Laura Radocaj once felt embarrassed by her older sister Maria’s intellectual disability. As children, Maria’s behaviors, such as talking to herself and being overwhelmed by minor incidents, made Radocaj self-conscious, particularly as she desired to fit in with her peers. The expectation that she always accompany Maria to social events further fueled this embarrassment.
Radocaj recalled an incident in middle school where she instructed Maria not to speak when they were meeting boys at the movies, a memory that still causes her pain. Despite these childhood struggles, Maria remained a supportive presence in Radocaj’s life, attending her sports games and serving as her maid of honor. This unwavering support eventually shifted Radocaj’s perspective from embarrassment to protectiveness.
Radocaj’s friends, both in high school and college, demonstrated acceptance and inclusion of Maria. A notable instance at a college party involved friends patiently helping Maria through a meltdown when her coat went missing, a situation that previously might have mortified Radocaj but instead filled her with gratitude.
Maria’s parents supported her dreams, including her desire to marry a man she met at her workplace who also had special needs. Although the marriage did not last, Radocaj recognized the importance of allowing Maria the opportunity to experience love and life’s milestones. Radocaj’s sister taught her profound lessons in patience, kindness, and empathy.
Returning to her hometown, Radocaj began spending more time with Maria. While trying to incorporate Maria into her own fitness routine, Radocaj realized that standard exercise classes were not designed to accommodate Maria’s specific needs. This observation sparked an idea: to create a fitness class tailored for adults with intellectual disabilities.
In 2018, Radocaj established Sunday Strong, a nonprofit organization that partners with fitness facilities to offer free weekly group exercise classes. The program provides individualized coaching and modifications, allowing participants to exercise at their own pace in a welcoming environment. The initial class had three athletes, including Maria.
Maria, who has worked at Publix for over 25 years, has become an unofficial ambassador for Sunday Strong, encouraging others with disabilities to join the classes. The nonprofit has impacted not only its athletes and their families but also the gym facilities, instructors, and volunteers involved. Many volunteers report gaining more from the experience than they contribute.
For Radocaj, Sunday Strong has been transformative. The nonprofit provides a sense of belonging for individuals with intellectual disabilities and has helped her embrace and appreciate her sister’s differences, which she now sees as a source of richness in her life. Radocaj is also the author of the children’s book “We Move Together,” which promotes understanding and inclusion for children.