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!
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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/supportThrowback: 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)
Throwback: Producing A Diverse, Authentic, & Honoring Netflix Series (w/ Down For Love Producer Robyn Paterson)
Throwback: Our Thoughts On The Netflix Series “Down For Love”
Throwback: Growing Through Uncomfortable Conversations (w/Ashley - TLFP Producer & Self-Advocate)
Throwback: Poet, Author, “Levitator Of Language”: Sid Ghosh (w/Mom Dr. Vaish Sarathy)
Throwback: Guardianship, Conservatorship, & Supported Decision-Making
Throwback: Nurturing Meaningful Connections With Our Kids
Throwback: Healthcare Equity in the Down Syndrome Community w/Dr. Spinazzi & Dr. Skotko
240. Ready To Slay Another Year
239. 2023 In Review: Celebrating A Spectacular Season
238. Empowering Wellness: TruFit's Adaptive & Inclusive Fitness Revolution (w/ founders Adam & John White)
237. Is There Such A Thing As A Difficult Parent?
236. Making Space For Grief (w/Claire Bidwell Smith)
235. All The "Big Feelings"
234. Producing A Diverse, Authentic, & Honoring Netflix Series (w/ Down For Love Producer Robyn Paterson)
233. Celebrating The Season: 2023 Holiday Gift Guide
232. Shifting The Narrative Through Unexpected News Curriculum For Providers (w/Carissa Carroll & Dr. Erin Plummer)
231. Love, Marriage, & Equality w/Craig & Heather (w/Mom’s Lisa & Pat)
230. Artist, Boss Lady, Soon To Be Aunt: Grace Reber (w/Mom Bonnie)
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