Tracy C.

Tracy C. is a 26 year old from San Diego, California, who was diagnosed at age two with FAS. She attends a community based day program and does volunteer work for various organizations. For many years Tracy has participated in FAS research at the Center for Behavioral Teratology at San Diego State University led by renowned scientist Dr. Edward Riley. An MRI image of Tracy’s brain depicting the hallmark effects of prenatal alcohol exposure is used in FAS medical literature, textbooks and presentations worldwide. Tracy was a featured guest at the Los Angeles premiere of the award-winning NOFAS public service announcement “Infinite Power,” produced by Women in Film, and also was a guest speaker at the SAMHSA FASD Center for Excellence Building FASD State Systems meeting in San Francisco.

Tracy recently talked with NOFAS Program Manager Brianna Montgomery.

Brianna Montgomery: Thank you for agreeing to be interviewed. I look forward to learning more about you. My first question is: what has your life been like living with an FASD?

TC: I have Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and it’s been so hard for me. Sometimes I get really upset and frustrated and I need to calm myself down.

BM: What do you do that helps you calm down?

TC: I go outside and relax until I figure out what I need to do. I also watch movies at night time before I go to bed and it helps me sleep.

BM: That sounds like a good way to calm down. What other things do you like to do for fun?

TC: I love spending time with family friend Amber K. and her kids and dogs. I love them and they have always been there for me. I really like visiting them. My mom just got married on October 2nd and we went to Las Vegas. My whole family was there and it was great to see my friends and family.

BM: That’s wonderful for them! I bet you had a lot of fun. When you are with Amber and her family, what do you enjoy doing together?

TC: We like to go bowling, walking, and dancing. We have been shopping for Christmas presents too.

BM: Sounds fun! What are your plans for Christmas?

TC: I celebrate Christmas with my mom and her new husband. We set up a tree every year and put ornaments on it and decorations. I am also going to the Teddy Bear Dance.

BM: Fun! What do you want for Christmas?

TC: I haven’t made a Christmas list this year. My mom always talks to Santa to see what I am going to get.

BM: I bet you’ll get some great gifts!

BM: Let me ask you another question, I hear that you are friends with Dr. Ed Riley. What do you think of Dr. Riley?

TC: He’s a good guy and he’s helped me a lot with my FAS. He has helped me understand my brain better.

BM: That’s good…As an individual with FAS, how do you help others understand the disorder?

TC: I speak at conferences. I will be speaking at the People First Conference in June. I have spoken at many conferences with my mom and Amber in California. I received an award from NOFAS too. I got to see Karli S. when I got my award. She’s a good friend.

BM: That is wonderful…What are some of your favorite TV shows and favorite movies?

TC: I like watching the movie Selena and I watch the Disney channel on TV. I really like Hannah Montana. I like to go to the movies. I just saw Tangled.

BM: Was it a good movie?

TC: I loved it! I was laughing the whole time.

BM: That sounds fun. Another question that I have for you is: do you have any pets?

TC: I have a dog named Sammy. He’s 8 years old.

BM: What kind of dog is he?

TC: He’s a poodle mix. My mom got him when he was a puppy. He was a rescue dog.

BM: Oh, that’s so nice of you to adopt him.

TC: I have three cats too.

BM: That’s great! I have one last question for you…what do you want other people know about your life with FAS?

TC: I want people to know about my brain and FAS. I want them to learn from my life. I have a giant heart and I love people. I’m a people person.

BM: That’s wonderful, Tracy! It has been so great to speak with you. I have enjoyed learning about you and your life.

TC: Thank you so much!