With the right supports around him, Ethan’s independence, confidence and connections are booming. This is how he is living his best life.

If you have met Ethan, you will know he is just one of the boys. 

He surfs, he parties and he gets roped into TikTok trends by his younger brothers.

For Ethan, life is all about doing what he loves. So, when he landed his dream job as the Chief Morale Officer at the Gold Coast Titans NRL club, it was a full-circle moment.

“Honestly, I didn’t sleep for days,” his mother, Lisa, said. 

“I cried so much from joy and pride. To see him living such a meaningful, fulfilled life still makes me pinch myself.”

A Challenging Start

For Lisa, seeing Ethan thrive was all she had ever hoped for, particularly after a challenging start to his life.

After being diagnosed with Down syndrome, Ethan’s first year was mostly spent at therapies and medical appointments. 

His diagnosis came as a shock at birth, and soon after his family learned he also had two holes in his heart and two dislocated hips.

The first few years were confronting as his parents realised how quickly the gap widened between him and other children.

“It was difficult to come to terms with the things that he couldn’t do,” Lisa said.

So, when Ethan hit a milestone, it was not just a celebration – it was a moment of pride in his determination and the progress he was making in his own time.

Growing Up with His Brothers

Ethan’s bond with his younger brothers Taj and Kaden is a defining part of his life.

Taj is the idol, the one who takes him surfing and includes him in everything he does.

Kaden is the energetic one, always pushing him, annoying him, playing war wrestling and footy and, of course, doing the TikToks. 

“All my boys love each other unconditionally, and they are both super protective of Ethan. He’s definitely the favourite,” Lisa said.

They give him fashion advice, drive him places, support him at events, hype him up when he’s dancing or playing sport and make sure he looks perfect before he leaves the house. 

These days, Ethan and Taj go to parties and nightclubs together, while Kaden pulls him into whatever teenage trend is hot.

“I never have to worry about Ethan’s future because I know he’s well-loved and will be looked after,” Lisa said.

Finding His Place at Endeavour Foundation

Ethan always had big dreams: get a job, drive a car, get married and go on lots of holidays.

After graduating school in 2018 and starting with Endeavour Foundation in 2019, he began ticking off those goals. 

His confidence grew dramatically, not just in familiar situations, but in new ones too.

“Ethan has matured so much since he left school,” Lisa said. 

“His friendship groups have grown, and the experiences he’s had have enabled him to learn so much. He’ll happily chat or hang out with new people now.”

He still sees his school friends and has formed strong new friendships at the Labrador Learning and Lifestyle Hub, which he attends three days per week.

Combined with the staff he adores and the mates he has made through sport, Ethan’s life is full of connection.

Looking Ahead

In the future, Lisa hopes Ethan continues doing exactly what makes him happiest – building friendships, staying active, trying new experiences and being surrounded by people who bring out the best in him.

“I hope he stays strong and healthy, and that his support workers continue to push him out of his comfort zone,” she said.

“Eventually, when we’re all ready, I hope he can live as independently as possible.”

Ethan really is just one of the boys, and he always will be.

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