The Center of Family Love is honoring former Senator Mike Johnson and his wife, Judy Johnson, who quietly spent a better part of their lives championing for the rights of individuals and families with developmental disabilities and neurodiversity.

The honor of the Harold Wittrock Humanitarian Award will take place at the 10th annual Gift of Love Gala held Saturday, June 17.

Before the former senator’s passing in July 2022, Mike Johnson was known for his commitment not just to the country, but to his family.

He spent decades fighting for the rights of Oklahomans and then, the ultimate battle hit home.

“When[JudyandMike’s daughter] Lori [Sanders] discovered her baby, Elizabeth, would be born with Down syndrome, the family became determined to make sure she would live a full and rewarding life,” said David Johnson, the senator’s son. “But, like many families, we worried about how we were going to meet her needs. “

According to the Oklahoma Department of Health Services, up to 3 percent of Americans are living with developmental disabilities and neurodiversity.

Some estimates put that number at 30 percent.

The impact can be felt in families despite socioeconomics, race or gender and there are limited resources available to meet the needs of families and individuals, particularly as adults.

However, the Center of Family Love staff are resolute in helping bridge the gap and becoming a source of hope to beneficiaries.

“When Lori passed away, it was a time of much grief and uncertainty. My dad knew we would need outside assistance to make sure Elizabeth could thrive,” said Johnson. “That is when dad discovered Center of Family Love. It couldn’t come at a better time as I, too, had welcomed a neurodiverse child into the world, Michael.” Judy and Mike recognized the challenges that caring for children with neurodiverse conditions brings and they became heavily involved with CFL.

They saw the attention to care and education that allowed residents to grow into their best selves – and a partnership began.

The former senator’s legacy lives on through the Johnson family’s deep and unwavering commitment to the Center.

“My parents strongly believed that everyone should have access to this kind of care,” said Johnson, “and our family continues to stay vigilant in our support.”

The Johnsons’ hope for the future of their family and the CFL is ambitious: to create a safe haven and active learning environment for individuals with neurodiversity, intellectual and developmental disabilities and full-service, aroundthe- clock residential care.

“If Lori were here right now, I think she would be thanking our parents and the center for their work with families and the community,” stated Johnson.

The gala honoring the Johnsons and fundraising to continue to provide care and support to impacted families and individuals will take place at the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum starting at 6 p.m.

Tickets are still available, although spaces are limited.

To purchase a ticket, become a sponsor or give a gift, contact Kim Kuehn at kkuehn@cflinc.org.

To register for the event online, go to www.cflinc. org/gala or call 405-2634658 x1009 for more information.