I was born at Tampa General Hospital in 1983; I was raised by my aunt, BJ, in Florida after my parents dropped me off at my grandmother’s house and never came back. School was hard for me. I was teased until I found Best Buddies in middle school. My bond with my middle school buddy helped me because I felt protected from everyone’s teasing and her friendship gave me something to look forward to every day...

This Valentine’s Day, we’re celebrating love that grows through friendship. Meet  Dana and Antonio, two Best Buddies program participants in Tampa whose relationship is built on kindness, support, and simply being happy together.

Jersey Mike’s Subs and Best Buddies International, a nonprofit committed to fostering one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, leadership development, inclusive living and family support opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), are partnering to raise funds and awareness for the organization’s mission of inclusion.