, Terry refused to enter the hospital. The staff refused to assist us in getting him inside, and we were sent home. The next afternoon, my son died. I believe Terry fell through the cracks. It was the height of COVID-19, resources were stretched thin, and he was a challenging patient. But none of that eases the heartbreak of losing him.

In the aftermath, I had a choice: I could let my anger consume me, or I could try to make a difference. I chose the latter. I believe that’s what Terry would have wanted—to channel this pain into something meaningful, to make the world better. And so, Differentiate Magazine was born, as a way to honor his memory and create a positive impact.

Thank you for being part of this community. Your support and engagement mean the world to me. I hope you find this issue both useful and inspiring. Your feedback and suggestions are always welcome—please feel free to reach out at editor@differentiatemag.com. Together, we can continue to make a difference.

Warm regards,

Alice Pettey