McALLEN — Pat Ramirez likes to joke: for a woman who couldn’t get pregnant, she sure wound up with a lot of children — half a dozen adoptees in total.
Pat, 67, and her husband, Mauro, 80, took them in over the years after hearing about their misfortunes. They’d wanted kids of their own, and didn’t like to think about children being in need.
Patty Ramirez reaches down to check a window unit in her disabled son’s room on Thursday, Dec. 8, 2022, in McAllen. (Delcia Lopez | [email protected])Mauro Valdez Ramirez, 80, laughs with his son Alejo, 6, while in the living room of their home on Thursday Dec. 8, 2022, in McAllen. Alejo “Kenny” has Down syndrome and needs 24-hour care. (Delcia Lopez | [email protected])Mauro Valdez Ramirez with his family and wife Patty at their home on Thursday, Dec. 8, 2022, in McAllen. (Delcia Lopez | [email protected])Pat Ramirez is seen in her home on Thursday, Dec. 8, 2022. (Delcia Lopez | [email protected])Pat Ramirez moves a trash can out of the way in her kitchen on Thursday, Dec. 8, 2022. Recent falls broke Pat’s hip and pelvis. Up until a few months ago, she couldn’t stand for long periods of time. Pat walks noticeably slouched. (Delcia Lopez | [email protected])Pat Ramirez and her daughter are seen at their home on Thursday, Dec. 8, 2022. (Delcia Lopez | [email protected])A photograph of Mauro and Pat Ramirez with Diane, their adopted daughter, is seen at their home on Thursday, Dec. 8, 2022. (Delcia Lopez | [email protected])Pat Ramirez adjusts the air conditioner on the window as Alejo, 6, sits on his bed on Thursday, Dec. 8, 2022. Alejo “Kenny” has Down syndrome and needs 24-hour care. (Delcia Lopez | [email protected])
