Rick Smith is a father of three (including Noah who has Down syndrome), a blogger, an advocate, and the founder of Hope Story! Like so many of us in the DS community, his child’s diagnosis was delivered with an “I’m so sorry,” followed by the doctor offering anti-depressants to his wife. And now, 11 years later, Rick is on a mission to change what happens in the delivery room by educating medical professionals about what it means to live with Down syndrome through his non-profit, Hope Story. Today we’re chatting about dads who advocate, releasing expectations for ALL of your children, what doctors need to know, and even a few tangents about social media advocacy etiquette (trust us - you’ll relate).
You can join Rick by becoming a Hope Advocate (connect with new parents + doctors in your area) with code THE LUCKY FEW for a FREE Hope Kit that gives you all the tools you need.
Oh and Happy Father’s Day to all you dads out there shouting the worth of your kiddos!
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SHOW NOTES
Follow Rick and his family on Instagram and Facebook
Check out hopestory.org
Become a Hope Advocate and use promo code THE LUCKY FEW to get the Hope Kit for FREE.
Follow Hope Story on Instagram and Facebook
Learn more about Hope Story’s partnership with medical professionals
Read Rick’s blog on noahsdad.com
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!
--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/theluckyfewpod/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/theluckyfewpod/support256. 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
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Throwback: Producing A Diverse, Authentic, & Honoring Netflix Series (w/ Down For Love Producer Robyn Paterson)
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