Grandparents Sacrifice Retirement to Raise Grandson with Disabilities

Martin and his wife have cared for their grandson Noah, who has spina bifida, for the past 5 years, impacting their finances.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 9:05am

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A bold, colorful silkscreen print featuring a wheelchair icon repeated in a tight grid, conveying the resilience and determination of a teenager with a disability who has found success through adaptive sports and activities.A celebratory pop art representation of the adaptive sports and activities that have empowered Noah, a teenager with spina bifida, to thrive under the loving care of his grandparents.Seneca Today

Martin Odum, 71, and his wife, 74, have been raising their grandson Noah, who has spina bifida, for the past 5 years after taking him in when he was in 7th grade. The couple, who live in a mobile home in Seneca, Illinois, previously raised their granddaughter for 10 years as well. While they love caring for their grandchildren, the financial burden has been draining, though they make it work with Social Security and other assistance.

Why it matters

This story highlights the challenges grandparents face when taking on the full-time care of grandchildren, especially those with disabilities. It sheds light on the financial and personal sacrifices required, as well as the lack of support systems available for grandparents in this situation.

The details

Martin and his wife have been married for 51 years and live in a mobile home they've occupied for 40 years in Seneca, Illinois. Martin worked as an electrician for 30 years before retiring at 52, taking on a maintenance job shortly after. His wife worked for 20 years as a supervisor at a refinery. The couple previously raised their granddaughter for 10 years before taking in their grandson Noah, who was born with spina bifida, around Thanksgiving when he was in 7th grade. Noah's father signed over temporary guardianship to allow the grandparents to care for him. Despite the financial strain, the couple has been fully supportive of Noah, getting him involved in sports like shot put and discus, where he's found great success, as well as the school musical.

  • Martin retired from his maintenance job 4 months before taking in Noah.
  • Noah came to live with his grandparents around Thanksgiving when he was in 7th grade.

The players

Martin Odum

A 71-year-old retired electrician and maintenance worker who, along with his wife, is raising his grandson Noah who has spina bifida.

Noah

Martin's 16-year-old grandson who has spina bifida and has found success in adaptive sports like shot put and discus.

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What they’re saying

“We love them all. We also raised Noah's oldest sister, who's 28 now and works as a nurse.”

— Martin Odum, Grandfather

“Noah has had a really rough life. He learned everything on his own. I suspect that if he had been raised by us from a young age, he would probably walk with help today. I don't think that's possible now.”

— Martin Odum, Grandfather

“My grandparents are really nice and great parents. They love me, and I love them back. We watch TV together and talk for a while. They come to my track meets and theater performances.”

— Noah

What’s next

Noah will graduate high school next year and plans to attend a junior college, where his grandparents hope he can find success through scholarships for his athletic abilities.

The takeaway

This story highlights the selfless sacrifices grandparents make to provide a loving home for their grandchildren, especially those with disabilities, despite the significant financial and personal tolls. It underscores the need for more support systems and resources to assist grandparents in this situation.