A Father’s Fight: Advocating for Better Treatments for Children with Severe Disabilities
A Family’s Unwavering Devotion
In Richardson, Texas, the Zartler family has lived through daily challenges most people cannot imagine. Christy and Mark Zartler are the parents of twin girls, Kara and Keeley. From the day the twins were born, their lives have taken very different paths. Keeley developed typically, while Kara was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy and severe Autism, conditions that continue to shape her life and the lives of those who care for her.
For 17 years, the Zartlers have poured their time, energy, and love into finding ways to ease Kara’s symptoms. Their home is lined with medications, including antipsychotics, enzymes, and sleep aids. Despite these efforts, Kara continues to struggle with aggressive, self-injurious behaviors, often hitting and punching herself in episodes that can last for hours.
As Christy explained, “Pretty much on a daily basis we have some sort of episode.”
Searching for Relief
The constant cycle of care left the family desperate for answers. Like many parents of children with complex medical conditions, they faced a difficult reality: traditional treatments provided only limited relief. This search for solutions became not just a medical journey, but also an emotional and ethical one.
Mark, in particular, has taken bold steps to raise awareness about his daughter’s struggles. His efforts have included sharing powerful, at times painful, glimpses of Kara’s episodes with the public. These videos, while difficult to watch, reveal the urgency of the family’s situation and their determination to find something that works.
“The video is the truth,” Mark explained. “That’s typical of what we see.”
Advocacy Through Risk
By choosing to share his family’s story publicly, Mark knowingly risked his own freedom. Posting videos that highlight unconventional methods of care was a gamble, but one he felt was necessary. To him, silence meant acceptance of a broken system.
“I got to the point where I looked at the law and said the law’s not going to change until somebody gambles,” he said.
The Zartlers hope that their openness will spark wider conversations about treatment options for children with debilitating conditions. For Mark, the risk is not just personal; it is a deliberate act of advocacy on behalf of his daughter and other families facing similar struggles.
The Push for Legal Reform
Mark’s call to action has been clear. In his public posts, he has urged Texans to contact their state Senators in support of legislation that would expand access to alternative medical treatments for patients with severe illnesses. Specifically, he referenced Senate Bill 269, which aimed to broaden options available for families like his.
While lawmakers have debated the bill, parents like Mark and Christy stand as living testimony to its importance. For them, legal reform represents more than politics—it represents hope. Hope that families won’t have to choose between the law and their child’s well-being. Hope that moments of peace for children like Kara can come without fear of legal consequences.
A Parent’s Sacrifice
At its heart, this story is about a father’s love and determination. Mark Zartler embodies the idea that parents will go to extraordinary lengths for their children. His willingness to risk his freedom reflects the depth of his devotion and the urgency of Kara’s needs.
Christy shares that perspective, acknowledging the years of fear and hesitation but also the relief that comes when their daughter finds calm. Their story resonates with countless parents of children with special needs who must navigate not only medical complexity but also legal and social barriers.
A Wider Conversation
The Zartlers’ experience has started a conversation far beyond their Richardson neighborhood. It touches on important questions: How should society respond to families seeking new treatment options? What role should lawmakers play in expanding access to care? And how do we balance safety, legality, and compassion in health care decisions?
News outlets covering the story reached out to several State Senators and the Governor’s office for comment on the legislation, but no responses were provided at the time. The silence highlights just how difficult and sensitive these discussions can be.
Conclusion
The Zartlers’ journey is not only about one family—it is about many families across the country who face similar battles every day. At the center of the story is Kara, a young woman living with severe disabilities, and her parents, who will stop at nothing to help her.
Their courage shines a light on the challenges of caring for children with complex conditions and the desperate need for broader, more compassionate solutions. Whether or not the law changes, the Zartlers’ message remains clear: love drives parents to extraordinary acts, and sometimes, changing the world requires taking risks.
