Debuting in 1989 on ABC, Life Goes On was a critically acclaimed series, memorable for being the first weekly television series to not only tackle the subject of Down’s Syndrome on a weekly basis, but for also starring an actor afflicted with the disease (Chris Burke) in the lead role.

Set in the Chicago suburb of Glen Brook, the show follows the life of Corky Thatcher and his family - which include his parents, Drew and Libby, his 14 year-old sister Becca, and his older stepsister, Paige. After years of special education classess, Corky’s parents determine that their son would benefit more from being integrated into a regular high school environment. The principal of the school feels otherwise which complicates the transition. Meanwhile, Becca is having a tough time finding balance between wanting to be popular and trying to protect her brother at school.

In later seasons, Libby’s young sister Gina, and her daughter Zoe, would move in with the Thatcher family to assist when Libby became pregnant. And more conflict would erupt when Becca befriends Jesse McKenna (Chad Lowe,) a student who is HIV-positive. Throughout the course of the series, Corky would eventually find employment at a movie theater, find a girlfriend (also with Down’s Syndrome) and by the end of the series run, the two would tie the knot.

With it’s frank discussions of social issues such as disabilities and AIDS, and its emphasis on positive family values, Life Goes On managed to win the hearts of viewers and critics alike. During its four-season run, Chris Burke would win a Golden Globe Award for his role as Corky in 1990, while Chad Lowe would receive an Emmy Award for his portrayal of AIDS victim, Jesse McKenna. In total, the show was nominated 14 times for various awards and won eight. All four seasons are currently available on DVD.

The classic Beatles tune, “Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da” served as the theme song for Life Goes On, performed by the entire cast in sing-along fashion during the opening credits. It provided a reminder that no matter what difficulties and challenges one is faced with, the often-harsh reality is that life does indeed go on. It is how a family chooses to deal with them, while still maintaining their underlying spirit, joy and closeness, that can make all the difference in the world. All in all, Corky and his family managed to inspire just about everyone that watched each week.