What better way to kick off the new year than with this extraordinary self-advocate? She’s the first person with Down syndrome to swim across the English Channel, she’s spoken to crowds across the nation, she’s started a non-profit foundation, she’s earned an honorary doctorate degree, she’s been a hard working employee for several years and she hasn’t let this pandemic stop her. She’s Karen Gaffney. And today she’s telling us all about her motto: “Down syndrome is a life meant to be lived.”
From open water swims nearly 9 miles long (sometimes with no wetsuit!), to academic and employment success, and all the public speaking engagements in between, Karen is shifting the narrative in big ways. We are SO thankful she’s here with us to chat about a lifetime of self-advocacy, her non-profit foundation, and all the daily routines (including 2 mile swims before work) that keep her going! Plus, Karen’s mom jumps on the interview to share her perspective as Karen’s mother. You don’t want to miss this one, friends!
__
SHOW NOTES
Check out the Karen Gaffney Foundation website and Facebook page!
Watch Karen’s TedX Talk: I have one more chromosome than you. So what?
LET’S CHAT
Email hello@theluckyfewpodcast.com with your questions and Good News for future episodes.
HELP US SHIFT THE NARRATIVE
Interested in partnering with The Lucky Few Podcast as a sponsor? Email hello@theluckyfewpodcast.com for more information!
EPISODE PARTNER: Oxygen Fitness Coaching
Check out fellow lucky mama Megan Libassi’s health and wellness business, Oxygen Fitness Coaching. Mention “the lucky few” and you get A FREE MONTH of coaching!
Instagram: @oxygenfitcoach
Facebook: @oxygenfitcoach
--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/theluckyfewpod/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/theluckyfewpod/support256. Brother Do You Love Me?: A Journey of Resilience and Repair (w/Manni & Reuben Coe)
256. Celebrating Motherhood, Advocacy, & Community (w/Black Down Syndrome Association)
255. A Haircut Beyond The Chair w/Vernon Jackson
254. The Next Step: Navigating Healthcare Transitions for Individuals with Down Syndrome (w/ Dr. Emily Johnson)
253. What If You Don’t Feel “Lucky”?
252. Planning For The Future: Involving Siblings In The Decision-Making Process
251. Rethinking What It Means To Be “Blessed” (w/AUTHOR Micha Boyett)
250. Who Has The Right To Use Down Syndrome Or Disability As A Punch Line?
249. One Million Reasons To Celebrate….The Lucky Few Podcast LIVE!
248. Everything No One Tells You About Parenting A Disabled Child (w/Kelley Coleman)
247. The Transition To Adulthood: Fostering Independence, Dignity Of Risk, & Supporting Decision-Making (w/ Amy Julia Becker)
246. Heart Health & Navigating Heart Defects (w/Dr. Lorraine Schratz)
245. Can An Advocate Get It Wrong Sometimes?
244. Love, Advocacy, & A Viral Proposal (w/Matthew Schwab & Lucia Romano)
243. Still, The Best We Can (w/Heather & Josh Avis)
242. Is Inclusion A Privilege?
241. Developing A Down Syndrome Health Instrument w/Dr. Stephanie Santoro
Throwback: Creating Inclusion For All Learners (w/Tim Villegas)
Throwback: Is There Such A Thing As A Difficult Parent?
Throwback: Shifting the Narrative Through Unexpected News Curriculum for Providers (w/Carissa Carroll & Dr. Erin Plummer)
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
History Storytime - For Kids
Privacy Boys
Nonsensical Show
Anne of Avonlea
Pollyanna
Dr. Laura Call of the Day
Focus on the Family Broadcast