Born November 29, 2001 to Jonna Teppe and Robert Brewer, Colton Jacob Brewer was a special baby. While still in his mother’s womb, he was diagnosed with Partial Trisomy 18, a very rare chromosomal defect that occurs when only part of an extra chromosome is present. Doctors were unsure if Colton would be carried full-term or, if he were born, how long he would live. Studies show that fifty percent of infants with this condition do not survive beyond the first week of life. Colton, however, beat the odds. Even though he had many mental and physical disabilities, and stayed the first 2 months of his life in the hospital, he lived to be five years, 10 months old.
Colton held a special place in the hearts of his family and friends. He had severe hearing loss and was especially sensitive to touch. He smiled and laughed whenever anyone touched him. He had a special bond with both of his Grandmas. He attended Ann Thackery’s Special Education class at Brookville Elementary School for two years.
After Colton passed away, his parents received a grant from the Olivia Rebecca Waggoner Memorial Endowment Fund in the Franklin County Community Foundation. The fund was set up by Olivia’s parents in her memory to assist families in covering funeral expenses resulting from the death of a dependent child. It was at that time that Jonna and Robert decided that they wanted to eventually create a fund as a legacy to Colton.
On October 11, 2008, Colton’s parents, family and friends held the “Rollin for Colton” strike or 9 bowling tournament at the Cedar Grove Tavern. More than 40 bowlers and many generous contributors made the tournament a great success. All proceeds from the tournament were used to establish The Colton Jacob Brewer Memorial Endowment in the Franklin County Community Foundation. Grants are used to provide support to families that have a mentally or physically handicapped individual residing with them. The funds can be used to purchase equipment for everyday living or for recreational use. In the event that there are no applicants in a given year, the grant will be awarded to the Special Education program at Brookville Elementary School. Although Colton’s life here was not long, his spirit will live on forever in this endowment.