Above: Coach Jenn Schaffener, with pupils Patrice Jetter and Garry Wickham
By Kama Stigall
Nelson Mandela once famously said, “Freedom is the right to choose — to choose one’s beliefs, one’s way of life, one’s destiny.”
Figure skater Patrice Jetter and her partner Garry Wickham are doing everything they can to choose their own path.
The couple, who live in Hamilton, New Jersey, were the subject of a recent Hulu documentary, “Patrice: The Movie.” The film chronicles the story of their relationship and their struggle to marry. Jetter and Wickham both receive Social Security Insurance (SSI) benefits, including Medicaid. However, under U.S. law, these benefits would be reduced or eliminated if they choose to get married or live together.
Skating is a source of joy for both Jetter and Wickham. Jetter began her skating journey at 9 years old.
“My younger sister and I both got skates for Christmas after going to see Holiday on Ice at Madison Square Garden,” she said. “It was fun for me and my little sister. Our mom had peace of mind since there was adult supervision, and the rink and bullies were not tolerated there.”
Wickham, who uses a wheelchair, first tried the sport after Jetter found a video on YouTube of a Special Olympics athlete who skated in a wheelchair.
“I was asked one day if I would like to join Patrice on the ice, and I said yes,” he said.
It was an instant connection for Wickham.
“Garry was so happy getting to be on the ice for the first time,” Jetter said. “The little kids took turns pushing his wheelchair on the ice keeping others out of his way. From that day on Garry and I started practicing together in 2018 and the rest is history!”
The duo began competing as a pairs team in 2019 and have won many medals in Special Olympics competitions.
“Patrice keeps me on my toes, and I enjoy choreographing the routines with her,” Wickham said.
Jetter also competes in the Unified Similar Pairs division alongside her coach, Jenn Schaffener.
“As soon as I met Patrice, I knew she was someone special, a force in this world that I needed to know,” said Schaffener, who is the general manager and skating director at Ice Land Arena in Hamilton Township, New Jersey. “Garry was a wonderful bonus with Patrice [They come as a pair!] and it didn’t take long for them to become two of my favorite people in this world.”
Heather O’Connell, the local training program coordinator and head coach for the Special Olympics skaters at Ice Land Arena, has known Jetter and Wickham for several years. O’Connell’s daughter, Delaney, is a Special Olympics athlete and a close friend of the couple.
“I think one of the best things about working with Patrice and Garry is their infectious humor and joy,’” O’Connell said. “Not every moment is joyous. There are moments of frustration and pain, but we can usually turn it in to a chuckle.”
The Hulu documentary, which was directed by Ted Passon and released in September 2024, is a favorite among fans and critics. The film has earned several awards, including a Telly Award for the “Films & Shorts” category and the Cinema Eye Award for Best Documentary. In addition, it was nominated for Best Documentary at the Independent Spirit Awards.
“The feedback we’ve been getting is amazing,” Jetter said. “I never thought this movie would get so popular. I earned the nickname ‘Movie Star Crossing Guard’ by the parents and kids at the school where I work as a crossing guard.”
Through the film, the couple has had the opportunity to interact with several high-profile people.
“We met Tim Shriver [son of Special Olympics founder Eunice Mary Kennedy Shriver] from Special Olympics,” she said. “We also attended a Christmas party at the White House with President Joe Biden. I even danced with him!”
The popularity of the documentary has helped to draw attention to important social issues like marriage equality and disability rights.
“The movie started a movement,” Jetter said. “We speak to people and to lawmakers about fighting to get the laws changed. We can use our celebrity status to help so many people.”
A cause for concern is the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" that was recently passed by both the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate and signed into law by President Donald J. Trump on July 4. Several government assistance programs now face cuts, including Medicaid.
“As of now, we’re still fighting to get the laws changed at the same time that $500 million cuts to Medicaid will impact 8 million people,” Jetter said.
Though they can’t legally marry without risking their governmental benefits, the couple remains committed to each other. Wickham recently moved into the same apartment complex where his fiancée lives.
“Progress is a little slow, but we can’t let this get pushed aside,” Jetter said.
For couples facing similar struggles, Wickham has some encouraging words.
“Hang in there and join the fight to help get the laws changed, so that people with disabilities can get legally married someday and not lose their benefits,” he said.
Figure skating has given the couple not only an escape from the struggles of daily life, but also a sense of freedom, Jetter said.
“When I'm on the ice, I feel free — like I don't have a disability when I'm out there,” she said.
