Norm

Tuesday August 4, 2009 at 10 pm ET/PT on CBC Newsworld

"I'll get you back someday Norman, I'll get you back". That cry from the heart of seven-year-old Karen Llewellyn, is the promise she made to her older brother with Down Syndrome, Norman, forty-five years ago. He was born with Down Syndrome in 1949, in an era that assumed children like him would be sent away to institutions and that their life expectancy may not exceed 15 years. Though Norman spent much of his childhood with his family, he was ultimately put into foster-care by his parents. Karen, who had been adopted, spent most of her life feeling that she had usurped Norm's place in the family. The day he left, she vowed they'd never be separated again.

Norm with his sister, Karen Llewellyn.

Sixteen years ago she got him back. Today Norman lives with Karen and her partner Claudette Levy. And he's much loved by his wide community of friends of all ages. But although Norm is supported by remarkable caregivers, including a determined and inspiring physician, he now faces another difficult battle. Like many aging adults living with Down syndrome, he is experiencing the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease.

Once again Norm's sister Karen is faced with one of life's most difficult questions, a decision her adopted parents had to deal with many years ago, "What if I can't keep him at home anymore?"

Filmed with extraordinary access over a four-year period, Norm offers a powerful reminder of the depth of sibling love and the challenges faced by many families living with the often harsh realities of aging.

Norm enjoys a boat trip with Karen and Claudette.

Produced and directed by award winning filmmaking team, Kent Nason and Teresa MacInnes, they have been the creative talent behind numerous documentaries. These include; Generation XXL, Hope for the Future, and Teaching Peace in a Time of War.

Norm was produced by Sea to Sea Productions in association with CBC Newsworld.