Nixons: When you get a diagnosis too

About the Nixons

Eric and Candy met and graduated together from Eastern University. Eric has a bachelor's degree in Business and Candy has a bachelor’s degree in Special, Elementary and Early Childhood Education and graduate work in Early Intervention Services and Ministerial Studies. Together, they have over 40 years of family and professional experience in disability and church ministry. They never imagined in 30 years of marriage that their story would include their three children being diagnosed with a rare Primary Immune Deficiency Disease at young ages and then for Eric to be diagnosed with MS shortly after the children.  Just five years ago, for Candy was diagnosed with the same disease their children have.

God has woven their passion for working with those affected by disabilities and their passion for the local church together. Eric and Candy facilitate several support groups for dads, moms and parents through their local church. Their vision is to provide a safe place for parents of children or adults with special needs to share their pain, loss, frustrations, joy, successes, and to find hope and encouragement through Scripture, fellowship, and prayer. On a nice day, you can find Eric out fishing, hunting, gardening with Candy, walking with their rescue dogs, or reading.

 

Favorite Quotes

“I needed people and I needed God.” -Eric

“I don’t really know how people go through disabilities without knowing God.” -Eric

"In my wedding vow, I said for better or for worse.” -Eric 

 

Related Links

Comman Man, Extraordinary Call

The Irresistible Book series with Joni & Friends (12 titles available for free on their website) --Candy was the contributing author in the "Doing Life Together" book.

Unbroken Faith: Spiritual Recovery for the Special Needs Parent by Diane Dokko Kim

Sharing Love Abundantly in Special Needs Families: The 5 Love Languages for Parents Raising Children with Diablilities by Jolene Philo