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.
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EPISODE PARTNER: Oxygen Fitness Coaching
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--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/theluckyfewpod/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/theluckyfewpod/support229. Poet, Author, “Levitator Of Language”: Sid Ghosh (w/Mom Dr. Vaish Sarathy)
228. The Hip Hop Homies With Extra Chromies: Merrie, Eric, & Collin (w/Director Carol Tingey)
227. French Fries, Modeling, & Meeting The Vice President (w/Ronnie “The Fry Guy” & Sister LaTasha)
226. Our Thoughts On The Netflix Series “Down For Love”
225. NYC Buddy Walk Highlights
224. Embracing All The Seasons Of Life w/Kayla Craig
223. Included, Seen, & Heard: The Impact of Successful Inclusion
222. Summer Recap
221. A Letter To The Parents Of Our Kid's Peers
220. Back To School Jumpstart w/ Dr. Vaish Sarathy
219. Tips & Tricks For Your Back To School Toolkit
218. Creating Inclusion For All Learners w/Tim Villegas
217. The Things People Say
216. Continuing Affects Of The Pandemic On Inclusion In Our Schools (w/Common Ground Society)
215. Disability Access Services At Theme Parks
214. Guardianship, Conservatorship, & Supported Decision-Making
213. The Beauty & Challenges of Adaptive & Inclusive Programs
212. Working Together & Impacting Change w/ NDSC’s Jordan Kough
211. Connecting, Supporting, & Balancing It All (ft. The Husbands!)
210. Champions On & Off Screen: Madison Tevlin & Matthew Von Der Ahe
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