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What is Special Tomato™?
The Story Behind the Brand
Special Tomato™ is Tim Bergeron’s latest product line. He has over 40 years of experience designing, building, and selling adaptive
positioning equipment, including founding the Tumble Forms® product line as its original designer. Tim has coupled his design
experience with a new manufacturing process that provides soft durable, impermeable cushions for positioning children with special
needs.
Now you may be asking, “What’s so Special about Tomatoes?” Tim is pictured here with his youngest daughter, Carrie, a young
adult with Down Syndrome. Carrie’s story, “The Special Tomato”, summarizes what Tim believes that most parents feel about their
child with special needs.
“Every child is special in their own unique way. It’s a parent’s job to find ways to facilitate their child’s growth in a way that includes
them equally within the family and community.” For children with physical disabilities, adaptive equipment can play an important role
in helping them reach their highest functioning level.
The “Special Tomato” on the Bergeron Bush
My dad and mom had four children. The first three children were healthy and regular people. Then I came along, a baby with a
difference, Down Syndrome. I had a hole in my heart, a rip in my heart valve, jaundice, a big tongue and a wobbly head. As I got
older I also realized that I am a slow learner. One day it was bothering me that I was having a hard time doing my school work. I told
my dad about this problem and he shared a story about when he was out in his garden picking tomatoes the year I was born. Every
year my dad grows a garden and loves to plant tomatoes.
At harvest time there were Beefsteak tomatoes on a bush. When he saw a differently shaped tomato it got his attention. It had a
large, smooth, bright red enlarged side that made my dad want to pick it up and study the bump because it was so unique and
looked appetizing. At supper, that tomato was just as juicy as the others. Even though I’m different like the tomato as a person with
Down Syndrome, my family and friends love me even more and want to help me when I need it. My dad tells me that even though
I have more difficulty learning than my brother and sisters, my lovable and outgoing personality and strong character make me just
as special as they are. I guess I am the special “tomato” on our family’s bush!
-Carrie Bergeron
Bergeron Family Photo (from left-to-right): Peggy, Tim, and Carrie Bergeron
