'Who knows how many people there are out there who haven't been able to make it in life because of prenatal alcohol exposure.'- Susan Guinn-Lahm, Department of Economic Security's Division of Developmental Disabilities
'It's scary to think about these girls out there (with FAS and FAE) who want to have families, to have someone to love them. If they don't have support, there is no way they can take care of that baby adequately. Chances are greater that baby will be neglected or abused.'- Parent advocate Theresa Kellerman
'They don't even know if they're hot or cold or hungry. Most need assisted living.'- Tucson psychiatrist Patricia Tanner Halverson on people with FAS
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Living in a scary world
Sarah Moretz, who trusts everyone she meets, is safer now that she rides Van Tran to and from work.
Every day, when Sarah Moretz boarded the city bus, her mother would say a little prayer.
Moretz, 20, has fetal alcohol syndrome. She cannot distinguish a good person from someone who might be dangerous.
Her mother, Connie Isambert, fears for her adopted daughter's safety, believing FAS has left her a target for abuse.
Until recently, Moretz, who is mildly retarded, had to depend on the city bus to take her to work at the Davis-Monthan Air Force Base mess hall, where she buses tables.
Before that, she had to rely on the bus to take her to Herbs Etc., where she received job training through La Frontera Center.
It was on the bus that Moretz attracted dangerous men.
"She gave out too much information, and she had two guys stalking her, following her to work," said Isambert, 47. "We have a big rule - no giving out your name, address or telephone number. But guys would call her.
"I'd ask her about it, and she'd say, 'Yeah but, Mom, he told me he was a nice guy.' If someone says they're a nice person, she believes them.
"If they are predators," she continued, "they pick up on just what they are looking for. They pick up on the deficit. They pick up on the fact that something is not OK with Sarah."
Hoping to protect her daughter, Isambert tried to arrange transportation through Van Tran, the city's bus system for people with disabilities. The request was denied.
Isambert appealed and won. Now, her daughter and others with FAS may ride Van Tran for $1 a ride.
Isambert feels more secure now that Moretz no longer has to take the city bus.