Today I chat with my good friend, and Caregiver Kickstart Coaching program alumni, Christine and her daughter Angelina. Not only has their relationship improved in the last year, since getting real about FASD, and working through their grief and loss, they have emerged the other side and are kicking some advocacy ass right now in their home state of Kansas.
Christine Bofenkamp is a freelance graphic designer and writer. She and her husband are raising Angelina who was adopted through kinship care. When not working or supporting her daughter with online studies, Christine is pushing to get her new home state of Kansas FASD informed. She is building a non-profit to bring FASD awareness and education to the forefront. Angelina is busy as well, maintaining a 4.2 GPA, writing, reading, playing the flute, piano, and piccolo, and excels at rolling her eyes at her parents.
You know I always like to get the origin stories of my guests and we start off with the story of how they became a family – which like so many of our caregivers is never a straight line. It’s a path filled with twists and turns. This one is no different. We talk about their road to a diagnosis, the difference FASD informed professionals can make and how they ‘got real’ about FASD.
We also discuss aha moments, working as a team, the importance of community and Christine and Angelina’s involvement with the FASD Respect Act Bill in their state, hear what Angelina said that sealed the deal, what their plans for the future are, as well as advice Christine has for other moms and Angelina has for individuals on the Spectrum.
The road wasn’t easy for the Bofenkamps. But they have emerged the other side. I hope this episode gives you hope, that while everything is not sunshine and rainbows, there can be success and growth.
Show Notes:
Kansas FASD Website: Welcome - Kansas FASD
Email Christine: cb@kansasfasd.org
For more information on the FASD Respect Act check out this video on our Facebook Page
If your family is divided and you want more success, then consider taking our next Caregiver Kickstart Coaching Program. Click here: CKS WAITLIST
Check out our blog at FASD Success
Support the Show.
HOPE SHREDS: Strumming Through the FASD Struggles with Demi!
Engaging Reluctant Dads: Strategies for Shared Success
How to Live with Less Fear and Frustration about the Future
Why Accepting Help...Helps! Unveiling Aaron Howlett’s Journey from Acceptance to Advocacy in FASD
From Edge of Collapse to Community Compass: Mary’s Triumph Over FASD Adversity | Episode 150
Episode #149: The Alex Duthie Episode
#148 Discover the Impact: Transforming FASD with Peer Mentorship
Episode #147: Legal Lifelines: Advocating for FASD in the Justice System
Episode #146: Navigating the Swear Storms: Understanding FASD and Swearing
Episode #145: The Shout-Out Special: Celebrating FASD Wins!
Episode #144: Unlocking Growth: How the FASD Brain Evolves and Why Your Efforts Matter
Episode #143: Making Waves: A Step-by-Step Guide to Igniting FASD Advocacy in Your City
Episode #142: Amanda Burley - How to Make and Keep Friends with FASD
Episode #141 Discover A New Mental Health Tool with Emma Jewell.
Episode #140: Audrey McFarlane – Pioneering Progress in FASD
Episode #139: How FASD Coaching Can Unlock Breakthroughs with Behaviors
Episode #138 Unlearning to Reconnect: Stacia Stribling's FASD Caregiving Journey from Professor to Not for Profit.
#137 Burnout to Breakthrough: Angela's Journey of FASD Hope
#136 Too Cool for School: The No-BS Guide to Getting Educators on Your Side
AHA! My FASD Lightbulb Moments - Flipping the Switch on Understanding and Empathy
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
The Meaningful Life with Andrew G. Marshall
The No-Frills Teacher Podcast
Heal, Survive & Thrive!
The Jordan B. Peterson Podcast
The Mel Robbins Podcast