Tommy and Maryanne Pilling’s story is living proof that real love has no limits.
Maryanne, born in 1971, was raised with the support of a loving mom and sister. Tommy, born in 1958, lost both parents at a young age and had to navigate the world with fewer resources. Despite their different upbringings, fate brought them together in 1990 at a training center for people with disabilities — and the connection was instant. They bonded over their shared love of cooking, music, and kindness.
Some people doubted their relationship, simply because they both have Down syndrome. But they didn’t let the outside noise affect them. After dating for 18 months, Tommy proposed — with Maryanne’s mom giving her full blessing.
Now, more than 25 years later, they’re still going strong — proving that love, when it’s real, can overcome anything.
