Good friends understand each other, even when few words are spoken. When Dermot joined the Tufts lacrosse team in September of 2022, he immediately found that friendship that goes beyond words when he met Jonathan.
“Jonathan has taught Dermot what it means to be a leader and a teammate,” said Kelly, Dermot’s mom. Through Jonathan and the Tufts lacrosse team, Dermot found a team of his own, something his mom was never sure he would be able to have. “Dermot has a complex medical profile. He has not had many opportunities to participate in sports, and this has been an experience like no other in his 11 years,” Kelly said. “From day one, Jonathan has been kind, brotherly, and aware of all Dermot’s needs.”
After an exciting season in 2023 that resulted in a trip to the NCAA Division III, Dermot and his teammates had tasted success. In 2024, the Tufts lacrosse team returned to the National Championship stage, where they earned their fourth NCAA Championship title, with Dermot cheering them on every win and every loss. “Jonathan has really come to truly know Dermot, proactively making sure his sensory needs are met during events and activities,” Kelly said. “During meet ups and games, he ensures that Dermot is seen, heard, and is comfortable. Dermot has bloomed socially, and it has carried over to school where he is now seen as a role model for his peers!”
Outside of lacrosse, Jonathan and Dermot share many other interests as well, fostering their friendship through holidays and other big life moments. Each year, they go trick-or-treating together around Halloween and take trips to see Santa during Christmastime. “Jonathan also has sent videos from the team to celebrate Dermot’s birthday and to show their support for his surgeries,” Kelly said. Moments and memories like these have strengthened Dermot and Jonathan’s friendship into something the two look forward to continuing to grow for years to come. “I cannot imagine our lives without him,” Kelly said. “Jonathan Cayer is the ultimate teammate on and off the field.”
