By Kali Wasenko, Deputy Director of Programs

Tyson Wirth, a student at the University of Iowa, went to the supermarket one day and was greeted by a big grin upon entering.  This friendly face was Abe Folkman’s.  The two started a conversation.  Tyson enjoyed the short talk with the young man, but soon left to continue his shopping and thought nothing of it.

Two weeks later, Tyson started a new job at a home for individuals with disabilities, and living at this home was Abe.  Tyson recalls, “[Abe and I] hit it off right away and I saw him virtually every time I worked.”

Abe had been involved in Best Buddies for many years and convinced Tyson to join his chapter at the University of Iowa so the two could be matched together.  This was over a year ago and since then the pair has enjoyed going to Iowa Hawkeyes sporting events, playing basketball in Abe’s driveway and hanging out at each other’s homes to watch something from Abe’s collection of more than 400 DVDs!  The Buddy Pair even went on a weekend trip to Cancun for a wedding!

Abe dreams of going to college like his Best Buddy Tyson, to study German.  In the meantime, he enjoys his two jobs at a local Goodwill and a doctor’s office.  He is proud of his friendship with Tyson and the two plan to stay friends forever.