On any given day, Lyndon, 38, can be found doing what he loves most—talking about sports. Whether reminiscing about his time as an assistant coach at John H. Guyer High School in Denton, TX, celebrating his Hall of Fame induction for weightlifting, or competing with his Special Olympics bowling team, his passion is unmistakable.
But Lyndon’s journey hasn’t been without challenges. Diagnosed with down syndrome, arrhythmia, hypothyroidism, and a history of blood clots and gout, he has faced significant health hurdles. Additionally, the passing of his mother during the COVID-19 pandemic left an emotional void that has been difficult to fill.
In July 2023, Lyndon and his father, Don (pictured above), turned to Volunteers of America Texas for support. Through its community support services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, VOA Texas provided not just care, but a sense of belonging.
“I heard about VOA through a friend,” said Don. “It’s one of the best decisions I’ve ever made for Lyndon.”
One of the people who makes a difference in Lyndon’s life is Anthony Gray, a VOA Texas support specialist. From the beginning, Anthony saw Lyndon’s strength and heart.
“My favorite part of working with him is his vibe,” Anthony said. “He’s a coach at heart—tough, but also loving. And his family makes me feel like family, too.”
Lyndon’s resilience shines through in the small victories he achieves each day. He eagerly attends counseling sessions through VOA Texas, where he opens up about his mother’s passing and finds comfort in shared memories. He finds joy in everyday moments, such as attending a Future Farmers of America (FFA) show to watch his niece show pigs. Through it all, he remains dedicated to encouraging others, always offering a word of motivation to teammates and friends.
For Anthony, working with Lyndon is a reminder of the impact VOA Texas has on the lives of those it serves.
“Lyndon is very helpful and always coaching, even when he’s just talking to people,” Anthony said. “Him and his dad are really good guys.”
With the unwavering support of VOA Texas, Lyndon continues to inspire those around him. His story is not just about overcoming obstacles—it’s about thriving, leading, and reminding everyone that true champions lift others up along the way.