Advocate occupational therapist’s late sister honored in Times Square tribute

For Katie Frank, an occupational therapist at the Advocate Medical Group Adult Down Syndrome Center, her late sister inspired her career, and recently, she was honored in a powerful way.

Frank’s younger sister, Tori, had Down syndrome and passed away in 1987, just before her third birthday. On Sept. 6, a photo of Tori was displayed in New York City’s Times Square as part of an annual National Down Syndrome Society video presentation.

“Even in the three short years of her life, Tori had such an impact on me,” Frank said. “It means so much to be recognized and to be able to honor my sister because she really is the reason that I do what I do.”

As a child, Frank can recall tagging along to therapy appointments and spending cherished time with Tori, who was five years younger. Her memory motivated Frank to pursue a career in occupational therapy and inspired her lifelong commitment to supporting the Down syndrome community.

After working at a pediatric Down syndrome clinic near her hometown, Frank moved to Chicago and earned her PhD in Disability Studies. She then joined the Adult Down Syndrome Center, where she has worked for nine years. Located on the Advocate Lutheran General Hospital campus in Park Ridge, the center provides health care services and resources to teens and adults with Down syndrome, as well as their families.

To this day, Frank keeps photos of Tori on her desk and bulletin board; a daily reminder of the purpose behind her work.

Frank and her older sister traveled to New York City recently to watch the Times Square video in person. Selected from over 2,600 entries, Tori’s image was featured among more than 500 photos celebrating individuals with Down syndrome from around the world.