Creating a Community of Inclusion: John John’s Story
When John John and Emily met at a bowling event for Best Buddies at the Ohio State University in 2019 they had no idea they’d be striking up a special bond. What began as a chance meeting one evening when both of their assigned buddies were unable to attend the bowling event has evolved into a flourishing community of inclusion. From Emily,
“I’d describe John John as passionate, witty, confident, and sassy. He can dish it out as well as he can take it! His friendship is important to me because he’s someone that I know will always support me through thick and thin. He’s extremely loyal to what he is passionate about. He also is not afraid to give me his honest opinion, which I love about him!”
Emily and John John clicked, and when Emily went home to New York during the COVID – 19 pandemic, they began to FaceTime call every day. Soon, the whole family got to know John John, including Emily’s mom Jennifer, and sister Erin. Whether it be catching up about seemingly mundane things or pulling silly pranks on each other, they became part of each other’s support system. From Jennifer,
“John John has changed our lives, he is like a son to us. We joke and go back and forth like family. We still hear from him almost daily. We’ll catch up with our girls and he’ll be on the phone in the background – like friends do.”
Not only has the Coykendall family embraced John John, so has Northwestern’s Women’s Lacrosse Team. As a sports enthusiast, John John was thrilled to attend Erin’s lacrosse game against Ohio State University. The team quickly embraced John John’s positivity and enthusiastic spirit. From Erin,
“Being friends with him has taught me to be grateful for everything and have fun. Even in the biggest moments of our lacrosse season, John John came to practice in a Santa suit and lightened the mood and helped us all have fun instead of being nervous.”
When the Northwestern Women’s Lacrosse team made it to the National Championship in May of 2023, they invited John John and his mother Karen to North Carolina to share in the special moment. They won! Having contributed to their success, the team got John John a ring and honored him at their team banquette. From Karen,
“Our relationship with the Coykendall family is a testament to the power of inclusive friendship. John John’s involvement has spurred multiple influential relationships in his life. Everyone wants their young adults to have friends. Best Buddies is the best place for young adults to meet genuine and everlasting friends. The students are great! When I take John John to events, buddies don’t look bored.”
Having been involved in Best Buddies since 2012, John John even inspired his brother Connor to be a Chapter Leader at Miami University and his sister Allie to participate at the University of Kentucky. Joining Best Buddies isn’t just about making a friend, participants make meaningful connections and contribute to a broader community of inclusion.
