Depth of need fueled her devotion to cause

Theresa Kellerman stands nearby as John plays the drums.

When Theresa Kellerman and her family moved to Tucson in 1979, there were few resources for people living with fetal alcohol syndrome.
She knew help was needed for herself and others like her.
Three years ago, Kellerman helped organize an FAS prevention committee. Last year, she started the FAS Community Resource Center, offering education and support to parents and professionals dealing with prenatal alcohol damage.
"I feel kind of like the Lone Ranger in Tucson," Kellerman said. "There are not many people who see this as a critical problem."
Kellerman is now known nationally as a leading parent advocate expert in the field of FAS.
She is intimately aware of the devastation of fetal alcohol syndrome and fetal alcohol effect. For 20 years, she has loved and educated and nurtured her adopted son, John, who has FAS.
She has fought the system for him and others like him. And she has offered support to hundreds of families desperate for information and ideas.
"There's no place for people to go for help," Kellerman said. "Lots of these kids aren't disabled enough to qualify for services. There is some private help, but it's very expensive."
So Kellerman travels throughout southern Arizona, offering workshops. She shares the latest science on the subject, and offers strategies for working with people with prenatal alcohol exposure.
Once a month, she runs a support group for families. It's a safe place where people go to talk about their frustrations with the system, their children and themselves.
"For some people, the support group is the only service available," Kellerman said.
At a recent meeting, a dozen people gathered to watch a film about FAS and FAE and to talk about what was happening in their lives.
"I feel so bogged down," said one mother, who was adopting three children with fetal alcohol exposure. "I get into a cycle of pity. I can get stuck in that negativism."
She spoke of retreating to her room, unable to face the challenges of parenting three difficult children.
Other parents listened to the woman and offered suggestions on how to manage the stress and depression.
Kellerman said the group offers an opportunity for parents to learn more about FAS and FAE and empower themselves to find resources to improve their children's lives.
She believes a reduction in the number of alcohol-impaired kids will come only through education.
"I think people can make better choices in life if they have access to all the facts," Kellerman said. "We need to be teaching 12-year-olds about this. They are open to information. They're still at an age where they will listen to adults. They're forming opinions and values."